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.