Christian Somerville

Head of Project Management at Compass Project Consulting

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

I am a results-driven project management leader with over a decade of experience delivering complex construction and fit‑out projects across the UAE. Currently serving as Head of Project Management (UAE), I bring a strategic, commercially minded approach to the planning, control, and execution of projects across hospitality, F&B, tourism activation, and mixed-use developments. My background in Civil Engineering (First Class Honours) underpins a strong technical foundation, while my career progression—from graduate to regional leadership—reflects a proven ability to build high‑performing teams, drive process improvement, and consistently deliver value for clients. I am particularly known for my strength in risk management, programme control, stakeholder coordination, and translating design intent into buildable, cost‑effective outcomes. I pride myself on structured project governance, clear decision‑making, and calm leadership under pressure. My focus is always on protecting client interests, optimising delivery outcomes, and creating certainty in fast‑paced, high‑risk environments.

Experience

  • Compass Project Consulting (10 yrs 3 mos)
    • Head of Project Management (UAE)
      Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

      I lead the delivery of complex construction and fit‑out projects across hospitality, F&B, and mixed‑use sectors, overseeing teams, processes, and project governance. I am responsible for strategic planning, risk and programme control, and ensuring consistent, high‑quality outcomes for clients across the UAE.

    • Associate
      Jan 2024 - Feb 2025 · 1 yr 2 mos

      I managed the end‑to‑end delivery of multiple construction and fit‑out projects, acting as the primary client interface and coordinating consultants and contractors. The role focused on programme, cost, and risk management while supporting senior leadership in driving best‑practice project controls and processes.

    • Senior Project Manager
      Jun 2022 - Jan 2024 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Planning, controlling and executing construction projects throughout the full project life cycle, across an array of categories from F&B fit-out to tourism activation and hotel refurbishment, throughout the UAE.

  • Civil Engineering Student at University of South Australia
    Feb 2011 - Nov 2015 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    GPA of 6.52/7

  • Campbelltown City Council (SA) (8 mos)
    • Undergraduate Civil Engineer
      Mar 2015 - Jul 2015 · 5 mos

      Part Time Undergraduate Civil Engineer

    • Industrial Experience
      Dec 2014 - Mar 2015 · 4 mos

      Full Time Work Experience as an Undergraduate Civil Engineer

  • Australian Taxation Office (Greater Adelaide Area)
    • Debt Collections Officer
      Nov 2013 - Jul 2014 · 9 mos

      Managing client accounts, actioning client and tax agent requests, Liaising with clients and tax agents, compiling and dispersing legal documents to clients and banks, meeting deadlines and statistics set daily, decision making.

    • Operations Officer
      Jun 2013 - Nov 2013 · 6 mos

      Managing client accounts, actioning client and tax agent requests, account reconciliation

  • Customer Service Representative at Retail Sales
    Oct 2004 - Jun 2013 · 8 yrs 9 mos

    Specialising in customer assistance, stock control, cash control, re-fitting of store. Receiving great customer feedback which ultimately led to being nominated as one of the best customer service assistants in Australia by Target Australia.