Site Manager - Construction

Key Responsibilities:

Site Management & Construction Execution

• Take full ownership of on-site construction delivery for all substructure works including piling, pile caps, ground beams, raft foundations, bulk earthworks, and underground drainage.
• Manage the daily deployment of labour, plant, and equipment across all work fronts.
• Coordinate simultaneous construction activities across multiple zones of the site.
• Implement and enforce the approved construction methodology, method statements, and inspection & test plans (ITPs).
• Monitor production rates and ensure alignment with the master programme and look-ahead schedules.
• Identify and resolve construction bottlenecks and site constraints proactively.
• Lead daily site coordination meetings with foremen, subcontractors, and site engineers.

Subcontractor & Workforce Management:

• Direct and oversee all subcontractors engaged in substructure activities.
• Review and approve subcontractor method statements, programmes, and resource plans.
• Monitor subcontractor performance and take corrective action where required.
• Manage a multicultural, large-scale workforce in line with CHEC's labour management policies.
• Coordinate with the HR/Camp Management team on labour mobilisation and welfare.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE):

• Champion a strong safety culture across all site activities.
• Enforce CHEC's HSE Management Plan, site rules, and UAE regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular site safety walks, toolbox talks, and participate in HSE audits.
• Ensure all high-risk activities (piling, excavation, crane lifts) have valid permits to work and risk assessments.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate with the HSE Manager to maintain zero Lost Time Injury (LTI) targets.

Quality Management:

• Ensure all works are executed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and ITPs.
• Coordinate with the QA/QC Manager to ensure inspection requests are raised and approved before work proceeds.
• Support the resolution of non-conformance reports (NCRs) and technical queries (TQs).
• Oversee the proper handling, storage, and use of construction materials on site.
• Ensure as-built documentation is maintained and updated regularly.

Programme & Progress Management:

• Work closely with the Planning Manager to track actual progress against the baseline programme.
• Identify schedule risks and propose recovery measures and acceleration plans.
• Prepare and submit daily site reports, weekly progress summaries, and look-ahead plans.
• Participate in monthly progress meetings with DAEP and the supervision consultant.

Design & Technical Interface:

• Liaise with the Design and Engineering team to resolve construction-stage technical issues.
• Review construction drawings and raise RFIs (Requests for Information) where clarification is needed.
• Coordinate temporary works design (shoring, dewatering, formwork) with the temporary works coordinator.
• Interface with the geotechnical team for pile testing, ground investigations, and monitoring.

Stakeholder & Client Interface:

• Represent CHEC on site during client and consultant inspections and walkthroughs.
• Maintain a professional and collaborative relationship with DAEP's resident engineer and supervision team.
• Coordinate with third-party utility authorities and airport stakeholders for access and interface management.
• Support the Project Manager in managing contractual communications related to site issues.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (mandatory).
• Master's degree in Construction Management or Structural Engineering is an advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications such as PMP, CIOB, or ICE membership are desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum 15+ years of construction experience, with at least 5–7 years in a Site Construction Manager or equivalent senior site leadership role.
• Proven track record on mega infrastructure or airport projects, with direct experience managing substructure works (piling, foundations, earthworks).
• Experience on UAE or GCC projects is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with Chinese international contractors (CHEC, CSCEC, CRCC, CCCC, PowerChina) is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, multicultural workforces of 500+ workers.

Technical Skills:

• Deep knowledge of substructure construction techniques including:
• Bored piling, driven piling, CFA piling.
• Raft foundations, pile caps, and ground beams.
• Bulk earthworks, cut and fill, compaction.
• Dewatering systems and underground drainage.
• Familiarity with FIDIC Red Book contract conditions.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting structural and civil engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of Primavera P6 or MS Project for programme tracking.
• Understanding of Dubai Municipality, DAEP, and UAE construction regulations.
• Knowledge of temporary works design and coordination.

Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Strong on-site leadership presence and decision-making capability.
• Excellent communication skills in English (mandatory).
• Mandarin/Chinese language skills are a strong advantage given CHEC's management structure.
• Ability to manage complexity, competing priorities, and large teams simultaneously.
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving skills.
• High standards of personal integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Work Location: In person