About the Role
The Head of Project Management in the UAE is responsible for the strategic growth, delivery, and financial performance of the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) business. This role encompasses developing and executing a strategic plan, leading the project management team, securing new PMC mandates, and managing the UAE project management P&L. The Director serves as the primary representative of Project & Development Services (PDS) to various stakeholders, ensuring each project is governed and commercially sound throughout its lifecycle.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Team Leadership and People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop the UAE project management team across all levels.
- Plan resources against the pipeline and live projects, ensuring appropriate leadership is assigned to each mandate.
- Build a succession pipeline and recruit top project managers in a competitive market.
- Conduct performance reviews, development plans, and talent conversations, maintaining accountability for each team member.
- Foster a culture of technical rigor, safety, integrity, and collaboration under delivery pressure.
- Collaborate with PDS leadership and other business lines to provide clients with the right expertise.
2. Work Winning and Business Development
- Lead PMC bids and proposals in the UAE, managing the process from initial decision-making to contract award.
- Design effective pursuit strategies for priority clients and sectors, focusing on win themes and fee strategies.
- Maintain and build strong relationships with developers, owners, government-related entities, and key contractors.
- Transform existing client relationships into repeat and expanded mandates through effective delivery and senior engagement.
- Track and maintain a qualified pipeline, providing clear reports on conversion status.
- Represent the organization in presentations, workshops, and tender interviews.
3. Business Planning and P&L Ownership
- Manage the UAE project management P&L, encompassing revenue, margin, utilization, headcount, and growth targets.
- Prepare and deliver the annual business plan alongside a three-year strategic outlook.
- Develop cost structures and resource models ensuring compliance with project scopes and risks.
- Monitor associated financial metrics and address any discrepancies proactively.
- Oversee contractual changes with clients to manage scope effectively.
- Report performance metrics to PDS leadership with actionable foresight.
4. PMC Delivery Leadership and Governance
- Provide oversight for live PMC projects, handling escalation points and managing client relationships.
- Set and maintain strict project governance standards, including risk management and quality assurance.
- Review and ensure the quality of key deliverables and reports before they are sent to clients.
- Manage professional risks associated with PMC appointments, clearly defining scope and liability.
- Ensure efficient interface and collaboration across various project disciplines including:
- Commercial Management: budget, procurement, tender evaluations, and final accounts.
- Claims Management: early exposure identification and effective dispute resolution strategies.
- Project Controls: forecasting and maintaining integrity in reporting.
- Project Governance: overseeing approval processes and client communication.
5. Market Presence and Public Relations
- Serve as a reputable voice for PDS within the UAE market, engaging in industry events and forums.
- Develop and present high-level content to boards and client leadership teams.
- Monitor industry trends, client priorities, and competitor strategies to inform business decisions.
- Collaborate with research and marketing teams to contribute to greater thought leadership initiatives.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Degree in project management, construction management, or engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, or equivalent).
- A minimum of 8 years’ experience in the UAE, with a robust understanding of local authority processes and contract practices.
- Proven business and financial acumen, including strategic planning, P&L management, and budget forecasting.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing large or complex PMC projects.
- Strong record of developing business through successful bids and relationship management.
- In-depth knowledge of the UAE market, including competitor analysis.
- Proficient in commercial management, claims management, project controls, and governance practices.
- Excellent client-facing capabilities, with strong communication skills.
Desirable
- Chartered status or equivalent professional membership (RICS, APM, PMI, CIOB, etc.).
- Postgraduate qualifications in relevant fields.
- Experience across multiple asset classes (e.g., mixed-use, residential, commercial, hospitality).
Core Competencies
- Leadership: Building and managing high-performing teams while owning outcomes.
- Commercial Judgement: Protecting margin through effective pricing and negotiation.
- Client Focus: Establishing long-term relationships and anticipating client needs.
- Strategic Thinking: Assessing the market for growth direction.
- Influence: Persuading stakeholders effectively.
- Delivery Discipline: Maintaining consistent governance and quality control.
Measures of Success
- New PMC appointments, revenue growth, margin, and utilization against budget.
- Client satisfaction and rate of repeat business.
- Quality of project governance and reporting.
- Team engagement and development metrics.
- Visibility and relationships within the market.
Location:
On-site – Dubai, ARE
