Head of Projects

Job Title: Head of Projects / Projects Manager

About the Company

Our client is a dynamic hospitality group recognized for creating trendsetting F&B concepts that blend creativity quality and experience. With several well-loved brands under its umbrella from artisanal bakeries to lifestyle-driven restaurants the group continues to redefine the casual dining scene across the GCC.

Location: Dubai United Arab Emirates

Position Summary

The Head of Projects / Projects Manager will be responsible for leading planning and executing all F&B construction and fit-out projects across the Company portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background with proven experience managing high-end 5-star hospitality or F&B projects. This role demands hands-on leadership strategic planning and exceptional stakeholder management to ensure all projects are delivered on time within budget and in accordance with the highest quality standards.

Specific Functions & Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for all new restaurant openings and refurbishments.
• Develop detailed project plans including timelines budgets resource allocation and risk assessments.
• Coordinate with architects consultants contractors suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure design alignment and seamless project execution.
• Oversee construction and fit-out works ensuring compliance with quality safety and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize costs without compromising design integrity or guest experience.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts ensuring adherence to agreed SLAs and performance standards.
• Standardize project management procedures and reporting frameworks across all development projects.
• Monitor and report project KPIs to senior management highlighting risk opportunities and progress status.
• Ensure handover of completed sites to Operations with complete documentation and snag-free delivery.
• Lead a multidisciplinary project team and mentor junior project engineers and coordinators.

Requirements

• Minimum 812 years of experience in project management within hospitality or F&B.
• Proven track record in managing 5-star hotel or high-end F&B construction and fit-out projects.
• Strong knowledge of MEP civil works interior finishes and kitchen installations relevant to F&B environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced environments.
• Strong budgeting planning and cost-control experience.
• Familiarity with regional authority approvals permits and HSE regulations.

Qualifications & Skills

• PMP PRINCE2 or relevant Project Management Certification (preferred).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD MS Project Primavera or similar project management and design tools.
• Strong leadership problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Architecture or Construction Management.
• Masters Degree in Engineering or Project Management is a plus.