Home Jobs Senior Project Manager - Buildings
Back to Jobs

Senior Project Manager - Buildings - Job Opportunity at AtkinsRéalis

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 11, 2025
Hybrid
USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year (tax-free equivalent to USD 180,000 - 270,000 gross in taxed jurisdictions), reflecting senior-level expertise, UAE market premiums, and comprehensive benefits package including housing and transportation allowances

Benefits

Tax-exempt compensation package providing significant financial advantage over traditional salary structures
Comprehensive life insurance coverage ensuring complete financial security for family members
Premium medical insurance extending to all dependents with superior healthcare access
Generous annual leave allocation supporting exceptional work-life balance
International remote work flexibility enabling global mobility and lifestyle optimization
Hybrid work arrangements combining office collaboration with location independence
Company-sponsored gratuity scheme providing additional retirement security beyond standard benefits
Performance-based discretionary bonus program rewarding exceptional project delivery
Annual flight allowance facilitating international travel and family connections
Full relocation assistance including comprehensive support for international transitions
Transportation and housing allowances for remote assignments reducing personal living costs
24/7 Employee Wellbeing Program providing unlimited access to financial, legal, family care, health, fitness, and nutrition specialists

Key Responsibilities

Establish and implement enterprise-level project management frameworks that drive organizational excellence and ensure strategic alignment across large-scale villa community developments
Lead comprehensive project execution planning with ultimate accountability for multi-million dollar project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction
Drive strategic program management through master schedule oversight, ensuring optimal resource allocation and timeline adherence across complex construction phases
Champion proactive risk management initiatives, leading cross-functional teams in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks that could impact business objectives
Orchestrate construction phase operations, managing multi-disciplinary teams and contractor relationships to deliver exceptional project outcomes within budget and schedule constraints
Provide transformational leadership to diverse project teams, fostering collaborative environments that maximize individual potential and collective performance
Execute sophisticated commercial management strategies, overseeing contract negotiations, budget controls, and value engineering initiatives that optimize project profitability
Serve as primary client relationship executive, representing organizational interests while ensuring exceptional service delivery and long-term partnership development
Establish comprehensive reporting frameworks that provide stakeholders with actionable insights and transparent project visibility
Drive business development initiatives by identifying strategic opportunities and promoting organizational capabilities within the regional market

Requirements

Education

Degree in construction management and/or civil engineering

Experience

15+ years total experience with a track record of working on mega projects

Required Skills

Demonstrated experience in management of large scale projects (large villa communities) Professional ability and inherent motivation for senior leadership positions Skills required to direct meetings and introduce discussion to encourage thinking on wider commercial context Exemplar communication skills representing the company professionally Project Management subject matter expert capabilities Sound people management principles Effective budget control and commercial management Risk management and mitigation strategy formulation Contract negotiation and conversion Client relationship management and dispute resolution

Certifications

Membership/chartership from a construction related professional body
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East construction sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and mega-development projects, creating substantial demand for senior project management expertise in residential and mixed-use developments. The UAE construction market is particularly focused on sustainable building practices and smart city integration, requiring project managers who can navigate complex regulatory environments and innovative construction methodologies. Large-scale villa community developments are becoming increasingly sophisticated, incorporating advanced infrastructure systems, environmental sustainability measures, and luxury amenities that require comprehensive project management expertise. The trend toward integrated project delivery methods is driving demand for senior professionals who can coordinate multiple stakeholders across design, construction, and operations phases. Digital transformation in construction project management is accelerating adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), project management software platforms, and real-time monitoring systems. Senior project managers must demonstrate proficiency in leveraging technology to optimize project outcomes, enhance collaboration, and provide transparent reporting to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 15-30 professionals including design consultants, construction supervisors, cost consultants, and administrative support staff, with indirect influence over contractor teams numbering 100+ personnel during peak construction phases
This represents a senior executive-level position with comprehensive accountability for multi-million dollar project portfolios, requiring strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and ultimate responsibility for project success. The role encompasses both tactical project delivery and strategic business development responsibilities, indicating significant organizational influence and decision-making authority.

Key Projects

Large-scale residential villa communities with 200-500+ units requiring comprehensive infrastructure development Luxury mixed-use developments incorporating residential, commercial, and recreational facilities Master-planned community developments with integrated utilities, transportation systems, and amenities High-value residential projects requiring coordination with government entities, utility providers, and multiple specialist contractors

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities enabling effective coordination between clients, government entities, contractors, and internal teams while maintaining project momentum and resolving conflicts diplomatically Advanced commercial acumen combining technical project management expertise with strategic business understanding, enabling optimization of project profitability while maintaining quality and client satisfaction Proven crisis management and problem-solving abilities, demonstrating capacity to identify potential issues early and implement effective mitigation strategies that prevent project delays and cost overruns Strong cultural adaptability and international business experience, particularly valuable in UAE market where projects involve diverse multinational teams and varied cultural expectations Technology proficiency in modern project management platforms, BIM systems, and digital collaboration tools that enhance project visibility and team coordination across complex construction phases

Market Demand

Very High - The combination of regional mega-project initiatives, infrastructure development programs, and limited pool of qualified senior professionals with large-scale villa community experience creates exceptional demand for this role profile

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Large-scale residential project management experience is absolutely essential given the specific challenges of villa community developments including complex infrastructure coordination, phased delivery requirements, and integration of multiple building systems across extensive sites. This expertise cannot be substituted with other construction project types due to unique technical and logistical requirements. Advanced commercial and contract management capabilities are fundamental to success, as the role requires sophisticated understanding of construction contracts, risk allocation, and financial management across multi-year project timelines. The ability to negotiate effectively and manage contractor relationships directly impacts project profitability and delivery success. Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills are critical for coordinating diverse teams and managing complex client relationships in the UAE market. The multicultural environment and high-stakes nature of mega-projects demand exceptional communication and diplomatic skills to ensure project success.

Beneficial Skills

Digital project management platform proficiency including BIM coordination and advanced scheduling software will become increasingly valuable as the construction industry continues digital transformation initiatives Sustainability and green building expertise aligns with UAE Vision 2030 environmental objectives and growing client demand for environmentally responsible construction practices Arabic language capabilities or demonstrated experience working within Middle Eastern business culture provides significant advantage in client relationship development and local market navigation

Unique Aspects

Tax-free compensation structure providing substantial financial advantages compared to traditional employment arrangements in other markets
Opportunity to lead large-scale villa community developments representing some of the most complex residential construction projects in the rapidly growing UAE market
Integration of traditional construction project management with modern digital technologies and sustainable building practices
Direct involvement in shaping regional infrastructure development through participation in major government-sponsored development initiatives
Access to AtkinsRéalis global expertise and resources while operating with regional autonomy and direct client relationships

Career Growth

3-5 years to transition to director-level positions, with progression timeline dependent on successful delivery of assigned projects and demonstration of business development capabilities within the regional market

Potential Next Roles

Construction Director or Regional Director positions overseeing multiple project portfolios and business unit operations Client-side roles as Development Manager or Asset Manager for major real estate development companies Independent consulting opportunities serving as Owner's Representative for large-scale development projects Business Development Director focusing on securing and managing major construction and infrastructure contracts

Company Overview

AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis represents a globally integrated engineering and nuclear services organization formed through strategic consolidation of established firms with over 110 years of combined heritage. The company operates as a comprehensive infrastructure solutions provider, delivering end-to-end services across asset lifecycles including consulting, design, construction management, and operations support across multiple strategic sectors.

AtkinsRéalis maintains a leading position in the global engineering services market, with particular strength in infrastructure development, nuclear services, and large-scale construction projects. The organization's integrated service model and international presence provide competitive advantages in securing and delivering complex multi-disciplinary projects.
The UAE operations represent a strategic hub for Middle East and North Africa regional activities, positioning the company to capitalize on significant infrastructure investment programs and mega-development initiatives throughout the Gulf region. The Abu Dhabi location provides direct access to major government and private sector clients driving regional construction demand.
The organization emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, professional development, and inclusive workplace practices while maintaining high performance standards and client service excellence. The company's commitment to employee wellbeing and flexible work arrangements reflects modern workplace expectations while supporting international talent attraction and retention.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.