Senior Project Manager

Role: Senior Project Manager

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

This position is for UAE Nationals only.

Role purpose:

To lead, manage, and oversee the planning, design, execution, and delivery of all ADIB fit-out, refurbishment, renovation, branch transformation, office development, and construction projects. Ensure projects are delivered in line with ADIB's strategic objectives, design standards, quality requirements, sustainability commitments, budget constraints, and agreed timelines while maintaining full compliance with regulatory, health, safety, environmental, and organizational requirements.

Key accountabilities of the role:

Project Strategy, Planning & Delivery:

• Lead the end-of-the-end project lifecycle including initiation, feasibility, planning, design, procurement, execution, monitoring, handover, and closure.

• Develop project charters, business cases, budgets, schedules, procurement strategies, and risk mitigation plans.

• Ensure delivery of projects within approved scope, budget, quality standards, timelines, and business objectives.

• Monitor project progress against key milestones and implement corrective actions where required.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities across the ADIB network.

• Support the implementation of strategic initiatives including branch transformation, workplace modernization, digital branches, operational efficiency initiatives, and business expansion projects.

• Identify innovative solutions to improve project outcomes, reduce costs, and accelerate project delivery.

Design Management & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all projects comply with ADIB corporate identity, design standards, workplace strategies, customer experience requirements, and branding guidelines.

• Coordinate with Marketing, Business, Customer Experience, Technology, and Security teams to ensure alignment of project requirements.

• Review and approve architectural, MEP, structural, interior design, and specialist consultant submissions.

• Establish quality control procedures and ensure implementation throughout project execution.

• Conduct regular site inspections and quality audits to ensure workmanship meets approved specifications and industry best practices.

• Ensure successful project handover with all testing, commissioning, snagging, and close-out requirements completed.

Contractor, Consultant & Vendor Management:

• Lead technical evaluation and selection of consultants, contractors, suppliers, and specialist service providers in compliance with ADIB Procurement Policies.

• Manage contractor performance against contractual obligations, service levels, budgets, schedules, safety requirements, and quality standards.

• Review and certify contractor valuations, variations, claims, and project deliverables.

• Negotiate project costs, timelines, and contractual terms to achieve the best value for ADIB.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and industry partners.

Regulatory, Risk & Safety Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all UAE building codes, municipality regulations, Civil Defense requirements, environmental legislation, and statutory approvals.

• Ensure projects comply with ADIB Health, Safety, Environment (HSE), Security, Business Continuity, and Risk Management requirements.

• Conduct project risk assessments and develop mitigation measures.

• Monitor contractor compliance with safety procedures and always ensure safe execution of work.

• Ensure all required permits, approvals, inspections, and certifications are obtained before project completion.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary liaison between Facilities Management, Business Units, IT, Security, Marketing, Procurement, Finance, Compliance, and external stakeholders.

• Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure business requirements are incorporated into project delivery plans.

• Provide professional advice and recommendations to senior management regarding project feasibility, budgets, risks, and delivery strategies.

• Facilitate project steering meetings, progress reviews, and management updates.

Budgeting, Cost Control & Value Engineering:

• Develop detailed project cost estimates and business cases.

• Monitor project expenditure and ensure costs remain within approved budgets.

• Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs without compromising quality, operational requirements, customer experience, or safety.

• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.

• Track and report on project financial performance and budget utilization.

• Ensure all project-related expenditures are properly documented, justified, approved, and reported.

Sustainability & Innovation:

• Drive implementation of sustainable construction practices and environmentally responsible solutions.

• Promote LEED principles and sustainable building standards where applicable.

• Incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and smart building technologies into projects.

• Support ADIB's ESG and sustainability objectives through responsible project delivery.

• Leverage digital technologies, AI-driven analytics, and innovative project management solutions to enhance project outcomes.

Business Continuity & Crisis Management:

• Support Business Continuity Management (BCM) initiatives for facilities and infrastructure.

• Lead emergency recovery and restoration projects during business disruption events.

• Coordinate rapid mobilization of contractors and recovery resources during emergencies.

• Ensure critical business facilities remain operational and resilient during adverse events.

• Develop contingency plans and emergency response strategies related to facilities infrastructure.

Reporting & Performance Management:

• Prepare executive-level project reports, dashboards, presentations, and status updates.

• Report project progress against scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk metrics.

• Develop project KPIs and monitor performance against agreed targets.

• Maintain accurate project documentation, records, drawings, contracts, approvals, and lessons learned.

• Present project performance updates to senior management and governance committees.

Specialist skills & technical knowledge:

Technical competencies:

• Project Management (PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile and Hybrid methodologies)

• Construction and Fit-Out Management

• Cost Estimation and Budget Control

• Contract Administration and Procurement

• Architectural and Interior Fit-Out Design

• MEP Systems Knowledge

• Facilities Management Practices

• Risk Management and Business Continuity

• Sustainability and LEED Principles

• UAE Building Codes and Regulatory Framework

• Construction Health, Safety and Environmental Management

Core competencies:

• Leadership and Team Management

• Strategic Thinking

• Stakeholder Management

• Negotiation and Influencing Skills

• Financial Acumen

• Decision-Making Capability

• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking

• Communication and Presentation Skills

• Planning and Organizational Skills

• Change Management

Previous Experience, Qualifications, Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Building Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 5 years in a leadership or project management role.

• Proven experience delivering large-scale banking, corporate office, retail, commercial, or mixed-use fit-out projects.

• Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects simultaneously within fast-paced environments.