COUNTRY MANAGER - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)
Confidencial · Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Apply & track with Apply EdgeLocation: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.Reports to: International Business Development Department.Role PurposeCoordinates the development and consolidation of the activities of a Spanish multinational engineering and infrastructure consulting services company in the UAE market, in collaboration with the company's Business Units, acting as the country lead and driving the company's bidding, institutional relations and growth strategy.The position will be responsible for coordinating the company's activities in the local market. The Country Manager will act as the link between the business opportunities arising in the market and the company's response to them, serving as the company's technical and representative point of reference. The role will position the company in the local market by developing high-level institutional and commercial relationships. In collaboration with the Business Units, the Country Manager will identify business opportunities and convert them into contracts, while building a strong local organization that enables sustainable growth.The role combines business development, responsibility for securing contracts, general corporate and technical representation, and organizational leadership. It will be responsible for strengthening the company's presence in sectors such as infrastructure, transport, water, energy and buildings. Project delivery operations are managed by the company's Business Units, which operate globally.The Country Manager will also be responsible for coordinating the local structure defined by the Business Units, coordinating the local resources required for project execution, and ensuring that growth and profitability targets are achieved.For certain projects, sectors or services, the role may also have responsibilities related to operations and project delivery.This is a strategic opportunity for a professional with strong leadership capabilities, business acumen and an international mindset, as well as relevant industry knowledge, who is interested in developing a business operation from its early stages within an established global organization.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness DevelopmentLead the company's market entry and consolidation in the United Arab Emirates.Identify opportunities and develop new business lines across engineering, infrastructure, energy, water, transport, industrial and building sectors.Design and execute growth plans aligned with corporate strategy.Develop and manage a pipeline of commercial opportunities that supports sustainable business growth.Coordinate the preparation of proposals, tenders and negotiation processes together with the company's Business Units.General Technical Point of ContactEnsure that the company builds client confidence through its expertise, technical capabilities and ability to provide advanced, value-adding solutions, acting as the initial point of contact and enabling the immediate involvement of specialists from the company's Business Units.Institutional and Commercial RelationsBuild trusted relationships with public-sector bodies, private clients, investors, strategic partners and other relevant stakeholders in the local ecosystem.Represent the company before public administrations, government entities and business organizations.Identify and develop strategic alliances that support regional growth and positioning.Strategic ManagementContribute to defining the regional expansion strategy.Analyze market trends, sector opportunities and risks associated with the business.Participate in decision-making related to investments, market establishment and operational growth.Leadership and Organizational DevelopmentBuild and progressively develop the local organization.Implement operating processes aligned with corporate standards.Promote a culture focused on results, technical excellence and talent development.Performance ManagementTake responsibility for Business Development, Contract Awards and Growth targets. In certain areas, the role will also be accountable for Profitability and Project Delivery.Monitor business activity and performance indicators.Ensure achievement of the business objectives defined by the organization through its Business Units.Required ProfileEducationUniversity degree in Engineering.An MBA or additional training in business management, strategy or business development will be valued.ExperienceMore than 10 years of experience with international companies in engineering, consulting, infrastructure or related sectors.Proven experience in business development and strategic client management.Knowledge of international markets and multicultural environments.Experience in the Middle East or in other highly demanding international markets will be highly valued.Experience leading teams and complex projects.Key CompetenciesStrategic vision.Entrepreneurial mindset and initiative.Broad technical knowledge in at least one discipline related to the company's activities, with the ability to engage effectively in general and cross-disciplinary technical discussions.Results orientation.Strong negotiation and influencing skills.Team leadership and development.Ability to build high-level institutional relationships.Excellent communication and corporate representation skills.LanguagesFluent professional English (essential).Arabic is an advantage.Success IndicatorsDevelopment and growth of the opportunity pipeline.Acquisition of new clients and contracts.Effective establishment of local operations.Development of strategic alliances.Growth in contract awards and profitability.Progressive expansion of the company's activities in the region.Creation and consolidation of a high-performing local team.What the Company OffersThe opportunity to participate in a strategic project with high visibility across the organization.A high degree of autonomy and influence in shaping the business.Direct exposure to top-tier clients and institutions.Professional growth opportunities linked to regional development and expansion.An international, dynamic environment focused on long-term value creation.The opportunity to lead the establishment of an international operation from its initial stages, in collaboration with the company's Business Units.Compensation and Benefits PackageCompetitive fixed salary commensurate with the candidate's experience and the responsibilities of the role.Variable compensation linked to the achievement of growth, business development and performance objectives.Expatriation package, together with the benefits arising from the favorable tax regime applicable to employment income.