Chief Project Manager

Reporting Line: Chief Operating Officer, GMD/CEO, Mshel Group

Purview and Supervisory Oversight Mshel Construction Companies; all construction projects across the Group

Role Summary

The Chief Project Manager is the senior construction professional responsible for the successful delivery, commercial performance, safety and long‑term asset integrity of all construction and infrastructure projects across Mshel Group. This role provides strategic direction and hands‑on leadership for project planning, execution, contract management, civil and construction management as well as all cross‑functional coordination while supervising the Group’s construction and infrastructure businesses. The Chief Project Manager ensures projects are delivered to scope, on time, within budget and to the Group’s quality, HSE and customer‑experience standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Group's overall project management strategy, frameworks and standards, and provide executive leadership to the Group Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring best-practice project governance in line with the GMD/CEO's vision and corporate objectives.
• Advise the GMD/CEO and Board on strategic project risks, opportunities, resource requirements and portfolio performance, while championing a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement across all project teams.
• Lead end-to-end project lifecycle management — from feasibility, planning and mobilization through execution, commissioning, handover and post-project review.
• Oversee the development of detailed project plans, work breakdown structures, execution schedules, resource plans and budgets, ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required scope and quality standards.
• Direct and supervise Construction Managers, Project Managers, Site Engineers and field-level construction teams across all active project sites, managing change control, variation orders and scope adjustments in line with contractual terms and Group policy.
• Provide overall oversight of contract administration, including the review, negotiation and management of general contracts, sub-contracts and supplier agreements, and ensure timely procurement of materials, equipment and services in compliance with Group policy and project cost plans.
• Monitor contractor and sub-contractor performance against contractual terms, delivery milestones and quality benchmarks, and manage dispute resolution and claims in collaboration with the Legal and Finance teams.
• Take overall ownership of project budgets across the Group's construction and infrastructure portfolio, approving expenditures within delegated authority limits and reviewing project financial performance reports regularly.
• Drive cost optimization and value engineering initiatives without compromising quality, safety or delivery timelines, ensuring accurate and timely cost forecasting, reporting and variance analysis to the GMD/CEO and relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary executive interface between the Mshel Group and key external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, government agencies and consultants, representing the Group at high-level project meetings, site visits, contract signings, regulatory inspections and industry forums.
• Champion and enforce the highest standards of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) across all project sites, and establish and maintain quality management systems ensuring output meets design specifications, industry standards, client expectations and all relevant building codes and regulations.
• Review and act promptly on HSE incident reports, non-conformance reports and quality audit findings.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary project management team across the Group's entities, establishing clear performance standards, KPIs and accountability frameworks.
• Conduct periodic performance reviews, provide coaching and developmental feedback, identify training needs, and foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented and high-accountability team culture.
• Prepare and present comprehensive project portfolio status reports to the GMD/CEO, Executive Committee and Board, and maintain rigorous project documentation, including project charters, status reports, risk registers, lessons-learned logs and close-out reports.
• Ensure adherence to Group governance standards, procurement policies, financial controls and regulatory requirements across all project activities, and facilitate post-project reviews to institutionalize lessons learned into future project practices.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional Certification Mandatory: Must be a Chartered Project Manager with Project Management certification (PMP, Prince2 Practitioner, or equivalent) proof required. Additional certifications (RICS, Chartered Engineer, IFMA) advantageous.
• Chartered Member / Fellow;  Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), or Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) registration is highly preferred.
• FIDIC Contract Management Certification -  Highly advantageous.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in civil and construction project delivery, project management and general contracts. Must have with measurable senior managerial experience; demonstrable track record in general contracting, infrastructure projects and multi‑project portfolios.
• Technical Competence: Deep knowledge of construction methods, processes, MEP systems, site logistics, procurement and contract law. Proficient with project controls, scheduling tools and EHS systems.
• Commercial Acumen: Proven experience managing multi‑million budgets, cost forecasting, claims and vendor negotiations.
• Leadership Experience: Minimum 10 years in a senior managerial role with responsibility for multiple project teams and P&L influence.
• Other Requirements: Strong IT literacy (MS Project, Primavera or equivalent, BIM awareness, CAFM/EAM familiarity), valid professional registration where applicable, willingness to travel and work on site.

Core Competencies and Behaviours

• Strategic Thinking Aligns project execution with corporate strategy and long‑term asset value.
• Decisive Leadership Makes timely, evidence‑based decisions under pressure and accepts accountability.
• Commercial Mindset Balances cost, schedule and quality to protect margins and reputation.
• Stakeholder Influence Builds trust with internal and external stakeholders; negotiates effectively.
• Operational Excellence Strong process orientation, attention to detail and continuous improvement focus.
• Safety First Demonstrable commitment to HSE leadership and incident prevention.
• People Development Coaches senior managers and fosters high‑performing teams.
• Resilience and Adaptability Manages ambiguity, competing priorities and complex project dynamics.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive executive salary commensurate with experience; performance‑linked bonus tied to portfolio KPIs.
• Benefits including healthcare, pension and professional development support.