Construction Manager

We're looking for an experienced and hands-on Construction Manager to lead the delivery of a high-complexity, high-end construction project in Dubai.

This is a senior site-based position for someone with 10+ years of construction experience and a strong technical background across complex construction activities, particularly excavation, shoring, foundations, structural works, and large-scale site operations.

You'll take ownership of the day-to-day construction delivery, working closely with the Project Manager, Head of Construction, consultants, subcontractors, and the wider international project team.

We're looking for someone who can operate confidently at both a technical and managerial level — someone who understands what is happening on site, can anticipate construction risks, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and make decisions that keep the project moving without compromising quality, safety, or programme.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day construction activities across the project, ensuring delivery in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, programme, budget, and quality standards.
• Oversee complex site operations, including excavation, shoring, dewatering, foundations, structural works, and associated temporary works.
• Coordinate and supervise main contractors, subcontractors, consultants, specialist trades, and site teams.
• Review construction methodologies, sequencing, shop drawings, method statements, and technical submissions.
• Monitor progress against the construction programme and proactively identify delays, risks, and potential constraints.
• Work closely with the Project Manager and Head of Construction to develop and implement construction strategies and recovery plans where required.
• Conduct regular site inspections and ensure that works are executed in accordance with approved designs, specifications, and applicable UAE regulations.
• Take ownership of construction quality, identifying defects and coordinating corrective actions with contractors and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with Dubai/UAE building regulations, HSE requirements, and relevant construction standards.
• Coordinate site logistics, labour, plant, materials, deliveries, access, and sequencing to maintain efficient site operations.
• Monitor contractor performance and hold subcontractors accountable for programme, quality, safety, and agreed deliverables.
• Review and challenge technical and logistical solutions where necessary, proposing practical alternatives to resolve site constraints.
• Work closely with consultants, engineers, architects, and the design team to resolve technical issues and RFIs efficiently.
• Support cost control at site level and identify potential variations, risks, and opportunities before they impact the project.
• Attend progress meetings, coordination meetings, technical meetings, and contractor meetings as required.
• Maintain clear reporting on construction progress, risks, quality, safety, and programme.
• Act as a senior point of contact between the construction site and Utopia's wider project leadership team.
• Step in to support the Project Manager or Head of Construction with key construction decisions when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional construction experience, with significant experience in senior site or construction management positions.
• Strong experience managing complex construction projects from enabling works through structural and finishing stages.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with excavation, shoring, dewatering, foundations, piling, and/or other complex substructure works.
• Proven experience coordinating major contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and multidisciplinary site teams.
• Experience managing projects in Dubai/UAE is strongly preferred, ideally including at least one project delivered through the full construction cycle.
• Strong background in high-end hospitality, luxury residential, mixed-use, commercial, or other high-complexity construction projects.
• Strong understanding of Dubai/UAE construction regulations, permitting requirements, HSE standards, and local construction practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage contractors and challenge decisions when necessary.
• Proficiency in construction management and project software such as AutoCAD, MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, Aconex, or similar platforms.
• Fluent English is required for communication with Utopia's international project and management teams.
• Previous experience delivering luxury hotels, resorts, ultra-luxury residential developments, or landmark commercial projects.
• Experience with large-scale excavation and basement/substructure packages.
• Experience working with international consultants and contractors.
• Post-graduate qualification in Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience managing projects with significant structural, architectural, and MEP coordination requirements.

Benefits

• This opportunity is based on-site in Dubai, UAE, working closely with the team delivering the project.
• A senior position with significant responsibility and direct exposure to Utopia's international construction leadership.
• The opportunity to work on a high-complexity, high-end project in Dubai that will become a significant addition to your professional portfolio.
• A truly international team of architects, engineers, project managers, and construction professionals working to a high standard of quality.
• All tools and software required for the role are provided and kept up to date.
• The opportunity to take ownership of major construction activities from site mobilization through delivery.