Project Manager– Research & Development (R&D)- UAE National

Job purpose

Key responsibilities

• Research construction and infrastructure trends, developments, technologies, and emerging practices; analyse industry data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support R&D and innovation initiatives; evaluate technologies, tools, methodologies, and built-environment solutions.
• Translate research into actionable recommendations and support pilots, proof-of-concept work, technology assessments, and innovation programmes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders; benchmark local and international practices, technologies, and innovation models.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, presentations, business cases, and recommendations.
• Monitor construction technology, digitalisation, smart infrastructure, sustainable construction, project delivery, industry standards, regulations, and market developments.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, cost, and sustainability; support frameworks, methodologies, and knowledge resources.

Minimum qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Infrastructure, Engineering, Technology, or a related field.
• A relevant master’s degree is an advantage.
• 6–7+ years of relevant professional experience in construction, infrastructure, engineering, or the built environment.
• Strong practical understanding of the construction/infrastructure industry, its data, processes, and challenges.
• Technology, innovation, digital transformation, R&D, or industry-improvement experience in construction or infrastructure is highly preferred.
• Construction analysis, benchmarking, market intelligence, technical research, or data-driven decision-making experience is desirable.
• Candidates with purely academic/research backgrounds and no relevant sector experience should not be considered.
• Candidates currently holding managerial or people-management positions are not preferred.

Competencies

• Construction and infrastructure knowledge, construction/project data analysis, research, market intelligence, technology assessment, R&D methodologies, and industry benchmarking.
• Data interpretation, analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, technical curiosity, innovation, and information synthesis.
• Technical report and presentation development, communication, stakeholder collaboration, attention to detail, and translating technical information into practical recommendations.

Location

• The description lists Abu Dhabi, UAE.