Operations Director - Infrastructure

About Us

With a rich heritage spanning over five decades, we stand as one of the most established and 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, alongside development and co-investment in real estate and renewable energy projects, as well as 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 professionals who can embrace our vision and drive the fulfillment of diverse infrastructure needs 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 - Infrastructure, you will be responsible for overseeing large-scale (mega) projects and leading consulting initiatives across multiple functional areas. Your role will focus on optimizing the integration of external expertise to enhance operational efficiency and align project outcomes with the company’s strategic objectives. The complexity of these projects will require you to engage in high-level negotiations at various organizational and international levels, fostering collaboration with external stakeholders, including clients, agencies, governmental authorities, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors. Your leadership will be pivotal in driving project success while ensuring adherence to budgets, schedules, and quality standards.

Key Relationships

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

Reporting Structure

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Project Management Office (PMO).

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Leadership: Develop and implement robust project management policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure effective project delivery and compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Project Execution Oversight: Lead and oversee the execution of mega projects and complex infrastructure programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, budgets, schedules, and quality standards.
• Team Leadership: Direct project managers and teams, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance management to achieve operational excellence and successful project outcomes.
• Financial Management: Manage project financial performance, including budgeting, cash flow management, cost control, billing, claims, and profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Risk and Stakeholder Management: Monitor project progress, risks, issues, and stakeholder expectations, ensuring timely escalation, resolution, and effective decision-making to mitigate potential challenges.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure project success.
• Contract Administration: Oversee contract administration, subcontractor performance, compliance management, claims resolution, and dispute mitigation to protect the company’s interests.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement of project management systems, processes, and third-party performance to enhance efficiency, quality, and organizational capability.
• Executive Reporting: Ensure effective communication and reporting to executive management on project performance, strategic risks, financial status, and operational challenges.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Provide leadership in the planning, execution, and delivery of complex infrastructure and construction projects while ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment), and quality requirements.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or an equivalent field.
• Certifications: Certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI) as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 12-18 years of experience in project execution and management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a leading infrastructure company.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of Primavera Project Management software.
• Skills: Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and business intelligence skills, coupled with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities in English.
• Organizational Abilities: Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to logistics, timescales, and deadlines.