Restaurant Fit-Out Project Manager (1 Year Contract)

About 971 Hospitality and Soraya 971 Hospitality Limited is a UAE-based hospitality company and part of the wider Pachamama Group, founded in London in 2014, with a portfolio of restaurants across London and Monaco. Building on this international experience, 971 Hospitality operates its own restaurants, partners with owners and developers, advises on concepts and openings, and provides restaurant services across the UAE. Our name reflects the UAE’s country code — a company built here, for here. Our growing portfolio includes Soraya Abu Dhabi (operating venue), Soraya Dubai (pre-opening venue) and Zēphyr Abu Dhabi (pre-opening venue), each offering a distinctive dining experience; Our flagship concept, Soraya, is a refined dining destination in Abu Dhabi celebrating Persian-inspired cuisine in an elegant greenhouse setting, with flavorful dishes, smoky grilled skewers, and a distinctive communal dining experience. Zēphyr, named after the Greek god of the West Wind, captures the effortless charm of Mediterranean living. Born in London and established in Monaco, it brings together Grecian-inspired dining, the art of sharing and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, complemented by its late-night bar, Naked&Famous. About the Job As the Restaurant Fit-Out Project Manager at 971 Hospitality Limited (Head Office), you will lead the build-out of two new restaurants, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai, from design coordination through to handover. As part of our pre-opening team, you will manage contractors, consultants and suppliers across both sites so that each venue is delivered on time, on budget and to the standard that reflects their distinctive dining experiences. Your key responsibilities include: • Manage the full fit-out lifecycle of both outlets, from design development and tendering through construction, testing and handover. • Plan and run both projects in parallel, coordinating timelines, resources and priorities between the Abu Dhabi and Dubai sites. • Coordinate architects, interior designers, MEP consultants, kitchen designers and contractors so that designs are practical, compliant and buildable. • Develop and control budgets, schedules and cost plans for each project, and report progress to senior management. • Lead tendering, contractor selection and procurement of FF&E, kitchen equipment and long-lead items, using shared suppliers across both sites where possible. • Oversee site activities regularly at both locations, monitoring quality, workmanship and adherence to specifications. • Manage authority approvals in both emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai municipality, civil defence and food safety requirements, and obtain all permits and certificates needed for opening. • Enforce health and safety standards on both sites. • Manage variations, claims and change orders, and resolve technical issues as they arise. • Coordinate testing and commissioning of MEP systems, kitchen equipment and building services, and manage snagging through to final handover. • Work closely with the Head Chef, operations team and pre-opening management so that each space meets operational and guest-experience needs. About You  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or MEP Engineering, or a related field. • Proven experience managing restaurant, F&B, hospitality or retail fit-out projects in the UAE. • Experience running multiple projects at the same time. • Strong knowledge of MEP systems and commercial kitchen requirements, including ventilation, gas, drainage and fire safety. • Familiarity with authority approval processes in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. • Solid skills in budgeting, cost control, scheduling and contract administration. • Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders. • Proficiency in MS Project or Primavera, AutoCAD and MS Office. • Valid UAE driving licence, since the role involves regular travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. • PMP or an equivalent project management certification is an advantage.

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or MEP Engineering, or a related field. Proven experience managing restaurant, F&B, hospitality or retail fit-out projects in the UAE. Experience running multiple projects at the same time. Strong knowledge of MEP systems and commercial kitchen requirements, including ventilation, gas, drainage and fire safety. Familiarity with authority approval processes in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Solid skills in budgeting, cost control, scheduling and contract administration. Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders. Proficiency in MS Project or Primavera, AutoCAD and MS Office. Valid UAE driving licence, since the role involves regular travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. PMP or an equivalent project management certification is an advantage.

Manage the full fit-out lifecycle of both outlets, from design development and tendering through construction, testing and handover. Plan and run both projects in parallel, coordinating timelines, resources and priorities between the Abu Dhabi and Dubai sites. Coordinate architects, interior designers, MEP consultants, kitchen designers and contractors so that designs are practical, compliant and buildable. Develop and control budgets, schedules and cost plans for each project, and report progress to senior management. Lead tendering, contractor selection and procurement of FF&E, kitchen equipment and long-lead items, using shared suppliers across both sites where possible. Oversee site activities regularly at both locations, monitoring quality, workmanship and adherence to specifications. Manage authority approvals in both emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai municipality, civil defence and food safety requirements, and obtain all permits and certificates needed for opening. Enforce health and safety standards on both sites. Manage variations, claims and change orders, and resolve technical issues as they arise. Coordinate testing and commissioning of MEP systems, kitchen equipment and building services, and manage snagging through to final handover. Work closely with the Head Chef, operations team and pre-opening management so that each space meets operational and guest-experience needs.