Head of Projects

Job description

Application Open:

Full-Time

Job Purpose:

The Head of Projects provides strategic and operational leadership

for all capital development, construction, renovation, and

infrastructure enhancement projects across MBZUAI’s campus. The

role ensures that the university’s built environment aligns with

its vision as a world-class AI research institution, while

upholding the highest standards of quality..., sustainability, safety,

and efficiency.

Working in close coordination with Space Planning,

Facilities Management, Finance, Procurement, and academic

leadership, the incumbent oversees the planning, execution, and

delivery of major projects and fit-outs, ensuring alignment with

MBZUAI’s long-term development strategy and regulatory

compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and execute a long-term infrastructure and capital

project strategy aligned with MBZUAI’s academic, research, and

operational goals.

• Establish robust project governance frameworks, reporting

mechanisms, and performance indicators to ensure transparency,

accountability, and timely decision-making.

• Lead multi-year planning for construction, renovation, and

campus expansion in coordination with university leadership and

government stakeholders.

• Integrate sustainability, energy efficiency, and digital

technologies into project planning and execution.

• Develop reporting mechanisms and dashboards to ensure accurate

tracking and reporting of all project progress and status.

Project Management and Delivery

• Oversee the delivery of capital and operational projects, from

construction to commissioning and handover.

• Lead construction, fit-out, and refurbishment projects for

laboratories, classrooms, administrative areas, and student

facilities.

• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and

meet MBZUAI’s design, safety, and sustainability standards.

• Implement best-practice project management methodologies (PMP,

Prince2, Lean, or Agile) to improve delivery efficiency and risk

mitigation.

• Conduct regular project reviews and coordinate with internal

and external stakeholders to resolve constraints.

Facilities Integration and Space Planning

• Collaborate with the Facilities Management and Space Planning

teams to ensure seamless integration of project deliverables into

ongoing operations.

• Provide technical and design input on space allocation, lab

setup, and interior layouts.

Financial Management and Procurement

• Manage capital budgets, procurement strategies, and vendor

selection to ensure financial efficiency and compliance with

university and UAE regulations.

• Oversee contract administration, performance tracking, and

vendor management to ensure high-quality and cost- effective

project outcomes.

• Provide regular financial and progress reports to senior

management, highlighting risks, forecasts, and corrective

actions.

Compliance, Safety, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with local and federal regulations (ADM,

ADCD, OSHAD, and other authorities).

• Promote adherence to safety, environmental, and sustainability

standards throughout project execution.

• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and risk assessments

to ensure quality assurance and occupational safety.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage and collaborate with academic, administrative, and

external partners (e.g., G42, KU, Masdar, TII) to align project

outcomes with institutional priorities.

• Serve as the university’s representative in coordination with

regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors, and service

providers.

• Ensure clear and consistent communication across all project

stakeholders.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and mentor a high-performing Projects team, including

project engineers, specialists, and external consultants.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and

accountability within the department.

• Drive continuous improvement and professional development to

strengthen project delivery capabilities.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance project delivery,

sustainability, and operational performance.

• Introduce technology-driven solutions (BIM, project dashboards,

and data analytics) to improve efficiency and reporting.

• Promote knowledge-sharing and best practices across the

Operations Division.

Other Duties

• Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line

manager that are commensurate with these functional

objectives.

Professional Experience:

Essential

• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive experience in project and

facilities management, including campus development, corporate real

estate, or complex institutional environments.

• Proven track record in planning, leading, and delivering

large-scale construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects

from inception to completion.

• Strong understanding of UAE building codes, permitting

processes, sustainability frameworks, and procurement

regulations.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, resource

allocation, and performance management for multi-phase development

projects.

• Skilled in integrating sustainable, energy-efficient, and

technology-driven practices into construction and facilities

operations.

• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies (PMP,

Prince2, Agile, or Lean) and their application to construction,

fit-out, and interior design projects.

• Proven ability to manage cross-functional project teams and

collaborate with academic, administrative, and external

stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and

contractors.

• Experience in space planning, campus infrastructure

integration, and optimization of teaching, research, and

residential facilities.

• Strong background in facilities operations and maintenance,

including MEP systems, asset management, and vendor performance

oversight.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing facilities and project

management teams, fostering professional development and high

performance.

Preferred

• Experience within research, innovation, or higher-education

environments.

• Professional certifications such as PMP, Prince2, or

ISO-related credentials (e.g., ISO 41001, ISO 9001) are highly

desirable.

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