Senior Architect - Commercial Fitout

Job description / Role

About company

Belong, connect, grow, with KBR!
The KBR team delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

KBR provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design and engineering capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.

The project scope encompasses Project Management Consultancy (PMC) to provide services for fit-out, refurbishment, and construction projects related to buildings and warehouses (non-process related), within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The purpose of the PMC is to oversee all project execution activities on behalf of the client, and to provide project assurance for a timely completion of construction works within budget and to the required specification. The PMC is required to provide sound project management and controls, contract management, quality management, safety management, and environment management practices in accordance with recognized best practices.

Job responsibilities

The senior architect will be a highly experienced professional in architectural design, project management, and construction, capable of providing design leadership, technical expertise, and project delivery assurance. They will manage internal and external teams and be responsible for the holistic delivery and management of assigned projects, ensuring design integrity and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Key responsibilities / accountabilities

• Leading the early-stage design development and consultant engagement.
• Overseeing and supporting main contract tender process including all requests for information, design related queries, clarifications, main contract award and contractor appointment.
• Management of day-to-day contractor liaison, focusing on design adherence and quality control.
• Managing the delivery of high-risk / high profile projects and providing design and delivery assurance.
• Leading a project team assembled from different departments to form a cohesive project team.
• Continuously reviewing the key project roles and responsibilities to ensure there are no gaps and that all aspects of project delivery are appropriately resourced and managed.
• Planning, coordinating, monitoring, and taking action to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective completion of projects from initiation to handover.
• Prioritizing safety through engagement with internal and externally appointed health and safety representatives and continuously demonstrating behavior and culture in line with expectations, setting a standard for everyone involved in the project. This includes, but is not limited to, the review and appraisal of all contractor and consultant reports, programmes and risk registers.
• Setting and meeting expectations for project delivery in terms of time, cost, quality, and benefits realization.
• Continuously reviewing and identifying issues and risks with the potential to affect progress and proactively developing mitigation techniques and strategies to benefit project particulars.
• Managing and monitoring design progress and raising issues, seeking early support when necessary.
• Regularly visiting project sites to ensure best safety practices, quality assurance and to appraise performance.
• Personally engaging consultant resident engineers, design teams and appointed contractors to assess progress and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Liaising with team members within the section, and other departments in the development of scope of work, specifications, target dates, etc.
• Assisting in the preparation of bill of quantity items for projects.
• Holding site meetings and inspections to monitor the work progress and ensure compliance with contract specifications. As required, initiating all necessary corrective action.
• Providing technical advice and guidance to construction staff as required.
• Assisting the contracts manager in the review of progress payment certificates, claims and disputes.
• Performing all other duties assigned by the project manager.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited university (minimum requirement).
• Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in architectural design, project management, and administration within large-scale commercial construction and refurbishment projects.
• Demonstrated skill in management of building projects delivery.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• UAE or regional construction experience is important.
• Proven track record managing contractors with stringent HSE controls.
• Proficiency in relevant architectural and project management software (e.g., BIM software, Primavera, MS Projects etc.).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal in English.
• Extensive knowledge of contracts.
• Extensive technical understanding of local authority including permitting, the approvals processes and all project documentation.
• End-to-end project management from scope and design development to handover.
• Strong contract and tender process oversight.
• Excellent coordination skills to manage contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Proactive risk and issue management with mitigation planning.
• Dedicated commitment to health and safety and quality standards and compliance.
• Technical and commercial understanding of extension of time and variation claims.

Soft skills

• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive approach to risk management and conflict resolution.
• Negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

About the Company

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission critical roles in 34 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.