Operations Manager (Infrastructure Projects) - Main Contractor
United Arab Emirates | Permanent
Our Infrastructure Main Contracting client has a new requirement for a well experienced Operations Manager with strong experience in Infrastructure and Heavy Civil Construction projects to join their team in Abu Dhabi. Successful candidates will have a proven background as an Operations Manager on large scale infrastructure and heavy civils projects, ideally in the UAE. Preference will be given to candidates who have worked for recognised infrastructure / main contracting companies previously.
This role is available for immediate joining and is a direct hire opportunity, permanently employed by our client.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct all infrastructure projects to ensure timely, on-budget, and high quality delivery.
- Lead strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
- Drive operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
- Oversee senior project teams and engage key stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with UAE regulations and ISO standards.
- Manage the daily operations of each business unit, ensuring efficiency, profitability, and adherence to quality standards.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Work with the CEO to set long-term goals, implement strategic plans, and monitor performance against KPIs.
- Cross-Business Coordination: Streamline processes and identify opportunities for synergy between companies, including shared services, suppliers, and resources.
- Team Leadership & Communication: Manage and mentor key staff across businesses, ensure clear communication between departments, and support strong leadership at all levels.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: Tackle operational challenges proactively, implement effective solutions, and manage risk across varying sectors.
- Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular performance reports to the CEO, highlighting trends, concerns, and opportunities for growth or optimisation.
- Project Management: Lead new business launches, refurbishments, or strategic projects from planning through to delivery.
- Compliance & Governance: Ensure all businesses are operating in line with legal, financial, and regulatory standards applicable.
Operations Manager Experience:
- Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 25+ years’ experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
- Strong knowledge of project delivery frameworks (e.g., FIDIC).
- Proficient in Primavera P6, MS Project, and ERP systems.
- Proven experience managing large-scale infrastructure and heavy civil construction projects
- Strong understanding of project planning, site execution, HSE, QA/QC, and commercial controls.
- Ability to manage multiple project sites, lead multidisciplinary teams, and coordinate with clients and consultants.
- Proficiency in project software tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel).
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Willingness to travel as needed to support project delivery across the region.
- Preferred Qualifications: PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- Strong contractual and commercial awareness
Interested candidates are invited to share their up to date CV directly to jobs@j10consulting.ae for further review and shortlisting.
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2025
Status: Filled