Senior Projects Manager

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Projects Manager with a strong background in delivering K–12 school development and education infrastructure projects across the Middle East. This role will lead the full project lifecycle, from strategic planning and design through to construction, handover, and post-occupancy evaluation.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of regional standards, curriculum-driven space planning, and a proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments including ministries, consultants, and contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Lead end to end delivery of K–12 education projects across the GCC.
• Ensure compliance with international curriculum standards (British, IB, American).
• Obtain approvals from ministries of education and relevant authorities.
• Coordinate closely with developers, architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and detailed work plans.
• Monitor progress using industry standard tools and report to senior leadership.
• Manage resources across internal and external teams.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Maintain high quality outcomes aligned with client and regulatory expectations.
• Conduct post project evaluations for continuous improvement.
• Mentor junior team members and promote knowledge sharing.

Budget & Resource Management

• Oversee budgets ranging from US$20m to US$100m.
• Track financial performance and resource allocation to ensure efficiency.
• Adjust plans dynamically to maintain schedule and budget integrity.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or PMP certification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in project management, with at least 3 years leading education or school infrastructure projects in the Middle East.
• Proven track record managing large scale capital projects.
• In depth understanding of GCC regulatory and approval frameworks.
• Experience with curriculum led design (labs, libraries, multipurpose halls).
• Proficiency in tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, Jira, or Aconex.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Expertise in budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks (LEED, Estidama, etc.).
• Excellent negotiation and reporting skills.
• Culturally adept with the ability to engage diverse teams and stakeholders.

At Cognita, we’re not just building schools, we’re shaping futures. As a member of our team, you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of innovative, future ready learning environments that inspire the next generation.
• Drive high impact projects that support regional growth and elevate educational excellence across the Middle East.
• Collaborate with passionate experts in architecture, education, and development within a globally respected and values driven education group.
• Join a purpose led, ambitious, and forward thinking organisation that values innovation, integrity, and long term impact.

Please note, this role is office based (Dubai, UAE) with local and regional site visits as required.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.