Project Manager - District Cooling
Reports To: Senior Project Manager / Operations Director
Job Type: Full-time
Objective:
To plan, execute, and finalize District Cooling projects within budget, on schedule, and in accordance with the highest standards of quality and safety. The role involves managing all technical, commercial, and team aspects of chilled water network projects from inception to handover.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Planning & Execution:
- Lead the end-to-end project lifecycle for District Cooling systems: design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.
- Develop detailed project plans, schedules (P6/MS Project), budgets, and resource allocation.
- Ensure strict adherence to project timelines, cost controls, and quality standards.
- Manage client, consultant, and contractor relationships.
- Technical Management:
- Provide strong technical oversight of chilled water distribution networks, primary and secondary pumping systems, Energy Transfer Stations (ETS), and thermal energy storage.
- Review and approve technical submittals, method statements, and shop drawings.
- Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, industry standards (ASHRAE), and client specifications.
- Resolve site-based technical and engineering challenges promptly.
- Team & Site Management:
- Lead, motivate, and manage a project team including engineers, supervisors, and subcontractors.
- Chair regular progress and safety meetings.
- Ensure a strict "Safety First" culture on site, enforcing HSE policies and procedures.
- Manage site logistics, material deliveries, and labor productivity.
- Commercial & Contractual:
- Prepare and manage project budgets, cost tracking, and variance reporting.
- Handle variation orders, claims, and interim payment certificates.
- Review and manage subcontractor packages and invoices.
- Ensure project documentation is complete for financial and contractual compliance.
- Reporting:
- Provide regular, detailed progress reports to senior management and clients.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive project records and documentation.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Mandatory: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Mandatory: 5-8 years of proven UAE experience in managing District Cooling projects.
- Mandatory: In-depth knowledge of chilled water pipeline networks (pre-insulated, direct burial), pumping stations, HVAC principles, and ETS design.
- Strong experience in project management methodologies and software (Primavera P6, MS Project, AutoCAD viewer).
- Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Familiarity with UAE authority regulations (DEWA, ADDC, etc.) and submission procedures.
- Professional membership (e.g., PMP, CEng) is a plus.
What the Candidate Can Expect:
- A specialized role in a critical UAE infrastructure sector.
- Responsibility for high-value, technical projects.
- A fast-paced environment requiring strong problem-solving skills.
