General Manager - Fit Out

About the RoleAn established UAE construction group is seeking a General Manager – Fit-Out to lead the continued development and expansion of its interior fit-out division. This is a senior leadership appointment offering the opportunity to take ownership of a growing business unit, strengthen its market position and drive its next phase of growth within the UAE. The successful candidate will have an extensive background in the interior fit-out contracting sector, combining strong operational and commercial expertise with a proven ability to develop business, manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.ResponsibilitiesBusiness Leadership & GrowthTake full responsibility for the strategic direction, operational performance and commercial success of the fit-out division.Develop and execute a growth strategy to expand the division's project portfolio, market presence and profitability.Identify and secure new business opportunities across commercial, hospitality, residential and other high-end interior fit-out sectors.Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, consultants, project managers and key clients.Establish a sustainable project pipeline while ensuring disciplined commercial decision-making. Project Delivery & OversightOversee the successful delivery of multiple interior fit-out projects, ensuring adherence to programme, budget, quality and safety requirements.Provide senior-level leadership across project management, construction, procurement, commercial and technical functions.Establish robust operational procedures, project controls and reporting structures to support business expansion.Ensure effective resource allocation, subcontractor management and project execution across the division.Proactively manage project risks, contractual obligations and client expectations. Commercial & Financial ManagementAssume full P&L responsibility for the division, including revenue growth, profitability, cash flow and financial performance.Oversee tendering, estimating, procurement and commercial negotiations.Ensure projects are secured and delivered at commercially sustainable margins.Monitor financial performance, cost controls, variations, claims and contractual risk.Work closely with group leadership to establish annual budgets, business plans and growth targets. People & Organisational DevelopmentBuild, develop and lead a high-performing management and project delivery team.Assess organisational capability and implement the structures, systems and resources required to support growth.Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence and commercial awareness.Identify and recruit key personnel as the division expands.QualificationsMinimum 15 years of experience within the construction and interior fit-out industry, with a substantial track record working directly for fit-out contractors.Required SkillsProven experience in a senior leadership capacity, such as General Manager, Operations Director, Business Unit Director or equivalent.Demonstrable experience managing and delivering multiple fit-out projects from tender and pre-construction through to completion and handover.Strong knowledge of the UAE fit-out contracting market, including established relationships with developers, consultants and clients.Proven ability to drive business development, secure new projects and manage a profitable contracting operation.Strong commercial acumen, including experience with P&L management, tendering, contracts, procurement and project financial controls.Experience delivering high-quality fit-out projects across sectors such as hospitality, commercial offices, retail and luxury residential.Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and managing multidisciplinary teams.A contractor-side background is essential. Candidates whose experience is predominantly within design consultancies, client-side project management or interior design studios will not be considered.