Head of Construction

The Role

Head of Construction is responsible for the execution of development construction projects; Head of Construction works with Head of Innovation and Design, Head of Project Development and Procurement Manager to ensure that products are built and delivered successfully; leads a team comp...

The Role
Head of Construction is responsible for the execution of development construction projects; Head of Construction works with Head of Innovation and Design, Head of Project Development and Procurement Manager to ensure that products are built and delivered successfully; leads a team comprising construction managers, site managers and contractors; manages construction projects on behalf of Asset Management for rental property construction, and ROI / defensive capex projects for Asset Management. Strategy and planning • Review proposed development strategies; challenge assumptions and propose design and value engineering options to improve asset efficiency. • Define construction performance objectives. • Ensure that construction KPIs are cascaded to subordinates. Financial • Manage construction budget preparation and provide input to the budgeting process. • Initiate corrective action, where necessary, to address budget variations. • Prepare, submit, and justify budget amendment requests to Chief Development Officer. Leadership • Represent the Section to Chief Development Officer, other departments and to external parties; serve on committees, as required. • Agree objectives and KPIs with subordinates; assign tasks, initiatives and targets, delegating where appropriate while retaining accountability for results. • Ensure that subordinates have the requisite knowledge, skills and other competencies required to complete tasks and achieve objectives. • Provide technical direction, advice, guidance and support for subordinates where necessary, engaging in communication and consultation to ensure that proposals, risks, issues and requirements are clarified. • Evaluate subordinate performance. Business • Acquire and maintain expertise in Uniestate’s business, including its structure, departmental roles and responsibilities and operations, applying this knowledge in all decisions. Policies, procedures and ways of working • Direct the preparation and implementation of policies and procedures for construction management People and talent management • Identify subordinates’ learning and development needs and ensure that they receive the required training, experience and learning to execute their roles effectively. • Identify successors for Section positions and ensure that they are mentored and developed to be able to take up new roles, when required. • Delegate tasks to subordinates to assist them in developing their competencies. • Provide active leadership for nationalisation programs and the development of UAE nationals. Construction / works planning • Lead the preparation of BOQs / SOWs for contractor procurement. • Lead the technical evaluation of contractor proposals. • Approve project team assignments and provide recommendations based on project technical requirements. Appoint, manage, and evaluate contractors and subcontractors. • Prepare construction project plans, schedules, budgets and KPIs. Construction / works execution • Lead execution, monitoring and control; maintain oversight of progress, costs and issues. • Report project status reports and recommend corrective action, escalating where necessary to Chief Development Officer. • Manage contractor execution; review contractor submittals and invoices. Manage delays, claims, risks, and corrective actions. • Control construction budgets, variations, and payment certifications. • Ensure that site HSE requirements are applied. • Ensure that project quality requirements are applied. • Review contractor variation orders; monitor and report contractor performance. • Ensure that construction complies with approved drawings and specifications. • Coordinate closely with Project Development, Design, and Cost Control teams. Project / job closure • Prepare projects for inspections, completion, and handover. • Manage close-out checklist implementation to ensure that snagging and issues are rectified. • Ensure that completed projects / jobs are handed over to Asset Management. • Prepare lessons learned reports and propose changes in construction management for future projects. Risk management • Prepare and update construction project risk registers. Technology • Propose systems, applications and tools for construction management. • Ensure that construction teams utilise approved systems, applications and tools. Compliance • Ensure that all projects, works and processes comply with legal / regulatory and internal requirements. • Advise subordinates on compliance-related matters.

Requirements
Education and qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field is required • Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred Experience • 9+ years of experience in project management and technical services field with a least 4 years of experience in a managerial position Skills • Construction management • Building codes • Contractor management • Procurement • Budgeting, accounts and financial analysis • Project management • Planning and scheduling • Project control • Risk management

About the company
Union Investments has established a solid reputation as a robust, dynamic and forward-looking organization Union Investments has come a long way from its modest beginnings almost 25 years ago. Union Investments was established by H.H Sheikh Tariq Al Qassimi in year 1986, which rapidly grown into a large conglomerate within a short span of time. Union Investments is an umbrella of three sub-holding companies including Oryx Holding, RAK Holding and Union Holding Company