Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering

Role : Engineering Director

Salary: £120,000 plus package

Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia covering GCC (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates)

Sector : Aerial & Powered access / Construction Equipment & Rental

Applicants must be based in Saudi Arabia or have extensive experience (min of 5 years) of working the Saudi Arabian market.

Overview

Take the lead in managing and optimising a high-value construction equipment fleet. This role is pivotal in shaping the company’s investment strategy, ensuring asset reliability, and driving operational excellence across all engineering and maintenance functions.

Key Purpose

The Fleet Engineering Manager will oversee the full lifecycle of company assets – from acquisition planning and CAPEX budgeting to maintenance, optimisation, and fleet renewal. This is a hands-on and strategic leadership role, responsible for ensuring every machine operates safely, efficiently, and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement the fleet engineering strategy in line with business objectives and growth forecasts.
• Lead CAPEX planning for fleet expansion, upgrades, and new acquisitions, aligning with lifecycle and ROI targets.
• Advise senior management on asset replacement decisions, capital efficiency, and total cost of ownership.
• Monitor and report on engineering KPIs, equipment utilisation, and performance metrics.

Fleet & Asset Management

• Oversee day-to-day fleet operations and maintenance planning across multiple depots and project sites.
• Manage full life-cycle asset management, including acquisition, servicing, refurbishment, and disposal.
• Implement predictive and preventive maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and extend equipment life.
• Ensure fleet tracking systems and telematics are optimised for performance, cost analysis, and compliance.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Direct maintenance, repair, and inspection of all construction equipment and vehicles.
• Drive reliability-centred maintenance, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure spare parts, tooling, and workshop equipment are procured and managed efficiently.
• Lead sustainability and fuel efficiency efforts across the fleet.

Team & Performance Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a geographically distributed maintenance and engineering team.
• Foster a strong culture of safety, accountability, and professional excellence.
• Collaborate closely with HR and Operations to ensure effective manpower planning and productivity.

Budget & Cost Control

• Own and manage the engineering and maintenance budget, covering labour, spares, and capital investments.
• Identify efficiency gains through sourcing, technology, and improved maintenance practices.
• Report regularly on budget performance and capital expenditure outcomes.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Champion safety-first principles in all plant and fleet operations.
• Ensure compliance with HSE requirements and manufacturer specifications.
• Lead equipment audits, incident investigations, and continuous improvement actions.

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years’ leadership experience in fleet, plant, or equipment management within a construction or heavy plant environment.
• Strong technical background with understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Proven ability to manage engineering budgets and CAPEX investment programmes.
• Experience implementing asset management systems and telematics for performance optimisation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and commercial decision-making skills.
• Thorough knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.