Senior Project Manager - Development

About Arada

Senior Project Manager

Role Purpose

Project Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and successful delivery of assigned development projects.
• Manage projects through all development phases including design, authority approvals, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, handover, and defects liability period.
• Develop and maintain detailed project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
• Monitor project performance against agreed milestones and implement corrective actions where required.

Design & Development Management

• Coordinate with the Design Management team to ensure designs meet project objectives, regulatory requirements, cost targets, and construction feasibility.
• Review consultant deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and alignment with project briefs.
• Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and customer experience.

Construction Management

• Oversee contractors, consultants, and project management consultants throughout project execution.
• Monitor construction progress, quality, health & safety, and compliance with project specifications.
• Conduct regular site inspections and progress meetings to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Ensure projects achieve practical completion and handover in accordance with company standards.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Work closely with Commercial and Procurement teams to monitor project budgets and cost performance.
• Review variation orders, claims, payment applications, and commercial risks.
• Support contract administration and ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders across Development, Design, Commercial, Finance, Legal, Sales, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Facilities Management.
• Coordinate with government authorities and utility providers to obtain required approvals and permits.
• Build strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and external partners.

Risk & Governance

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with company governance, development processes, quality standards, and HSE requirements.
• Prepare executive reports and project updates for senior management.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive lessons learned initiatives and implement best practices across projects.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and efficient project delivery methodologies.
• Mentor and support junior project managers and engineers where required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree or professional certifications (PMP, RICS, CIOB, PRINCE2) would be an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum
• 10–15 years
• of experience in real estate development or project management.
• At least
• 5 years managing large-scale mixed-use, residential, hospitality, retail, or commercial developments in the UAE.
• Previous experience working with a master developer or leading real estate developer is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the UAE development lifecycle, authority approvals, procurement, construction, and handover processes.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and construction practices.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent understanding of FIDIC contracts and contract administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Excel, and project reporting tools.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities.
• Familiarity with UAE authority approval processes and local regulations.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team management
• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder management
• Project planning and execution
• Commercial acumen
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Decision-making under pressure
• Risk management
• Quality and customer focus
• Excellent communication and presentation skills