Job Title: Laboratory Manager
Location: UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Coastal & Marine Engineering
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and supervision of physical model construction activities within a specialist Coastal & Hydrodynamic Centre.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the delivery of physical models for coastal and marine engineering projects, ensuring compliance with technical requirements, project schedules, quality standards, and testing objectives. The role acts as the primary interface between engineering, workshop, procurement, and operations teams to ensure efficient execution of laboratory and physical modelling activities.
Key Responsibilities
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Plan, coordinate, supervise, and manage all physical model construction activities for hydraulic and coastal engineering projects.
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Ensure timely delivery of physical models in accordance with approved technical specifications, testing requirements, project schedules, and budgets.
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Coordinate closely with the Design Team to ensure accurate interpretation and implementation of physical model designs during construction.
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Coordinate with engineering and procurement teams for the procurement and mobilisation of materials, specialist equipment, outsourced resources, and subcontracted services.
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Supervise and manage model construction personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of work.
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Optimise the allocation of manpower, workshop facilities, equipment, and resources to meet operational priorities.
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Monitor construction progress and ensure alignment with testing schedules and project milestones.
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Ensure proper fabrication, assembly, installation, and preparation of physical models before testing activities.
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Coordinate with technical teams to ensure the readiness and availability of laboratory equipment, tools, and testing infrastructure.
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Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical and operational issues during model construction and testing preparation.
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Manage external suppliers, subcontractors, and specialist service providers.
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Ensure compliance with HSE procedures, safety standards, and operational requirements.
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Maintain construction documentation, material records, progress reports, and project logs.
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Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to laboratory operations, physical model construction methodologies, and workflow efficiency.
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Contribute to the development and expansion of laboratory capabilities, facilities, and operational procedures.
Requirements
Qualifications
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Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
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Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
Experience
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Minimum 12 years of experience within marine, coastal, hydraulic, or construction-related industries.
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Minimum 5 years of experience within hydraulic laboratories, physical modelling facilities, or specialist workshop or construction management roles.
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Experience managing and supervising physical model construction activities.
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Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams.
Technical Competencies
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Strong coordination and organisational skills.
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Strong leadership and workforce management capabilities.
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Good understanding of coastal and marine engineering principles.
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Knowledge of physical model testing processes and laboratory operations.
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Strong planning and resource management skills.
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Experience with workshop operations, fabrication, and construction activities.
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Ability to coordinate effectively with engineering, procurement, and operations teams.
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Familiarity with construction materials, fabrication techniques, and equipment used for physical modelling.
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Knowledge of HSE regulations and laboratory safety requirements.
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Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
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Ability to manage multiple activities within demanding project schedules.
Language Requirements
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Fluent English (written and spoken).
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Arabic is advantageous.
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Additional languages are beneficial.
IT Skills
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Microsoft Office (Word, Advanced Excel, PowerPoint).
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AutoCAD.
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Familiarity with planning and reporting tools is advantageous.
Key Competencies
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Laboratory Operations
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Physical Modelling
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Coastal Engineering
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Marine Engineering
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Resource Planning
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Workshop Management
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Construction Management
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Team Leadership
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Project Coordination
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HSE Compliance
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Problem Solving
What's on Offer
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Opportunity to lead laboratory operations supporting complex coastal and marine engineering projects.
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Work within a specialist engineering and physical modelling environment.
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Exposure to technically challenging infrastructure projects.
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Long-term career development within a multidisciplinary engineering organisation.