Project Manager - Expert Immersed Tunnels - Iraq, Basrah

Our client is a leading international contractor specializing in large-scale civil infrastructure and marine construction. They are seeking a highly experienced Project Manager with a proven track record in immersed tunnel construction to oversee a major infrastructure project in Iraq.

This role requires strong technical expertise, strategic leadership, and the ability to manage large-scale tunnel immersion projects in challenging environments. The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring on-time delivery, compliance with engineering standards, and seamless execution of this high-profile project.

Attention!

Only candidates who have actual experience as a Project Manager responsible for an immersed tunnel project will be considered for this position. This is a very senior role where you will take over a significant portion of the project management currently handled by the Project Director

• The project involves the construction and installation of a large-scale immersed tunnel beneath a major waterway. Key aspects include:
• Precast tunnel elements – each approximately 125 meters long, weighing up to 46,000 tons.
• A complex immersion process, including floating, maneuvering, and precisely lowering elements into position using specialized engineering techniques.
• The use of advanced winch systems, catamaran pontoons, and immersion joint technologies to ensure structural integrity and watertight connections.
• The integration of this infrastructure into a regional transportation network, enhancing connectivity and economic development.

• Project Leadership & Execution
• Lead the planning, execution, and completion of the immersed tunnel project, ensuring it meets scope, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Define and implement project execution strategies, aligning with contract, financial, and technical objectives.
• Oversee risk management, project scheduling, and problem-solving, ensuring smooth progress and mitigation of delays.

•  Technical & Operational Oversight
• Supervise the safe and precise immersion of tunnel elements, ensuring compliance with technical and engineering standards.
• Oversee technical office operations, including planning, progress tracking, and documentation.
• Implement best practices in marine construction and geotechnical engineering, optimizing workflows and ensuring quality standards.

• Financial & Contract Management
• Manage project budgets, cost control, and financial forecasting, ensuring financial efficiency and adherence to contract terms.
• Oversee contract administration, claims management, and variation orders.
• Ensure strict compliance with contractual obligations, client requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

• Stakeholder & Team Management
• Serve as the main liaison between clients, subcontractors, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Resolve project challenges, technical issues, and contractual disputes efficiently.

• Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Compliance
• Ensure strict adherence to HSE policies, enforcing site safety regulations and environmental best practices.
• Oversee compliance with ISO regulations, environmental protection standards, and local legal requirements.

• Educational Background:
• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Required).
• Additional certifications in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2), Contract Management, or HSE Compliance are a plus.
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• Experience:
• Minimum 15 years of experience in large-scale civil infrastructure projects.
• Extensive hands-on experience in immersed tunnel construction, including float-out, positioning, and immersion techniques.
• Proven expertise in marine construction, complex precast installations, and geotechnical considerations.
• Strong background in contract management, claims resolution, and cost control.
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•  Skills & Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of immersed tunnel methodologies, hydrodynamics, and precision positioning.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution skills.
• Fluency in English (additional languages are a plus).

• Single Status, Camp-Based Role (Candidate must be willing to work under these conditions).
• Duration: Fixed-term contract until project completion (late 2025 or early 2026).
• Flexibility to work in a remote and challenging environment.