Assistant Director, Facilities Projects - Campus Planning and Facilities

Job Number

2025-14669

Position Summary

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply. 

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint an Assistant Director, Facilties Projects, reporting to the Director, Capital Projects.

The Assistant Director, Facilities Projects has the responsibility of managing the planning, budgeting, execution and closeout of projects within the Facilities Operations and Lifecycle workstreams.  These shall be primarily delivered through NYUAD’s Facilities Management Service Provider (FMSP), however, the specific delivery strategy shall be tailored to suit each project (via the FMSP or direct to NYUAD).

This position is responsible for managing contractors to deliver projects safely, with attention to schedule, budget, quality standards and in compliance with all regulations.

Excellent technical knowledge in construction disciplines and facilities management, as well as creative thinking and team working are essential components of the job role.

The candidate should have a working understanding of all engineering codes, UAE regulations, standards and previously worked on MS Project and/or similar software. This role will be office based but require regular site inspections in-house and external.

Job Responsbilities:

• Manage the execution of projects within the Facilities Operations and Lifecycle workstreams
• Work with the Facilities Management and FMSP to determine the list of projects to be executed in a given academic year. This includes projects in response to incidents on campus, such as major repairs or refurbishments, or planned lifecycling of existing systems or assets
• Liaise with the FMSP to develop and establish the scope of the project, along with the proposed procurement / delivery strategies. Ensure these are in line with NYUAD policies and procedures
• Prepare all documentation necessary for internal / joint governance and budget approvals, liaising with the FMSP for any other required information
• Upon approval of the projects, work with Finance / Procurement to award the contracts in line with the approval
• Closely manage the FMSP / Contractor to deliver the full scope of the project. Take a hands-on approach to ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and to the required technical standards, including resolving technical / coordination issues on site
• Review the FMSP/Contractor's proposal submissions and ensure that the technical scope aligns with the project requirements and specifications, while the commercial quotes and terms comply with NYUAD procurement policy
• Review all submittals from the FMSP/Contractor, including material submittals, shop drawings, BOQs, as-built drawings, and other project closeout documents
• Review and inspect all completed work and mock up installations, and represent NYUAD in the approval / acceptance of the completed work
• Review and approve the contractor’s documents submitted as part of the permit-to-work process, such as the method statement, risk assessment, and other project-specific certifications
• Approve / certify invoices based on the completed work against the approved payment terms
• Manage the project closeout, including document preparation and handover to FM Operations for ongoing operations and maintenance
• Apply technical knowledge of various types of construction, facilities management operations and detailing on large-scale construction projects
• Lead the development of budgets, planning for upcoming academic years
• Work with the FMSP / Cost Consultant / Finance to develop budgets for each projects, closely monitoring the development of the projects to ensure the projects remain within budget
• Manage the execution of the work by contractors (direct to NYUAD or via the FMSP), ensuring it is delivered to the required budget and quality, and on time
• Assist in improving processes and policies in support of organizational goals. Monitor adherence to rules, regulations, procedures and joint governance
• Prepare reports as necessary to Leadership and our Government Partners
• Facilitate coordination and communication between support functions. Supervise other planning personnel, such as consultants and contractors, prepare budgets and manage commitments and expenditures
• Plan and assign tasks to the FMSP and team members based upon capacity and workload. Develop alternative delivery strategies based on resource availability to ensure that the projects are
• Develop project delivery schedules in consultation with end users and key stakeholders
• Monitor and track the project expenditure against the established and approved budgets. Take corrective action should any overspends be anticipated
• Ensure that contractors perform and deliver by their Contractual Obligations
• Control and monitor QA/QC processes and procedures
• Develop and maintain relationships with all stakeholders, local authorities, and government agencies, as needed
• In conjunction with the FMSP, develop project execution strategies based upon the nature of project and the optimum value for NYUAD. Collaborate with other departments such as Finance / Procurement to ensure that projects are being implemented
• Input into long-term strategies for modifications to campus, and Lifecycle needs, including budgetary and funding requirements
• Monitor and report on projects regularly, both internally and externally as necessary
• Proactively assess project risks by regularly evaluating product design and participating in all high priority project reviews

Required Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, or Engineering Management or associated discipline
• Relevant project management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2 etc., as well as sustainability certifications such as LEEP AP or Estidama
• IOSH Managing Safely or other relevant Health & Safety Certification

Required Experience:

• Strong technical skills in construction disciplines and FM operations
• Excellent communicator with the ability to present technical ideas to all levels
• Ability to harness the team's technical creativity and transform it into specific engineering solutions that meet schedule, cost and performance goals
• Ability to multi-task and run multiple projects in a fast-paced, work environment
• Familiar with engineering software/programs, and other engineering tools
• Familiar with Quality assurance and Quality Control methodologies
• Organized with demonstrated project management skills with a sense of urgency
• Creative and analytical, yet practical, in problem-solving and decision making
• Good commercial and financial awareness
• Problem solver, creative, ability to work independently and as a team, good interpersonal skills, multi-tasking skills, knowledge, and experience with software applications - spreadsheets, word processing, etc.
• Strong understanding of the OSHAD Code of Practice and other relevant local health and safety laws

Preferred Education:

• Masters Degree in a related discipline
• Licensed/certified engineer in a relevant juristiction

Preferred Experience:

• 10+ years of experience working in an engineering consultant or contractor
• 10+ years of experience working in an FM function in a higher education institution
• Comprehensive knowledge of building methodologies, and design / construction management
• Comprehensive understanding of business process aligning with regulations and organizational policies
• Organizational ability, superior written, and verbal communication
• Active listening skills, research skills, analytical skills, cooperative, leadership ability, detail-oriented
• Ability to relate well to university students, guests and employees
• Foster trust and cooperation among coworkers, customers, and guests
• Program development, monitoring, and evaluation techniques
• Speak effectively and clearly in all situations, including individual communication, public speaking, and small groups
• Innovative, supervisory skills, comfortable working under pressure, understanding of technical and legal matters
• Work cooperatively with committees, other government agencies, and the public