Construction Manager - Fitout

Construction Manager – Fitout

Job Purpose

We are looking for an experienced Construction Manager – Fitout to lead and manage the execution of interior fitout projects in the UAE.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overall site delivery, fitout planning, subcontractor coordination, manpower and productivity management, quality, safety, programme adherence, and coordination of architectural, joinery, MEP, and specialist works. The role requires strong leadership and hands-on experience in delivering high-quality fitout projects from mobilisation through completion and handover.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Site Execution

• Lead and manage day-to-day fitout construction activities across the project site.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor fitout works in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, method statements, and project requirements.
• Manage the execution of architectural, interior, joinery, ceiling, flooring, wall finishes, painting, doors, ironmongery, and other specialist fitout works.
• Coordinate fitout activities with structural and MEP requirements to ensure smooth project execution.
• Ensure works are executed according to approved construction sequences and project schedules.
• Monitor site progress and ensure activities are completed within agreed programme targets.

Planning & Programme Management

• Develop and monitor detailed construction programmes, look-ahead plans, and recovery plans.
• Identify potential delays, constraints, and construction risks and implement timely corrective actions.
• Coordinate work sequencing between different trades to minimise clashes, rework, and productivity losses.
• Monitor project milestones and ensure timely completion of critical activities.
• Provide regular progress reports and updates to project leadership.

Subcontractor & Supplier Management

• Manage and coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, specialist contractors, and internal site teams.
• Review subcontractor work plans, manpower deployment, productivity, and progress.
• Ensure subcontractors comply with approved drawings, specifications, method statements, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Coordinate material deliveries, mock-ups, samples, approvals, and installation activities.
• Resolve site-related issues and interface conflicts between subcontractors and trades.

Joinery & Interior Works

• Oversee the execution and installation of custom joinery, wardrobes, doors, wall panelling, kitchens, counters, furniture, and other bespoke interior elements.
• Coordinate with joinery production, design, drafting, procurement, and site installation teams.
• Review shop drawings, material samples, prototypes, and mock-ups to ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Monitor joinery installation quality, dimensions, finishes, and site coordination.
• Ensure factory-produced elements are delivered and installed according to the approved programme.

Quality & Technical Coordination

• Ensure all works are executed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, material approvals, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with consultants, architects, engineers, and design teams to resolve technical and site issues.
• Review and monitor RFIs, technical submissions, shop drawings, material approvals, and inspection requirements.
• Ensure proper inspection and approval of completed works before progressing to subsequent activities.
• Monitor and minimise defects, rework, and non-conformance issues.

MEP & Interface Coordination

• Coordinate architectural and interior works with MEP services, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire fighting, and ELV systems.
• Ensure proper coordination of ceiling, flooring, partitions, joinery, access panels, lighting, diffusers, and other MEP interfaces.
• Identify and resolve clashes between MEP and fitout activities before execution.
• Coordinate testing, commissioning, and integration requirements with relevant teams.

Manpower, Productivity & Cost Control

• Monitor manpower requirements and ensure adequate resources are available to meet project targets.
• Track labour productivity and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Monitor material and equipment utilisation and minimise wastage.
• Support project management in controlling construction costs and avoiding unnecessary rework.
• Ensure efficient utilisation of labour, materials, equipment, and subcontractor resources.

HSE & Site Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with UAE HSE regulations, project safety procedures, and company policies.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all site teams and subcontractors.
• Ensure safe working practices, proper housekeeping, access control, and site logistics.
• Coordinate with the HSE team to identify and address potential site hazards.

Testing, Snagging & Handover

• Lead and coordinate snagging, rectification, testing, commissioning, and final inspection activities.
• Ensure all outstanding works and defects are closed within agreed timelines.
• Coordinate with consultants and client representatives for inspections and approvals.
• Support preparation of project handover documentation, as-built requirements, warranties, and O&M documentation.
• Ensure successful and timely project handover to the client.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Interior Design, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of construction/fitout experience, with significant experience in a Construction Manager or senior site management role.
• Strong experience in interior fitout, commercial, hospitality, residential, retail, luxury, or mixed-use projects.
• Proven experience managing projects from mobilisation and site execution through finishing, snagging, and handover.
• Previous UAE/GCC fitout experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fitout construction methods, sequencing, site logistics, and construction planning.
• Strong experience in subcontractor and specialist contractor management.
• Good understanding of joinery, architectural finishes, ceilings, partitions, flooring, painting, doors, and MEP coordination.
• Ability to interpret and coordinate architectural, interior design, shop drawings, and MEP drawings.
• Strong knowledge of QA/QC and HSE requirements applicable to fitout projects.
• Experience in managing manpower, productivity, materials, equipment, and site resources.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong ability to drive site teams and subcontractors to achieve programme, quality, and project delivery targets.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience delivering large-scale or high-end fitout projects in the UAE, particularly with established main contractors or fitout contractors, will be preferred.

Experience in hospitality, luxury residential, commercial, retail, or high-end interior projects will be an advantage.

Work Location: In person