Summary
Vanderlande is hiring a Site Manager for cargo handling systems in Dubai. The role leads site installation, integration, testing, commissioning, handover, safety, quality, schedules, costs, subcontractors and customer coordination. Applicants need an engineering degree, at least 8 years of relevant site or automation experience, and at least 3 years leading site teams; Primavera P6 or similar scheduling tools are preferred. Fluent English and flexibility to travel and work across the Middle East are required, while Arabic or other languages are an advantage.
The posting
As published on vanderlande.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Together we make the difference
We are a leading provider of innovative and high-performance solutions for airport logistics. Our portfolio includes products and solutions for baggage and cargo handling, high-end software for the digitalization of logistics processes as well as an extensive range of maintenance and services. Major customers include renowned airports and airlines around the globe.
Be part of our Project Execution team as a Site Manager – Cargo Handling Systems in Dubai.
What are my responsibilities?
- Manage all site activities related to mobilization, installation, testing, commissioning, final handover, and demobilization of Baggage and Cargo Handling Systems.
- Lead the installation and integration of electrical, mechanical, controls, conveyor, and material handling equipment in line with project requirements.
- Coordinate subcontractors and internal functions including Engineering, Procurement, Logistics, Controls, Commissioning, and Project Management.
- Monitor site progress against the approved project schedule and identify delays, risks, and recovery actions.
- Manage site resources, manpower, installation priorities, and site logistics to support timely project execution.
- Lead and develop site engineers, supervisors, technicians and subcontractors by setting clear objectives, assigning responsibilities, monitoring performance and promoting teamwork, accountability and a strong safety culture.
- Ensure adherence to installation methodologies, approved drawings, technical specifications, and quality procedures.
- Plan and coordinate site access, permits, operational coordination, and stakeholder approvals required for execution within airport and cargo operational environments.
- Take responsibility for site safety and provide instructions on safety-related matters where required.
- Act as the main customer contact for all site-related topics and represent Project Management during site meetings.
- Manage interfaces with airport operators, end users, consultants, Civil / MEP contractors, and third-party vendors to ensure smooth project execution.
- Coordinate with the site warehouse to ensure availability, storage, and timely distribution of materials and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records relating to progress, costs, schedules, variations, delays, claims, and site instructions.
- Identify project risks, operational impacts, and resource shortages and develop mitigation and recovery plans.
- Prepare regular site progress reports and maintain complete project documentation.
- Identify deviations from scope and provide supporting information for notifications of change and variation claims.
- Coordinate any site decisions with scheduling, financial, contractual, or legal impact with the Project Manager and Commercial Project Manager.
- Support testing, commissioning, system integration, punch-list closure, and final acceptance activities.
- Ensure all quality requirements and inspection procedures are followed throughout installation and commissioning.
- Lead site readiness and coordinate operational handover activities, training sessions, and documentation close-out with the client and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, Site operational procedures, security permit to work processes where applicable and regulations relating to industrial safety, workplace safety, environmental protection, and accident prevention.
- Prepare and maintain the site installation and logistics plans, including manpower, installation sequence, equipment, facilities and cost forecasts, in coordination with the Project Manager and Installation Function.
- Monitor installation productivity, resource utilization, site costs and rework; implement corrective actions and escalate deviations to the Project Manager and Installation Function.
- For Baggage Handling System projects, coordinate interfaces with screening equipment suppliers, airport operations and maintenance teams, ICT contractors and other parties, including access, maintainability and installation requirements.
- Confirm that work areas, civil interfaces, utilities and other installation prerequisites are ready; document outstanding requirements and escalate any impact on safety, cost or programme.
- Ensure installation inspections and pre-commissioning checks are completed by the responsible specialists, with inspection records, electrical and mechanical test reports, and readiness documentation available before power-up and commissioning.
- Maintain contemporaneous records of delays, disruptions, instructions and scope changes, and provide timely evidence to the Project Manager for contractual notices, variations and claims. Do not commit to changes affecting scope, price or programme without approval in accordance with the project authority arrangements.
- Ensure as-built information, snag lists, installation handover records and relevant operation and maintenance documentation are complete and available for project close-out.
- Coach site supervisors and engineers, identify training needs, and share lessons learned with the Installation Function to improve safety, quality and installation methods.
What do I need to qualify for the role?
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 8 years of professional experience in site installation, industrial automation, or material handling projects.
- Strong experience in Baggage Handling Systems, Cargo Handling Systems, Material Handling Systems, conveyor systems, automated logistics, or similar industrial automation environments.
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading site engineers, supervisors, technicians, and subcontractors.
- Strong knowledge of installation, testing, commissioning, system integration, and project handover activities.
- Good technical understanding of electrical systems, control panels, field devices, drives, conveyors, sensors, and industrial automation equipment.
- Strong site management knowledge including scheduling, installation methodologies, quality control, site logistics, cost monitoring, and subcontractor management.
- Experience with Primavera P6 or similar project scheduling tools is preferred.
- Familiar with AutoCAD, REVIT, ePlan, or similar engineering applications.
- PLC and SCADA knowledge is an advantage.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to work across engineering, commercial, project management, and customer teams.
- Experience working in multicultural and international project environments is preferred.
- Flexibility to travel and work across the Middle East region as required by business needs is mandatory.
- Fluent English is required; Arabic or other languages would be an advantage.
Diversity & Inclusion
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.