General Manager

Hiring: General Manager, Operations & Performance

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Logistics / Industrial Services (Confidential)

Level: Senior Leadership

Type: Full-Time

A leading organisation in the logistics & industrial services sector is seeking a highly driven General Manager – Operations & Performance (GMO) to lead and scale its existing business. This role is accountable for operational excellence, profitability, and service delivery while fostering a high-performing, people-first culture.

🔹 Role Purpose

The GMO will oversee end-to-end operations, drive sustained business performance, and ensure consistent customer satisfaction. Working closely with the Managing Director, this role translates strategic direction into operational execution strengthening cost efficiency, service quality, and commercial delivery.

🔹 Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across all business functions, ensuring seamless execution.
• Build a highly inclusive and performance-driven culture that empowers teams and enhances productivity.
• Translate strategic vision into actionable annual and quarterly operational plans.
• Implement company-wide goal setting, performance management, and operational frameworks.
• Drive organic business growth through top-tier service delivery, customer retention, and value creation.
• Ensure profitability through cost discipline, margin improvement, and effective resource allocation.
• Identify operational gaps, introduce efficiencies, and implement continuous improvement measures.
• Partner with the MD on pricing strategies, contract performance, and commercial initiatives.
• Manage departmental budgets, cost-to-revenue ratios, and financial performance.
• Develop, mentor, and hold department leaders accountable for operational outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Champion digitalisation, automation, and process optimisation.
• Partner with HR Team for departmental, hiring, onboarding, performance development, and talent retention efforts.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Coach and empower teams to consistently deliver against business goals and KPIs.

🔹 Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of industry operations, including safety, risk management, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, balance sheets, and capital planning.
• Exceptional strategic leadership and operational planning capability.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to drive organisational change and implement process improvements.

🔹 Experience & Qualifications

• 10–15 years of senior operational and commercial leadership (preferably in logistics, supply chain, or industrial sectors).
• Demonstrated success managing a business with full P&L accountability.
• Strong knowledge of pricing, contract performance, and margin optimisation.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with ISO, Lean, HSE, or similar operational excellence frameworks is advantageous.

🔹 Training & Development Exposure (Preferred)

• Leadership & people management programs.
• Advanced financial & commercial acumen development.
• Lean Six Sigma / Operational Excellence certifications.
• Digital transformation, analytics, and automation exposure.