Senior Manager - Infrastructure UAEN | Real Estate | Asset Development

Job Requisition ID: 171656 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

• The Associate Director of Infrastructure at Al-Futtaim Real Estate plays a pivotal role in the expansion of Dubai Festival City. The role involves managing the execution of large-scale infrastructure design and construction projects. This includes strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, and overseeing designers to ensure on-time, within budget project completion aligning with quality benchmarks. The Associate Director works as part of the Development and Delivery team, providing input for utilities, civil works, contractor selection, and tendering processes. They coordinate with Project Management Consultants and Contract Administrators during the construction phase, maintaining intimate knowledge of the projects through hands-on site visits and direct contractor relationships. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure, they drive the strategies needed for successful project delivery.

Strategic Leadership

• Define project objectives, scope, and success criteria in collaboration with organizational leadership.
• Provide guidance on utility design and civil works infrastructure, including logistics, packaging, approvals, procurement, and buildability.
• Oversee the selection of consultants and contractors, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Maintain guardianship of sitewide infrastructure works to ensure development meets necessary standards.

Project Oversight

• Manage the procurement of designers and oversee the design process from master planning to completion.
• Ensure alignment with project brief, organizational standards, and client expectations.
• Participate in contract negotiations and ensure compliance with technical, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
• Maintain utility trackers for each service and manage provisioning for each plot in the masterplan.
• Make presentations regarding infrastructure design and delivery.

Design Management

• Provide guidance for infrastructure design standards and requirements.
• Contribute to the production of RFPs for design consultants and undertake technical reviews of submissions.
• Review and manage designs produced by consultants.
• Contribute to tender documentation and contractor assessment and recommendations.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as key contact for internal stakeholders and Project Management Consultants.
• Maintain consistent communication across all parties involved in the project.
• Address concerns, resolve conflicts, and ensure stakeholder satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Engage with authorities for approvals and adherence to design standards.

Construction Management and Project Reporting

• Coordinate with the client's construction delivery team in the administration and delivery of works.
• Work with PMC/Cost Consultant site teams for project supervision.
• Participate in meetings with contractors to review progress and technical matters.
• Support site delivery teams regarding infrastructure-related Authority approvals.

• Pro-active and collaborative approach to project management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to act as a client-side manager, interfacing with senior stakeholders and managing consultants.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools like AutoCAD, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in utility infrastructure/civil engineering, with experience in client-side roles or as a consultant leading multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale and high-value infrastructure construction projects, especially in the Middle East.
• Good understanding of wet and dry utility design; preference for civil engineering experience in roads and Right of Way.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate
The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA. With high-quality residential, business, retail, tourism, educational and healthcare developments, the master developer caters to the diverse needs of cities and communities in the region. From origination, conception, development, sales, procurement and construction of mega-projects and the leasing, operation and management of these projects after completion, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) has been developing and managing owned landbanks, unlocking the economic potential of the region and contributing to future development for more than 40 years. 
Our focus is to enable and invest in meaningful relationships to make our properties the best places to live and work, build additional products and services and enable partnerships to create true value to our customers throughout their entire experience with us.
AFGRE is responsible for master planning of all projects in its portfolio, including two large scale mixed use destinations: Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.