Handover/Closeout Manager

Handover Manager - PROJECT OPERATIONS | Handover & Close-OutThe Handover Manager will lead the end-to-end handover and close-out of a luxury hotel project, ensuring the development is fully completed, operationally ready, and handed over to the client in line with approved quality standards, project milestones, and contractual requirements.The role will provide strong leadership across multidisciplinary teams and manage the transition from construction completion through snagging, testing & commissioning, documentation, operational readiness, and final client acceptance.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the overall handover and close-out strategy for the luxury hotel project, aligned with project milestones and client requirements.Develop and manage the integrated handover programme, ensuring readiness for practical completion, opening, and operational takeover.Coordinate with Construction, MEP, Engineering, QA/QC, Testing & Commissioning, Design, Commercial, and Operations teams to achieve seamless project close-out.Lead the management of snagging, de-snagging, outstanding works, and critical defects through to closure.Oversee the completion and quality of key handover deliverables, including as-built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, asset registers, statutory approvals, test certificates, and training records.Ensure all hotel systems, facilities, guest areas, back-of-house areas, and building services are fully operational and ready for hotel operations.Coordinate closely with the client, hotel operator, consultants, contractors, and specialist vendors throughout the handover process.Ensure effective integration of testing & commissioning outputs into the final handover and operational readiness process.Monitor handover progress, identify critical risks and gaps, and drive timely resolution of outstanding issues.Provide concise executive-level reporting on project readiness, key risks, deliverables, and completion status.Lead the final transition and knowledge transfer to the client and hotel operator, ensuring a smooth and controlled operational takeover.Ensure compliance with project specifications, contractual obligations, quality standards, HSE requirements, and applicable statutory regulations.Experience & Qualifications15+ years of relevant experience in construction, project handover, or project close-out.Minimum 5 years of GCC experience.Proven experience delivering handover of luxury hotels, hospitality, high-end mixed-use, or similarly complex developments.Strong understanding of multidisciplinary construction, MEP, testing & commissioning, QA/QC, and operational readiness.Experience managing clients, hotel operators, consultants, contractors, and specialist vendors.Strong leadership, stakeholder management, planning, problem-solving, and communication skills.Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringPreferred: Experience with Tier 1 general contractors, with exposure to major hospitality developments in the GCC.