Head of Projects

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.