Risk Manager

Overview

The Risk Manager will spearhead the creation, application, and oversight of a robust risk management framework for a 5-Star Hotel project. This key position entails identifying, analyzing, mitigating, and tracking risks affecting engineering, architecture, construction, contractual, financial, regulatory, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) domains throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and sustain the Project Risk Management Plan adhering to global standards such as ISO 31000 and PMI-RMP.
• Establish governance structures for risk management, setting escalation methods and reporting lines aligned with the project's organizational design.
• Define risk appetite and tolerance thresholds collaboratively with senior management, ensuring strategies align with UAE laws and Dubai Municipality regulations.
• Lead structured workshops and interviews for comprehensive risk identification across all project phases including design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Maintain an all-encompassing Risk Register and perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses targeting schedule and cost risks.
• Target specific project risks including geotechnical, structural, MEP, fire and life safety, and façade engineering concerns.
• Develop and enforce proactive mitigation strategies and contingency plans for high-priority risks, working closely with engineers, architects, cost managers, and contractors.
• Manage budgets for risk contingencies and scheduling buffers in coordination with project controls.
• Regularly monitor mitigation effectiveness, update risk records, and produce monthly and quarterly risk status reports for stakeholders including the Project Director.
• Coordinate risk review meetings and track key risk indicators to deliver early warnings on emerging issues.
• Collaborate with the HSE Manager to evaluate health, safety, and environmental risks, ensuring compliance with UAE HSE laws, OSHAD-SF, and Dubai Civil Defence standards.
• Assess risks linked to fire engineering, structural safety, façade access, and ensure adherence to Dubai Municipality Codes and Authorities, DDA, and RTA standards.
• Analyze contractual and financial risks by reviewing contracts based on FIDIC or custom agreements, collaborating with commercial teams on claims prevention and dispute avoidance.
• Evaluate financial risks such as currency fluctuations, cost escalations, and supply chain issues related to materials and equipment.
• Engage directly with clients, project owners, authorities, insurance brokers, and underwriters to manage risk coverage and support governance activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or related fields is mandatory.
• Master's degree in Project Management, Risk Management, or Construction Management is preferred.
• Certifications required include PMI-RMP, PMP, ISO 31000 Risk Management, and NEBOSH or equivalent HSE qualification.
• At least 10 years' experience in project risk management within construction or engineering consultancy.
• Minimum 5 years managing risks on large-scale luxury hospitality or premium mixed-use developments.
• Proven experience in GCC projects, with deep knowledge of UAE regulatory and construction environments.
• Successful track record managing projects valued over AED 2 billion.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency using risk management tools such as Primavera Risk Analysis, Oracle Risk Management, Active Risk Manager, or equivalents.
• Expertise in FIDIC contract frameworks.
• Strong understanding of construction practices, MEP coordination, and architectural design workflows for luxury hotel developments.