Risk Manager

Role Overview

The Risk Manager will take charge of creating and overseeing a detailed risk management system specifically for a 5-Star Hotel construction project. This crucial position involves recognizing, evaluating, lessening, and continuously tracking risks related to engineering, architecture, construction, contracts, finance, regulations, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) throughout all phases of the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and uphold the Project Risk Management Plan adhering to international norms such as ISO 31000 and PMI-RMP.
• Set up risk governance, escalation procedures, and reporting aligned with the project's management hierarchy.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to define the project's risk appetite and tolerance levels alongside response approaches.
• Ensure compliance of the risk framework with UAE laws and Dubai Municipality requirements.
• Facilitate risk identification sessions involving all project participants including subcontractors and consultants.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive Risk Register spanning design to handover phases.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of schedule and budget-related risks.
• Spot risks specific to geotechnical, structural, MEP, fire safety, and facade engineering aspects of the hotel.
• Prepare and execute proactive mitigation and contingency strategies for critical risks.
• Work closely with engineers, architects, cost controllers, and contractors to embed risk responses into project plans.
• Manage contingency budgets and schedule buffers with the Project Controls department.
• Regularly monitor mitigation effectiveness and update the Risk Register as needed.
• Generate monthly and quarterly risk status updates for project leadership and stakeholders.
• Organize periodic risk review meetings and track early warning Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).
• Maintain complete audit documentation of all risk-related decisions and adjustments.
• Partner with the HSE Manager to incorporate health, safety, and environmental risk assessments conforming to UAE HSE laws, OSHAD-SF, and civil defense standards.
• Ensure alignment with Dubai Municipality Codes and Authorities, DDA, and RTA regulations.
• Analyze contracts (following FIDIC or custom formats) to identify contractual risks, liabilities, and insurance needs.
• Coordinate risk clause management, claim prevention, and dispute avoidance with contractor and commercial teams.
• Evaluate financial exposures including currency changes, price escalations, and supply chain challenges.
• Serve as the main risk liaison with the Client, Project Owner, and regulatory authorities.
• Collaborate with insurance brokers to secure project-specific coverage like CAR, EAR, and Professional Indemnity.
• Support the Project Director during project meetings, reviews, and governance audits.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree mandatory in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or related fields; Master's in Project, Risk, or Construction Management preferred.
• Professional certifications preferred include PMI-RMP, PMP, ISO 31000, NEBOSH or equivalent HSE qualification.
• Minimum 10 years in project risk management within construction or engineering consultancy sectors.
• At least 5 years managing risks on large luxury hospitality or premium mixed-use developments.
• Experience working within the GCC, familiar with UAE regulatory and construction context.
• Proven ability managing risks on projects valued above AED 2 billion.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Competent in risk management software such as Primavera Risk Analysis, Oracle Risk Management, or Active Risk Manager.
• Comprehensive understanding of FIDIC contract frameworks.
• Knowledgeable in construction techniques, MEP coordination, and architectural design processes relevant to luxury hotels.