The Senior Manager Stakeholder & Permitting leads the Stakeholder & Permitting team, ensuring all permitting processes comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements. This role provides strategic oversight and enhances permitting operations, playing a pivotal part in the successful execution of capital and construction projects within Abu Dhabi Airports.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a permitting tracker to monitor ongoing applications and approvals.
- Ensure timely submission of permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges to minimize delays in projects.
- Standardize and document operational workflows for clarity and consistency.
- Monitor project progress related to permits and approvals, aligning with project schedules.
- Develop and implement initiatives to streamline stakeholder interactions and permitting processes.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices.
- Collaborate with internal departments to align permitting strategies with organizational goals.
- Manage stakeholder relations, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, utility providers, contractors, and consultants.
- Act as primary liaison for external parties to address concerns and foster collaboration.
- Coordinate with government agencies to ensure timely acquisition of permits for capital projects.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of relevant regulations.
- Monitor permitting processes for compliance with standards, procedures, contracts, and regulations.
- Provide leadership and oversight for regulatory submissions and local permitting activities.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to permitting and stakeholder interactions.
- Provide regular reports to senior management on permitting status, stakeholder issues, and risks.
- Recommend actionable solutions for regulatory or permitting challenges.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Stakeholder & Permitting team, fostering accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Set performance objectives, provide feedback, and conduct professional development initiatives.
- Ensure efficient team operations through training and resource provision.
- Conduct performance appraisals and recommend actions in coordination with HR.
- Identify training needs and evaluate training outcomes with HR.
- Work with HR to forecast future manpower requirements.
- Seek professional development opportunities aligned with ADA values.
- Participate in performance appraisals and implement manager feedback.
- Maintain a safe, organized workspace and encourage a safe work environment.
- Report hazards or unsafe conditions.
- Follow safety guidelines and promote compliance among peers.
- Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the Line Manager to meet divisional objectives.
Requirements and Skills
Top Competencies Required:
- Customer focus
- Strong knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s regulatory framework and permitting requirements
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and deliver under tight deadlines
- Proficiency in project management tools and software
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- High commercial acumen
- Relationship management
- Comfort with analytics and numbers
- Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Safety and compliance focus
- Digital skills
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
Experience:
- Minimum 8 years in stakeholder management and permitting processes, preferably in large-scale infrastructure, construction, or airport projects
- At least 3 years in a leadership/managerial position overseeing teams and strategic operations
- Extensive experience in stakeholder management, permitting, and regulatory compliance in large infrastructure or airport development projects
