Arada | Senior QAQC Manager, Dubai

About us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose:

The Senior Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) Manager is responsible for implementing, managing and continually improving quality across ARADA developments, from design and procurement through construction, testing, commissioning, handover and defects resolution.

The role provides independent assurance that the completed product meets approved designs, specifications, applicable statutory requirements and agreed customer standards. Working with development teams, consultants, contractors and operations, the manager drives consistent workmanship, prevents defects and protects building safety, durability, appearance and long-term asset performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Implementation and Governance

• Establish and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 and applicable company and project requirements.
• Translate quality objectives into project quality plans, assurance programmes, acceptance criteria and clear responsibilities across assigned developments.
• Lead assigned QAQC personnel, assess resource needs and provide independent advice to the Senior QHSE and Logistics Director and project leadership.
• Maintain effective document control, traceable inspection records and escalation routes for material quality risks and unresolved concerns.

Design and Procurement Assurance

• Participate in design reviews to verify that performance, durability, buildability, maintainability and customer requirements are addressed, with technical decisions substantiated by the responsible designers.
• Define quality requirements for consultant appointments, tenders and procurement packages, including inspection responsibilities, testing, acceptance evidence and handover deliverables.
• Assess suppliers and specialist contractors; oversee material submissions, samples, mock-ups, benchmark installations and factory inspections. Verify that substitutions and design changes receive the required technical approval before use.

Construction Quality and Technical Assurance

• Review consultant and contractor quality plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), method statements and inspection arrangements. Verify competent staffing, effective supervision and compliance with agreed hold and witness points.
• Oversee concrete and structural quality controls, including mix approvals, reinforcement and embedded items, pour readiness, placement, curing, sampling and strength results. Verify specialist assurance for structural steel, welding, precast and post-tensioning where applicable.
• Oversee quality controls for façades, glazing, cladding, waterproofing, balustrades, anchors, load-bearing connections, fire stopping, cavity barriers and other safety-critical fixtures, including installation inspections and specified performance testing.
• Monitor finishes, joinery, doors, ironmongery, fixtures and fittings against approved samples and benchmarks.

Verify dimensional tolerances, interfaces, appearance, function and protection of completed work.

• Check material traceability, storage, test records and inspection status, including Work Inspection Requests

(WIRs) and Material Inspection Requests (MIRs). Verify that concealed works are inspected before closure.

Compliance Audits and Quality Risk Management

• Maintain quality risk registers and plan audits and targeted surveillance of consultants, contractors, suppliers and critical construction activities. Verify compliance with applicable approvals, codes, specifications and contractual requirements.
• Verify laboratory competence and accreditation for the relevant test methods, sample traceability, testing frequency and equipment calibration. Escalate failed, inconsistent or missing results for engineering assessment and approved disposition.
• Escalate significant non-compliance promptly and require containment through approved procedures. Recommend rejection, withholding of release or suspension of affected work within delegated and contractual authority.

Nonconformity Management and Continual Improvement

• Manage Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), lead investigations into significant defects and establish root causes, accountable owners and corrective actions.
• Verify that repair, replacement or concession proposals receive the required design and contractual approvals.

Confirm reinspection, supporting evidence and corrective-action effectiveness before closure.

• Analyse recurring defects and customer complaints; implement lessons learned in design, procurement and construction controls to reduce rework and the cost of poor quality.

Testing Commissioning and Handover

• Oversee quality assurance of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) testing, commissioning and integrated systems testing, including fire and life safety interfaces and specified performance demonstrations.
• Engage Facilities Management (FM) and operations early to verify maintainability, access, asset information, operational requirements and handover acceptance criteria.
• Verify the completeness and technical acceptance of commissioning records, as-built drawings, Operation and

Maintenance (O&M) manuals, warranties, training, spare parts and required authority approvals.

• Lead quality readiness reviews, snagging and verification of defect closure before recommending handover

acceptance. Escalate unresolved safety or functional defects and oversee quality follow-up during the contractual defects period.

Training and Quality Culture

• Develop and deliver practical quality training for internal teams, consultants and contractors, using approved benchmarks, common defects and lessons learned.
• Coach QAQC personnel and assess competence in inspection, auditing, technical reporting and defect investigation.
• Promote clear accountability for workmanship, accurate reporting and timely escalation of defects and quality concerns.

Reporting and Performance Monitoring

ARADA

• Maintain quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and dashboards covering inspection acceptance, overdue NCRs, repeat defects, test failures, rework, consultant and contractor performance, and handover readiness.
• Prepare concise reports for the Senior QHSE and Logistics Director, highlighting material risks, trends, customer impacts and decisions required, with evidence suitable for executive and Board reporting.
• Agree improvement actions with delivery teams, track their effectiveness and use verified data to improve quality across the development portfolio.

What you'll bring:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction engineering or a relevant engineering discipline is preferred, substantial building and infrastructure quality experience is essential for the role.

Professional Certifications

• Recognised ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification, supported by practical audit experience.
• Professional membership or chartered status with a recognised engineering or quality institution is desirable.

Relevant construction quality and specialist inspection qualifications are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum ten years’ relevant QAQC experience, including at least five years managing quality on major construction or real estate developments.
• Proven experience across design assurance, structural works, concrete, façades, waterproofing, finishes, building services, commissioning and handover, with effective use of specialist expertise.
• Experience implementing quality systems and managing consultant and contractor performance across multiple projects. Developer or project management consultancy experience, and UAE or wider GCC experience, are preferred.

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.