Global Projects Head

Scope: All Group real estate and hospitality development projects globally, including new developments, expansions, conversions, refurbishments and redevelopment.

Location: Dubai or Nepal, with frequent international travel and site presence as required

Role Purpose

Lead the technical, commercial and delivery performance of the Group’s global project portfolio, from feasibility and design through construction, commissioning and handover. Direct engineering, design and project teams while maintaining control of scope, schedules, costs, quality and project cash flows. Protect ownership interests through disciplined contracting, cost audits, transparent reporting and timely resolution of risks, delivering assets that meet approved business objectives and operating requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project development and portfolio planning

• Translate business and investment priorities into project briefs, development plans, delivery strategies and approval milestones.

• Lead technical and commercial feasibility, site assessments, constructability reviews and project due diligence with business and investment teams.

• Establish project scope, phasing, capital estimates, schedules, resource requirements and risk allowances.

• Assess development options, operating needs and lifecycle costs; prioritize projects and recommend investment decisions supported by realistic delivery assumptions.

1. Design engineering and statutory approvals

• Lead architects, engineers and specialist consultants across master planning, architecture, structures, mechanical and electrical services, interiors, landscape and infrastructure.

• Coordinate designs with business, hotel operator and brand requirements.

• Control design development, specifications, approvals and changes; resolve interfaces and apply value engineering without compromising safety, quality or functionality.

• Ensure local teams and qualified professionals secure required planning, building, environmental, fire and other approvals, with energy efficiency and maintainability considered.

1. Procurement contracts and commercial negotiations

• Set procurement and packaging strategies; oversee specifications, bills of quantities, tendering, bidder assessment and technical-commercial comparisons.

• Lead negotiations and recommend appointments of consultants, contractors and suppliers within approved authority.

• Address scope, prices, timelines, payment milestones, guarantees, insurance, retention, warranties and remedies with Finance and Legal.

• Plan long-lead procurement, including hotel furniture, fixtures and equipment, and operating supplies.

• Control variations, extensions of time, claims and disputes with documented justification.

1. Construction engineering and site delivery

• Lead project managers, construction and engineering teams, project management consultants and contractors across countries.

• Drive mobilization, site execution, resource coordination and critical-path delivery against approved programmes.

• Establish quality assurance, inspection, testing and health, safety and environmental standards; verify adherence through site reviews and corrective actions.

• Resolve design and construction issues promptly, manage contractor performance and implement recovery plans for delays, defects, resource constraints or delivery risks.

1. Project controls monitoring and cost audits

• Establish approved scope, budget and schedule baselines, change controls and project risk registers.

• Monitor physical progress against milestones and expenditure; report commitments, actual costs, cost to complete, forecast final cost, contingency use and variances.

• Verify quantities, rates, bills and progress certifications against contracts and site evidence.

• Lead cost reviews, facilitate independent audits with Finance or Internal Audit, close findings and escalate overruns or irregularities.

• Maintain document control, dashboards and action tracking.

1. Project budgets cash flows and financial discipline

• Own project budgets and rolling monthly cash-flow forecasts linked to construction progress, procurement commitments and payment schedules.

• Review funding needs, liabilities, taxes, advances, retentions and contingencies with Finance; reconcile forecasts to actual spend and expected completion costs.

• Ensure technical and commercial validation of payment certificates and changes before approval.

• Recommend payment priorities and cost-saving actions, while Finance arranges funding and executes authorized payments.

• Track capital efficiency and approved investment outcomes.

1. Commissioning handover and project closeout

• Plan commissioning and handover with operators, business heads and facilities teams.

• Verify system testing, operating readiness, required completion or occupancy approvals and acceptance standards.

• Close snag lists and defects; transfer as-built drawings, operating manuals, warranties, asset records, spares and training.

• Coordinate hotel opening dependencies and phased handovers where required.

• Conclude final accounts and claims, monitor defects-liability obligations and release retention only against verified contractual requirements and approvals.

Leadership and decision rights

Lead assigned project, construction, engineering, design coordination, quantity surveying and project controls resources globally. Establish clear accountability across internal teams, consultants, contractors and country leadership. Work with business and asset management heads on project requirements and asset acceptance; with Finance on budgets, cash and commercial controls; and with Legal and local specialists on contracts and approvals. Build team capability and provide leadership with regular portfolio reviews, risks, corrective actions and decisions required.

Remain accountable for project delivery and technical-commercial recommendations within delegated authority. Material scope changes, contract awards and budget increases require the designated approvals. Maintain separation between work certification, financial approval and payment, with independent review of material exceptions.

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline; postgraduate management qualifications or recognized project management certification are an advantage.

• Senior leadership experience delivering real estate and hospitality developments across countries, with demonstrated responsibility from feasibility and design through construction and operational handover.

• Strong technical-commercial capability in engineering coordination, procurement, contracts, quantity surveying, cost audits, project controls and cash-flow planning.

• Proven ability to manage complex project portfolios, challenge consultants and contractors, recover delayed projects and deliver within approved scope, budgets, quality and safety requirements.

• Strong owner representation, negotiation and multicultural leadership, with knowledge of hotel operator requirements and project planning systems. Willingness to be based in Dubai or Nepal and travel extensively is essential.