JOB PURPOSE
To lead the on-site architectural supervision and consultant services for major construction projects. This includes the full administration of post-contract responsibilities, managing multidisciplinary site supervision teams, ensuring quality control and compliance with the project’s contract, codes, and specifications, and serving as the primary interface between the client, contractors, design teams and other stakeholders. The exact scope of services may differ on a project-by-project basis and will be further defined as part of the project specific deliverables.
JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Site Lead is responsible for leading the on-site project team and driving the successful delivery of the project. As the most senior project representative on site, this role carries the critical responsibility of safeguarding the company’s interests, contractual, legal, and commercial responsibilities throughout the construction phase and ensuring the project aligns with companies standards and obligations. The Site Lead may be assigned responsibilities across one or multiple projects, as well as strategic or special initiatives aligned with the company's broader objectives. These special assignments may extend beyond project-specific duties and can include tasks such as conducting quality audits, developing procedures, manuals and supporting internal process improvements & development.
In all cases, the Site Lead is expected to work closely, not only with their direct team/ the
Client but also with their immediate supervisor and line manager to clearly define the scope of responsibilities, deliverables, and resource requirements specific to each assignment. The final scope of duties and level of authority will be established in consultation with and subject to approval by the Site Operations Director, Project Director or relevant senior leadership.
Architectural Site Leadership
Lead the site-based lead consultancy team to ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and coordination with all stakeholders & addressing any deficits. Oversee & assist with architectural deliverables, pre-engineering, shop drawings, RFIs, submittals, inspections & construction queries to ensure timely resolution & adherence to project requirement Review & approvals for all works (incl. but not ltd to), mock-ups, and materials. Ensure design coordination across disciplines and contribute to resolution of design/construction conflicts. Monitor that the final construction reflects the approved design, client expectations, and applicable regulations. Produce and issue timely internal and external dashboards
Site Supervision Team Management
Direct and manage the day-to-day performance of site supervision team (architects, engineers, inspectors, sub-consultants and the like). Ensure all team members are properly briefed on their roles and responsibilities. Implement structured delegation and reporting mechanisms. Conduct periodic audits, QA/QC / technical reviews, and performance assessments. Maintain a collaborative, professional, and high-performing supervision environment on site. Ensure employees / team members conduct are upheld to the highest standards Monitor and update in coordination with the Client and Site Operations Director the project, staff deployment, associated schedule and ensure timely delivery of the same at the agreed frequencyProject & Contract Administration
Oversee compliance with the project’s construction contract (FIDIC or equivalent). Issue formal communications, manage variations, evaluate contractor claims, andcontribute to extension of time assessments.
Ensure proper documentation, records & communication protocols are established,used and maintained for all supervision activities.
Coordinate with the Employer’s Representative and Client-appointed Consultants. Act as Engineer’s Representative / Employer’s Representative if appointed, ensuringresponsibilities are discharged in line with the delegated authority.
Assist in stake holder and lead in team dispute resolution
Project Coordination & Stakeholder Interface
Act as the senior site representative of the lead consultant. Establish and manage coordination mechanisms among the consultant team,contractor, suppliers, and client representatives.
Participate in progress meetings, site coordination meetings, and technical reviews. Monitor and steer project progress and associated scheduling and produce relevantreports
Provide strategic input and advice to the client to ensure project objectives are met.
Quality & Compliance Oversight
Enforce quality control standards and escalate issues that risk the design quality orcompliance of the project / deliverables
Monitor health, safety, and environmental practices on site. Participate in final inspections, testing, and commissioning phases. Ensure defect lists, non-conformance reports and site observations are compiled andrectified in line with contract obligations.
Ensure pre-engineering deliverables are in line with contract agreement andimplement measures to maintain and or rectify resulting shortfalls
Monitor and advise on change control process
Leadership & Mentorship
Serve as mentor and technical advisor to staff, engineers and sub-consultants. Lead internal training and onboarding of new site staff. Foster a knowledge-sharing culture that emphasizes continuous improvement andprofessional development to the benefit of the project and company.
Commercial & Invoicing Responsibilities
Coordinate with the head office/accounts team to prepare and validate monthlyconsultancy service invoices in line with contract terms.
Review and confirm site-based and related staff, timesheets for inclusion in monthlybilling.
Collect, verify, and consolidate sub-consultant timesheets for accuracy,completeness, and scope alignment.
Track sub-consultant invoices and ensure timely submission to accounts forprocessing.
Maintain a project-specific log of all invoicing activities, including issue dates,payment terms, and receipt confirmations amongst others.
Monitor outstanding invoices and follow up with clients and relevant stakeholders toensure prompt payment.
Flag and escalate delays in payment or disputed invoices to the Project Director andcommercial team.
Liaise with sub-consultants regarding their payment status and provide updates onpayment cycles and client approvals.
Ensure compliance with internal financial procedures and contractual invoicingrequirements.
Support monthly project & financial reporting with updates on invoice status,forecasted income, and payment risks.
Assist in reconciling client payment records with internal accounts to resolvediscrepancies, if any.
Track any approved variations or scope changes and coordinate with thecommercial team to ensure these are invoiced accordingly.
Minimum Requirement
Qualified Architect (BArch / MArch) with minimum 15 years’ experience; at least 10 yearson-site in the Middle East working into Hotels/Hospitality projects is a must.
Proven experience as a Site Lead or Senior Architect on large-scale or complex projects. Strong working knowledge of FIDIC contract administration and construction management practices. Experience managing multidisciplinary supervision teams in fast-track environments. Familiar with KSA/UAE/Regional Authority codes, regulations, and approval procedures. PMP, MCIOB, or similar certifications are advantageous. Strong documentation, reporting, technical and problem-solving capabilities.