The Project
The project comprises a Grade A super high-rise mixed-use development in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The Role
The Senior Project Manager — Low Rise & Podium manages the Employer’s interests across the podium and low-rise scope for the full delivery cycle: monitoring the EPC contractor’s design coordination, construction execution, progress, quality and interfaces, and reporting to the Program Director. The role does not carry design responsibility — design and code compliance rest entirely with the EPC contractor — but it requires the technical depth to challenge the contractor constructively and the contractual discipline expected under a FIDIC Silver Book structure.
Key Responsibilities
Package delivery
- Manage the Employer’s oversight of the low-rise and podium works from mobilisation through construction, testing, commissioning and handover.
- Monitor the EPC contractor’s progress against the works programme; review look-ahead programmes, method statements and logistics plans for the package; and identify slippage, interface risks and recovery needs early.
- Manage the physical and programme interfaces between the low rise podium, the two towers, the basement and the external works, together with fit-out interfaces as they arise.
- Chair package-level progress and coordination meetings and maintain accurate minutes and action tracking.
Quality, commercial and reporting
- Work with the construction management and QA/QC functions to monitor quality of the works, inspection and test plan compliance, and close-out of non-conformances for the package.
- Coordinate design queries and technical clarifications for the package with the design management team, and support the review of contractor design submissions from a buildability and interface perspective.
- Support the cost and contracts team with package-level input on progress verification, variations and claims, maintaining contemporaneous records.
- Prepare package sections of the monthly report to the Employer, including progress, risks, quality and interface status.
- Manage punch-listing, handover documentation and completion activities for the package.
Person Specification — Essential
- Degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or a related discipline.
- At least 12 years’ experience in building construction, including at least 5 years as a project manager on large mixed-use, retail, hospitality or comparable building projects.
- Delivery experience of large-footprint podium, retail or public-assembly structures (in the order of 40,000 sqm or larger), including complex MEP-intensive and fit-out-heavy spaces.
- Client-side or project management consultancy experience, managing a contractor rather than working within one.
- International experience in emerging markets.
- Fluent written and spoken English, able to communicate effectively with the Employer, the EPC contractor and specialist consultants at all levels.
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.
Desirable
- Experience administering or working under FIDIC contract forms (Silver or Yellow Book).
- Experience on projects in seismic regions.
- Experience on projects delivered by Chinese EPC contractors.
- Conversant in Russian, Kazakh and/or Mandarin.
- Experience of hotel, banquet or cultural facility delivery and operator coordination.
What AIS-Hill Offers
- A senior delivery 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.