Project Manager - Data Centre (Mission Critical Infrastructure) | Doha, Qatar

About the Role

PhillipsPage Associates (PPA) is an international consultancy focused on Mission Critical Infrastructure and Data Centre Engineering, delivering sophisticated MEP, ICT, and Security design solutions across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. PPA is expanding its permanent, full-time on-site Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team in Qatar to support an increasing portfolio of mission-critical projects.

The Project Manager will lead the PMC team on location, fully accountable for successful project delivery—covering scope, timeline, budget, quality, and safety. Acting as the primary liaison with the client, this role demands strong leadership and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site-based PMC team for mission-critical projects in Qatar from initiation through to project handover.
• Own overall project governance ensuring alignment with client goals, approved scope, budgets, and schedules throughout all stages.
• Establish project delivery plans, governance frameworks, and role responsibilities, clarifying reporting lines within the PMC team.
• Chair project progress and steering meetings, and provide accurate status updates to clients and PPA leadership.
• Identify, escalate, and resolve critical project issues, risks, and changes promptly to prevent delivery impact.
• Conduct formal phase reviews with sign-offs before advancing through design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Serve as the main client interface on-site, representing PPA at governance and steering committee meetings.
• Maintain robust relationships with clients, contractors, designers, and Qatar authorities to facilitate project progress.
• Manage client expectations through transparent and timely communications across the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with utilities and regulatory bodies to secure necessary approvals and comply with statutory requirements.
• Lead and manage the PMC discipline teams including Technical & Commissioning, QA/QC, Planning, HSE, and Project Controls.
• Plan resourcing, assign priorities, monitor workloads, and conduct performance reviews to foster team development.
• Oversee design deliverable reviews ensuring design intent continuity into procurement, construction, and commissioning stages.
• Resolve technical and interface issues among disciplines, contractors, and client technical teams.
• Support tendering processes, contractor/vendor selection, and contract awards.
• Manage contract administration, ensuring compliance, and handle variations, claims, and disputes with commercial/legal assistance as necessary.
• Control project budgeting, cost forecasting, and monthly financial reporting, including managing contingencies and cost risks.
• Monitor and maintain the master project schedule and risk register, intervening early on delays or risks.
• Ensure quality management and health & safety plans are implemented, audited, and enforced on site.
• Lead or participate in safety and quality meetings, holding contractors accountable for performance.
• Ensure project compliance with contractual obligations and all relevant Qatari laws and permits.
• Supervise commissioning activities in collaboration with the Technical & Commissioning Manager and ensure smooth handover to the client’s operations team.
• Guarantee completion and timely delivery of as-built documentation, operations & maintenance manuals, and project close-out records.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a relevant discipline.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management qualification is preferred.
• At least 10 years’ experience in project or construction management, specifically within mission-critical or data centre environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading PMC or consultancy teams on-site.
• Previous experience working in Qatar or the GCC region is advantageous.

Skills and Knowledge

• Comprehensive expertise across the full project lifecycle for mission-critical/data centre constructions.
• Proficient with contract administration, e.g., FIDIC or similar contract frameworks.
• Strong commercial understanding including cost control, schedule management, and risk mitigation.
• Familiarity with Qatar’s construction regulations, permitting processes, and market conditions.
• Effective client and stakeholder on-site relationship management.
• Leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Arabic language skills are a plus.