Project Manager (Civil Engineering)

We are looking for a hands-on Project Manager with a civil engineering background to lead a high-profile development project in Erbil from supplier selection to final handover. This is a chance to own a project end to end, act as the client's voice with international suppliers and local partners and see a significant project through to successful completion.

Role Purpose

The Project Manager leads the development of a major development project from supplier engagement through to installation, commissioning and handover for operation. Acting as the client representative, the role provides strategic oversight and day-to-day control of scope, schedule, budget, quality and safety, and coordinates all stakeholders needed to deliver the project.

Key Responsibilities

Project planning and control

1. Develop and maintain the project execution plan, including scope, master schedule, milestones and budget.

2. Monitor progress against schedule and budget, identify variances early and put corrective actions in place.

3. Maintain a risk and issues register, with mitigation plans and clear owners.

Supplier outreach and procurement

1. Lead supplier and manufacturer outreach, prequalification and technical and commercial evaluation of offers.

2. Prepare tender documents and requests for proposal in coordination with technical, legal and finance teams.

3. Support contract negotiation and oversee contract administration, variations and claims.

Design, construction and installation

1. Coordinate design review and approval with consultants, designers and suppliers.

2. Oversee civil and foundation works, manufacturing, shipping, delivery and site installation.

3. Ensure work meets approved specifications, quality standards and international safety codes.

4. Enforce health, safety and environment requirements on site for all contractors.

Stakeholder management

1. Represent the client with suppliers, contractors, consultants, government authorities and internal departments.

2. Obtain the permits, approvals and inspections required to build and operate.

3. Chair progress meetings and provide regular written reports and dashboards to senior management.

Testing, commissioning and handover

1. Plan and oversee testing, commissioning and certification of all systems.

2. Ensure operation and maintenance manuals, as-built drawings, warranties and spare parts are delivered.

3. Coordinate training of the operations team and a smooth handover for operation.

4. Close out the project financially and contractually, and record lessons learned.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 3 months

1. Full understanding of the project scope, status, contracts and stakeholders, with a smooth takeover from the current project team.

2. An approved project execution plan, master schedule and budget baseline.

3. Supplier shortlist evaluated and recommendation presented to management.

In the first 12 months

1. Key contracts awarded on agreed commercial terms.

2. Milestones delivered on schedule and within approved budget.

3. Zero serious health and safety incidents on site.

4. Regular, accurate reporting that gives management full visibility of progress and risks.

At project completion

1. Installation completed, tested, certified and handed over for operation.

2. Complete documentation, warranties and a trained operations team in place.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

1. Bachelor's degree in civil engineering; Mechanical or Structural Engineering may also be considered.

2. 3 to 5 years of experience in project management or project delivery.

3. Proven experience leading at least one project from supplier selection or procurement through to installation and handover.

4. Experience working on the client or owner side, coordinating suppliers, contractors and consultants.

5. Working knowledge of contract administration, procurement processes and site health, safety and environment practices.

Preferred

1. Project Management Professional certification or equivalent.

2. Experience with international suppliers, including import, shipping and customs coordination.

3. Experience in large-scale installations, steel structures, electromechanical systems, or leisure, hospitality or commercial developments.

4. Familiarity with permitting and approval processes in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Languages

Fluent English and Kurdish, written and spoken.

Skills and Competencies

1. Strong planning, scheduling and cost control skills, using tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.

2. Ability to read and review engineering drawings, specifications and technical submittals.

3. Confident negotiation and stakeholder management, including with senior management and government authorities.

4. Clear written and verbal communication and structured reporting.

5. Problem solving and sound decision making under time and budget pressure.

6. Ownership and accountability for results from start to handover.

7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions

1. Split between office and project site in Erbil, with regular site presence during construction and installation.

2. Flexibility to attend critical site activities outside normal working hours when required.