Project Manager (Hotels) 9-Month contract (Chinese speaking) (MBJ0227)

• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Hiring: Project Manager | Hospitality Interior Design
• Chinese language proficiency is essential
• USD 8,000-10,000 per month
• 9-month, full-time, project-based contract
• Back-and-forth travel between Dubai and Ethiopia provided
• Hotel accommodation in Ethiopia provided

About the Client

Portico Recruitment is working with an internationally established interior design practice specialising in luxury hospitality. With a global studio network and a portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, branded residences and dining destinations, the practice combines creative design with multidisciplinary expertise to deliver distinctive guest environments for leading hospitality brands.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee the on-site delivery of a hospitality interiors project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Commencing in January 2027, this nine-month assignment will involve managing day-to-day site activities, coordinating project stakeholders and ensuring construction meets the approved interior design drawings, technical specifications, quality standards and programme.

You will act as the key link between the Ethiopia site team and the practice's Dubai-based design and management teams, ensuring timely communication, decisions and resolution of construction-related issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day project execution and site activities, maintaining alignment with approved drawings, specifications and project schedules.
• Coordinate local contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants and relevant authorities to support smooth project delivery.
• Monitor construction quality, workmanship and compliance with the approved interior design intent.
• Conduct regular site inspections, identify issues and coordinate corrective actions to minimise delays and rework.
• Liaise with the Dubai design team to resolve technical queries, design discrepancies and construction-related challenges.
• Ensure project activities comply with applicable Ethiopian regulations, permit requirements and site-specific standards.
• Monitor contractor performance, resource allocation, project man-hours, costs and construction schedules.
• Coordinate material procurement, delivery schedules, logistics and customs clearance where applicable.
• Identify project risks, construction delays and operational challenges, escalating critical matters to senior management.
• Prepare regular progress reports, site photographs, updated programmes, meeting minutes and outstanding-issue trackers.
• Manage design changes, technical clarifications and variations, ensuring appropriate documentation and approval before implementation.
• Coordinate snagging, defect rectification, testing, commissioning and final project handover.
• Represent the practice professionally on-site, maintaining effective relationships with the client and project stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• Strong project management and hands-on site execution experience, ideally gained within hospitality interiors, luxury hotels or high-end interior fit-out.
• Fluent spoken Chinese, with the ability to communicate effectively with Chinese-speaking project stakeholders.
• Strong English communication skills to coordinate with the Dubai office and wider project team.
• Proven ability to interpret interior design drawings, construction documentation and technical specifications.
• Experience coordinating contractors, consultants and suppliers across complex construction or refurbishment projects.
• A sound understanding of construction quality, interior finishes, installation standards and site inspection processes.
• Experience monitoring project programmes, costs, resources and contractor performance.
• Confidence managing technical queries, design changes, variations and site-related problems.
• Strong reporting, organisation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience supporting snagging, commissioning, defect rectification and handover.
• Willingness to be based in Addis Ababa for the nine-month assignment, commencing January 2027.

Package and Longer-Term Opportunity

• Salary of USD 8,000-10,000 per month, depending on experience.
• Travel between Dubai and Ethiopia provided.
• Hotel accommodation in Ethiopia provided.
• Health insurance arranged for the duration of the assignment.
• Meals and local transportation are not included.
• Following completion of the Ethiopia assignment, the role will transition to the practice's Dubai studio under separately agreed employment terms and salary.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV to Portico Recruitment, outlining your relevant hospitality or interior fit-out project experience, Chinese language proficiency and availability to commence in January 2027.