Construction Project Manager at Orkidstudio

Job description

Are you a skilled engineer or experienced building contractor who is talented in project management? Are you motivated by designing and executing construction projects? Do you have a passion for contributing to community empowerment through your work?

This is a full-time position based at our Nairobi office in Kenya and candidates should have minimum 5 years’ experience. The role will require you to be willing to travel in connection with our construction projects across East Africa and Zambia.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES

Competency:

• Have a detailed knowledge of the technical aspects of construction, including first hand experience with a variety building systems (RC frame, masonry, timber frame and earthen building methods are particularly relevant);
• A strong understanding of quality standards and assurance, plus experience with construction health and safety compliance;
• Competence in reading and interpreting technical documentation and drawings required to execute a project;
• Trained in commonly used industry software (AutoCAD, MS Excel, MS Project), and an aptitude for learning new software. Experience using Procore and ProEst considered a bonus;
• Strong leadership skills and confidence directing and supervising large teams of people. Experience working with community groups will be considered a bonus;
• Key managerial skills, including having had control over construction budgets and schedules;
• A strong aptitude for problem-solving and clear decision-making within a challenging and pressured environment.

Project Management:

• Work with the client and internal teams to create project plans that will guide implementation;
• Manage the execution of a project from beginning to end, within budget and according to agreed upon timelines;
• Understand and be able to independently handle multiple construction projects of varying complexity and with diverse requirements;

Site Management:

• Manage on-site resources including construction materials and teams (experience working with low-skill-level teams is a bonus);
• Oversee construction projects on site, competently managing regular reporting and adherence to health and safety requirements;
• Support local community relationships and ensure the essential buy-in of community leaders, organizers, and members;
• Ensure quality of workmanship through proper methodology, supervision and instruction to the project Foreman/woman and workforce.

Social Impact:

• Value Orkidstudio’s mission and demonstrate commitment to ensuring social impact goals are met on each project, with a focus on training women in construction;
• Experience training or working with community teams, especially in construction, is a bonus.

DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Minimum 5 years’ experience, in construction or site management;
• Experience is valued more than academic qualifications, though relevant degrees include civil/structural engineering, construction/project management, architecture and quantity surveying;
• Willing and able to travel within East Africa and Zambia, including spending periods in remote or challenging environments;
• Passionate about developing communities and empowering women in construction;
• Confident, independent and proactive worker, able to multi-task under pressure;
• Strong expertise coordinating construction projects and ensuring high quality outcomes;
• Experience working with alternative building materials would be a bonus (non-essential);
• Registered with a relevant professional board or body considered a plus (non-essential).