Director of Operations

Location: Dubai, UAEType: Full-TimeLanguage Requirement: Bilingual (Arabic & English mandatory)Reporting To: Executive Leadership / CEOPosition SummaryWe are seeking an exceptional Leader rather than just a traditional manager—someone who combines visionary leadership with deep technical, legal, and commercial mastery. This role requires a heavy focus on high-level operational strategy, robust contract management, legal risk mitigation, and commercial growth. You will act as a core pillar of leadership, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams, safeguarding the organization’s contractual interests, and driving profitability across complex regional projects.Key Responsibilities1. Leadership & Strategic DirectionInspire, mentor, and lead engineering, technical, and operational teams across the firm, fostering a high-performance culture built on accountability and excellence.Translate executive vision into actionable operational strategies, setting clear performance benchmarks and milestone targets.Drive cross-functional collaboration between engineering, contracts, finance, and client relations departments.2. Contract Management & Legal OversightTake full ownership of drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing complex engineering, construction, and client contracts.Ensure rigorous compliance with local laws, regulatory frameworks, and international standards (FIDIC or equivalent) within the UAE.Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal and commercial risks across all active and pipeline projects.Manage dispute resolution, claims evaluation, and liaise effectively with legal counsel when required.3. Commercial & Financial MasteryDrive the commercial viability of operations, overseeing budgeting, resource allocation, and cost-control strategies to maximize profitability.Evaluate project feasibility, pricing models, and financial performance metrics.Oversee high-stakes commercial negotiations with key developers, contractors, and external stakeholders.4. Engineering Operations & GovernanceProvide high-level oversight on engineering workflows, ensuring technical precision, adherence to design standards, and quality control.Implement robust governance frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational efficiencies across project lifecycles.Candidate Requirements & QualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related technical field. (Additional qualifications in Construction Law, Arbitration, or an MBA are a strong advantage).Experience: Extensive progressive experience in a leadership role (Director, VP, or Senior Project Director level) within the engineering, consulting, or construction sector in the UAE/GCC region.Core Competencies: A rare, balanced blend of Engineering background, Contractual expertise, Legal literacy, and Commercial acumen.Leadership Style: A proven track record of inspiring teams, making decisive high-level choices, and leading with emotional intelligence and strategic foresight.Language: Arabic alongside strong professional English.Location: Must be based in or fully prepared to work on-site full-time from Dubai, UAE.