Operations Manager (Infrastructure Projects)

The Role
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.

Requirements
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.

About the company
J10 Consulting are Construction Recruitment experts in the Middle East. We help businesses and careers grow by delivering Temporary Contract & Permanent Contingency hiring solutions within Construction & Engineering in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain & Kuwait J10 Consulting provide collaborative engagement and a deep understanding of both client and candidate requirements to cover temporary and permanent requirements across a number of vertical markets within Construction & Engineering.