Manager - Preconstruction

Job Description

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (IO)

To deliver on the global expansion ambitions of the UAE’s leadership, AD Ports Group senior management established the international offices (‘IO’) in March 2022. The main function is the origination, assessment, transaction development and implementation of global projects, as well establishing and maintaining relationships with government stakeholders, customers and other partners enabling AD Ports Group to become a true global player in trade and logistics. The operational activity of IO currently focuses in four main geographical regions – Africa, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

AD Ports Group now has presence in almost 40-plus countries. Some well-established operations, some developing projects and some markets are just opening. The international office focuses on developing projects that support the five clusters of AD Ports Group (Ports, Maritime & Shipping, Logistics, Digital and ECFZ). IO acts as the central bolt connecting these five clusters, bringing them together for projects that benefit the overall growth of trade and industry in the said regions.

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Industry: Ports

• Maritime
• Logistics
• Infrastructure
• International Development
  
  

Job Purpose

Manage the successful completion of projects within the international programme from project inception to commencement of construction.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive feasibility study along with a technical, financial and environmental analysis to assess the viability of proposed international projects.
• Conduct and interpret technical due diligence, ensuring robust evaluation of design, technical risks, and engineering feasibility.
• Develop and lead preconceptual engineering schemes and plans for potential future international projects to enable project realisation.
• Manage and oversee the development of technical designs, ensuring solutions are fit‑for‑purpose, cost‑effective, and aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Provide technically sound and compliant project specifications and scopes of work, accurately reflecting end‑user requirements and adhering to applicable codes and standards.
• Manage pre-construction project’s scope of work, objectives, and deliverables providing expert technical and project management advice for a successful delivery.
• Conduct site visits to study the required logistics, evaluate project cost, and manage budget during the pre-construction phase.
• Oversee tender documents, review bidding scopes, lead contract negotiation and gain approvals during the pre-construction.
• Manage pre-construction schedule, monitor progress with stakeholders and enforce alignment with international goals and company objectives.
• Prepare detailed reports summarizing current activities, key issues, risks, and recommended actions for Senior Management.
• Assess project risks associated with international pre-construction activities, develop mitigation plans and ensure developing strategies as required.
• Build and maintain strong relationship with internal and external stakeholders by attending regular meetings, resolving issues and conflicts, and sharing schedules/timelines/budgets update.
• Manage pre-construction billing and invoices while ensuring timely payment and adherence to commercial terms.
• Provide substantiated CAPEX estimates using database construction rates and verify local market capabilities and pricing; ensure validation when estimates are prepared by external consultants.
• Maintain technical oversight throughout the entire project lifecycle, providing input and feedback on all technical deliverables to ensure engineering integrity and alignment with project objectives.
  
  

People Management Responsibilities

• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders, including clusters and potential customers.
• Offer coaching and mentoring to team members to enhance their capabilities and problem-solving skills.
• Identify skill gaps and training requirements for the teams to ensure consistent high performance.
  
  

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with other senior management, suppliers, consultants, and contractors.
• Lead the strategic planning, development, execution, and evaluation of all programs and initiatives.
• Conduct / interpret technical due diligence and manage the development of the design, delivering fit for purpose, cost effective solutions that meet operational and business objectives.
• Provide technically sound and fit-for-purpose project specifications and scopes of work that accurately reflect end user requirements and complies with appropriate codes and standards.
• Maintain technical oversight throughout the project Lifecycle by providing input and feedback over technical deliverables at any stage of the project.
  
  

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related discipline (master’s degree preferred).
• Excellent English communication skills: Arabic, French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an added advantage.
• 10–12 years of experience in a similar role within engineering, construction, or infrastructure.
• Strong background in pre ‑ construction management with international exposure.
• Experience working across both consultancy and construction organizations is preferred.
• Proven track record in ports and marine projects with major terminal developers, EPC contractors, or PMCM firms.
• Solid understanding of port operations (container, general cargo, bulk cargo—liquid & solid).
• Expertise in leading design and pre ‑ construction workflows for international maritime projects.
  
  

Technical Competencies Required For The Role

• Structural Design and Analysis
• Construction Planning and Management
• Cost Estimation
• Construction Materials and Methods
• Construction Quality Assurance and Control
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Environmental Compliance
• Project Documentation and Reporting
  
  

Join a global organisation shaping the future of ports, logistics, and international trade. If you are driven, technically strong, and passionate about delivering world‑class infrastructure, we want to hear from you.

📩 Apply now

About Us

AD Ports Group

A Global Player

Through organic growth and partnerships, AD Ports Group has developed over the years into an integrated premier enabler of trade, industrialisation, and economic diversification. Established by Emiri Decree and owned by ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.

AD Ports Group is committed to building elite trade and logistics propositions. As trade has grown, so have we. Today, we are an integrated business across 5 clusters – Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports connecting global maritime routes and international trading partners.

About The Team

We offer exciting opportunities to people from different backgrounds and nationalities through internal career advancement programmes. Once a member of our staff, you have the chance to grow horizontally and vertically throughout your career journey with us.

“We are proud to be the first organization from the Middle East region to receive the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation.”

Find more about us here .

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