QA/QC Manager - Terminal 6 Substructure Project at King Salman International Airport

Overview

The QA/QC Manager will lead the quality assurance and control efforts for the Terminal 6 Substructure works at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh. This senior leadership role demands strategic vision and technical expertise in heavy civil engineering to enforce full compliance with Bechtel Delivery Partner protocols, KSIADC specifications, and international standards such as ASTM, ACI, and BS.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the comprehensive Project Quality Plan (PQP) aligned with Bechtel and JV integrated management systems.
• Oversee the lifecycle of quality documents including Inspection & Test Plans, Method Statements, and technical submittals utilizing Autodesk Construction Cloud.
• Serve as the primary quality liaison coordinating with Bechtel PMC, KSIADC, and lead architects to uphold quality strategies and resolve Non-Conformance Reports at senior levels.
• Conduct internal and external quality audits and initiate continuous improvements based on audit findings.
• Provide technical oversight for the 2.5m mass concrete raft foundation, ensuring temperature control and material standards compliance.
• Validate the installation of blind-side waterproofing membranes and ensure details meet rigorous standards.
• Supervise quality control in precast concrete fabrication and installation along with embedded item alignment against survey controls.
• Ensure backfill earthworks meet compaction criteria and concrete finishes comply with flatness and levelness standards.
• Direct, mentor, and manage QA/QC engineers, materials engineer, laboratory supervisor, and document controller to promote a culture prioritizing quality.
• Oversee on-site laboratory and third-party testing agency performance and equipment calibration.
• Develop training programs on Bechtel quality requirements, concrete technology, and inspection methodologies.
• Lead quality risk management, chair the Material Review Board, and implement corrective and preventive measures for non-conformance.
• Monitor quality KPIs such as NCR rates, rework costs, and inspection outcomes and prepare monthly quality dashboards.
• Coordinate final project handover including compiling the As-Built Quality Dossier that aligns with Bechtel DP close-out protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management is required; Master’s preferred.
• Mandatory Saudi Council of Engineers registration (Grade A/Major level).
• ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification accredited by IRCA or CQI preferred.
• ACI certifications like Concrete Field Testing Technician and Special Inspector are valuable additions.
• Project management certifications such as PMP or Prince2 are advantageous.
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in QA/QC for heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience managing QA/QC in major airport terminals or large infrastructure projects internationally.
• Strong technical expertise in mass concrete foundations (>2m thick), waterproofing systems, precast concrete assembly, and earthworks compaction.
• Experience working with Tier-1 PMCs including Bechtel, understanding their workflows and governance frameworks.
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in Saudi Arabia or GCC region, familiar with SASO, GACA, and municipal regulations.

Technical Skills

• Expertise with relevant standards including ACI 301/318, ASTM (C39, E1155, D1557), BS EN, SASO.
• Advanced proficiency using Autodesk Construction Cloud and BIM tools like Navisworks or Revit for quality coordination.
• Fluent with MS Office, especially Excel for analytical reporting and PowerPoint for presentations.

Leadership Attributes

• Decision-making capability to halt or proceed with critical construction activities based on quality risks.
• Exceptional communication skills for addressing senior management and project delivery partners.
• Resilience to maintain leadership under Riyadh’s demanding environmental and scheduling pressures.
• Strong ethical commitment to quality and integrity.

Performance Targets

• Ensure full compliance with Bechtel DP quality governance, documentation, and audit protocols.
• Prevent major non-conformance issues such as mass concrete cracking or waterproofing failures.
• Maintain continuous workflow with no stoppages caused by QA/QC deficiencies.
• Keep rework costs below 0.5% of monthly project value.
• Achieve seamless project handover acceptance from KSIADC and Bechtel PMC.