Senior Project Manager - Development
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Arada seeks an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead end-to-end execution of mixed-use, residential, hospitality, and commercial developments in Dubai. The role requires 10-15 years of experience in real estate development, with at least 5 years managing large-scale projects in the UAE.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- 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
- Coordinate with Design Management team to ensure designs meet project objectives, regulatory requirements, cost targets, and construction feasibility
- Oversee contractors, consultants, and project management consultants throughout project execution
- Monitor construction progress, quality, health & safety, and compliance with project specifications
- Work closely with Commercial and Procurement teams to monitor project budgets and cost performance
- Act as primary point of contact for internal stakeholders across Development, Design, Commercial, Finance, Legal, Sales, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Facilities Management
- Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Prepare executive reports and project updates for senior management
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related discipline
- 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 with a master developer or leading real estate developer highly preferred
- Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and construction practices
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Excel, and project reporting tools
- Excellent understanding of FIDIC contracts and contract administration
- Strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities
- Familiarity with UAE authority approval processes and local regulations
- Master's Degree or professional certifications (PMP, RICS, CIOB, PRINCE2) would be an advantage
Full Job Posting
About ARADA
- ARADA is one of the UAE's leading master developers, dedicated to creating communities that inspire, enrich, and engage.
- Since its launch in 2017, ARADA has delivered award winning residential, retail, hospitality, education, and wellness destinations across the UAE.
Role Purpose
- The Senior Project Manager will lead the end to end execution of development projects from design development through procurement, construction, handover, and close out.
- Working closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and authorities, the successful candidate will ensure the successful delivery of projects aligned with ARADA's strategic objectives, quality expectations, and commercial goals.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Work closely with Commercial and Procurement teams to monitor project budgets and cost performance.
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
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