Senior Manager - Capital Projects / Senior Project Manager

Role Overview

The Senior Manager for Capital Projects and Facilities will lead and coordinate all phases of capital construction and renovation projects at the Academy, overseeing everything from initial planning to final commissioning and operations. This role is fully accountable for managing project scope, budgets, schedules, quality standards, and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

Primary responsibilities include ensuring on-time, within-budget delivery of all projects with adherence to safety and quality standards, compliance with government and institutional regulations including AKDN Green Buildings Guidelines and AKS standards, and ensuring optimal contractor and vendor performance. Additionally, this role supervises daily operations of Academy facilities and associated soft services managed by subordinate managers.

Capital Projects Responsibilities

• Lead all stages of capital construction projects on Academy property including briefing, design at all levels, procurement, execution, commissioning, handover, and operations.
• Define comprehensive project scopes including technical specifications and drawings in coordination with consultants and design teams.
• Prepare detailed Bills of Quantities, ensuring accurate material and labor cost estimation.
• Develop tender documentation and manage the tendering process from issuance through evaluation and contractor selection.
• Manage all contract administration, site supervision, quality assurance, progress tracking, and claims management throughout project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with local authorities to secure required construction and operational permits.
• Collaborate on project budgeting and scheduling with finance and procurement leadership.
• Monitor contractor, consultant, and vendor compliance to contractual, quality, and budgetary commitments.
• Form and lead special taskforces for urgent facility upgrades as needed.
• Regularly report project status, risks, and finances to senior management.
• Maintain and oversee a long-term capital repair and works plan based on facility inspections and evaluations.

Facilities and Maintenance Oversight

• Supervise Facilities and Maintenance Manager to ensure preventive maintenance, repairs, and annual maintenance programs for all building systems.
• Oversee Assistant Admin Manager to ensure effective service delivery in catering, security, housekeeping, landscaping, pest control, and laundry.
• Coordinate annual to long-term facilities budgets with financial leadership and monitor expenditures.
• Ensure facility operations consistently meet government policies, regulations, and institutional standards.
• Manage facilities staff recruitment, training, performance reviews, and conflict resolution.
• Consolidate monthly operational and financial reports for senior management review.
• Conduct or commission annual facility condition audits and integrate findings into capital planning.

General and Leadership Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of the Academy's extended senior leadership team.
• Develop and adhere to standard operating procedures for capital projects and facilities management.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and municipal regulations at all times.
• Serve as principal liaison between capital projects, facilities teams, Academy management, and external service providers.
• Lead and guide capital projects and facilities teams.
• Identify operational risks and mitigation strategies for capital projects and facilities to protect Academy assets.
• Prepare and submit monthly funding requests and approve third-party invoices.
• Manage proper document storage and compliance with document management systems.
• Provide technical advice during third-party contract negotiations.
• Maintain high ethical, professional, and technical standards in all dealings with staff, suppliers, and service providers.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Structural Engineering or Diploma in Project/Facilities Management; alternatively a degree with at least 10 years of project management experience.
• Membership in relevant professional body is optional.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience managing capital construction projects including design, procurement, and contractor oversight.
• Proven knowledge of local legislation and approval processes for capital projects.
• Experience managing multi-location projects, preferably in education facility contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to organize rapid facility upgrade taskforces.
• Familiarity with building operation legislation such as sanitary, fire safety, environmental, electrical, and health regulations.

Competencies and Knowledge

• Expertise in project planning and delivery over the full capital project lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of construction techniques, materials, and building systems across mechanical, electrical, and structural domains.