Operations Director - Infrastructure

About Us

With a rich heritage spanning over five decades, we stand as one of the oldest and most rapidly expanding Saudi-based conglomerates, offering a diversified portfolio of products and services. Our offerings include infrastructure solutions delivered on a Design & Build (D&B) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis, as well as development and co-investment in real estate and renewable energy projects, alongside the manufacturing of renewable technologies. Our recent growth and expansion across local and regional markets have created an exciting opportunity for visionary leaders to contribute to our ambitious goals. We are seeking individuals who can embrace our vision and drive the development of critical infrastructure solutions across the MENA region through our three core business segments: infrastructure solutions, real estate development and co-investment, and renewable technology manufacturing.

Job Summary

As the Operations Director for Infrastructure, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing large-scale, complex projects and leading consulting interventions across multiple functional areas. Your role will be pivotal in optimizing the contributions of external expertise while driving operational improvements through strategic programs aligned with the company’s objectives. The scope of your responsibilities will involve navigating intricate project plans, engaging in high-level negotiations at various organizational and international levels, and fostering cross-boundary collaborations to achieve project goals. This position demands a strategic mindset, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to deliver results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Collaboration with all departments to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with organizational goals.
• External: Engagement with clients, government agencies, consultants, third parties, suppliers, transporters, and subcontractors to facilitate project success and stakeholder satisfaction.

Reporting Structure

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring clear accountability and alignment with executive leadership priorities.

Industry & Employment Details

• Industry: EPC / Construction / Infrastructure
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Gender: Male/Female
• Level: Director

Main Duties & Responsibilities

In this pivotal leadership role, you will be responsible for the following key functions:

• Strategic Project Management: Develop and implement robust project management policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure the effective delivery of projects while maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Project Execution & Leadership: Lead and oversee the execution of mega projects and complex infrastructure programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, budgets, schedules, and quality benchmarks. Provide mentorship and guidance to project managers and teams to foster operational excellence and successful project outcomes.
• Financial Oversight: Manage project financial performance, including budgeting, cash flow management, cost control, billing, claims, and profitability throughout the project lifecycle to ensure sustainable financial health.
• Risk & Stakeholder Management: Monitor project progress, risks, issues, and stakeholder expectations, ensuring timely escalation, resolution, and informed decision-making to mitigate potential disruptions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders to enhance project success and long-term partnerships.
• Contract & Compliance Administration: Oversee contract administration, subcontractor performance, compliance management, claims resolution, and dispute mitigation to ensure adherence to contractual, regulatory, HSE, and quality requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive the enhancement of project management systems, processes, and third-party performance to improve efficiency, quality, and organizational capability, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Executive Reporting: Ensure effective communication and reporting to executive management on project performance, strategic risks, financial status, and operational challenges, providing actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

To excel in this role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or an equivalent field.
• Certifications: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or a related project management certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
• Experience: Minimum of 12 to 18 years of progressive experience in project execution and management, with a proven track record of at least 5 years in a similar leadership role within a leading infrastructure company.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Primavera Project Management software to support project planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and business intelligence skills, coupled with excellent written and verbal communication abilities in English.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict logistics, timescales, and deadlines in a high-pressure environment.