The Project
The project comprises a Grade A super high-rise mixed-use development in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The Role
The Senior Construction Manager — CSA monitors and verifies the EPC contractor’s execution of the CSA works on behalf of the Employer, working with the Senior Project Managers, the QA/QC function and the Construction Manager — CSA. Construction means, methods and safety remain the contractor’s responsibility; this role provides the informed, independent site presence that keeps quality, progress and records honest. Because day-to-day site communication involves the local workforce, subcontractors and authorities, fluency in Russian and Kazakh alongside English is essential to this role.
Key Responsibilities
Site supervision and quality
- Monitor the EPC contractor’s execution of the CSA works — piling, excavation and retention, basement, superstructure, facade interfaces and architectural works — for compliance with the approved design, specifications and inspection and test plans.
- Attend and witness inspections, tests and hold points; review the contractor’s inspection requests and records; and track close-out of non-conformances and site observations.
- Review CSA method statements, temporary works submissions and logistics arrangements from an Employer-oversight perspective, raising concerns early.
- Maintain daily site records, photographic records and diaries of progress, resources, weather and events, suitable for progress verification and any future claims assessment.
Progress, interfaces and reporting
- Verify physical progress of the CSA works to support the review of the contractor’s payment applications, coordinating with the cost and contracts team.
- Monitor construction interfaces between the towers, podium, basement and external works, and between the CSA and MEP scopes, escalating conflicts to the Senior Project Managers.
- Observe site HSE conditions and report concerns through the Senior HSE Manager, without relieving the contractor of its statutory and contractual HSE responsibility.
- Contribute the CSA construction sections of the monthly report to the Employer, including progress, quality trends and areas of concern.
- Support punch-listing, testing and handover activities for the CSA works.
Person Specification — Essential
- Degree in civil or structural engineering, or construction management.
- At least 15 years’ construction experience on major building projects, including high-rise reinforced concrete structures and deep basement or piling works, with at least 5 years in a senior construction management or supervision role.
- Client-side, engineer’s representative or supervision consultancy experience, monitoring a contractor’s works rather than executing them.
- Strong working knowledge of inspection and test plan regimes, hold points, material testing and non-conformance management.
- Fluent written and spoken English, Russian and Kazakh.
Critical Attributes
- Professional independence and objectivity when reviewing and commenting on contractor submissions, with the confidence to hold a position under commercial pressure.
- Disciplined record-keeping and correspondence habits, with a working awareness of notice and time-bar obligations under FIDIC-based contracts.
- Clear, concise written English suitable for formal contractual correspondence and reporting.
- Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively across Kazakh, Chinese and international teams.
- Willingness to be resident in Almaty, Kazakhstan for approximately 4 years.
- Physical presence and stamina for a demanding site role across a large, multi-front construction site.
Desirable
- Prior experience on projects in Kazakhstan or the wider CIS region.
- Experience on projects delivered by Chinese EPC contractors.
- Experience of construction in seismic regions, including seismic detailing and workmanship requirements.
- Conversant in Mandarin.
- Familiarity with FIDIC-based supervision and record-keeping obligations.
What AIS-Hill Offers
- A senior site leadership role on a landmark project of regional and international significance
- A competitive professional package
- The structure and backing of an established international consultancy, with access to AIS-Hill’s broader network of project, programme and cost management professionals.