Operations Manager - Operations - Select Auto

Job description / Role

Al-Futtaim Automotive occupies the pre-eminent position of the largest distributor of automotive products in the Emirates, and leads the rapid development of automobile business in the UAE, while continuing to contribute to their brands worldwide growth.

Today, Al-Futtaim Automotive is synonymous with brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Volvo which enjoy undisputed leadership in the UAE in terms of the largest number of vehicles on the road. We also hold exclusive franchises for some of the world's top automobiles and automotive products like Hino - Japan's leading heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer, Toyo & Chen shin/ Maxxis tyres, GS & Panasonic batteries as well as the franchises for Hertz Rent-a-car - the world's largest rental and leasing company and FAMCO heavy goods Machinery.

Select Auto is a part of Al-Futtaim Automotive Group established to mirror Al-Futtaim capabilities in order to cater emerging markets outside the UAE. The company caters to the regional requirements of Nato Forces and their Prime Contractors for supply of heavy equipment, vehicles and their maintenance services. It offers a wide range of vehicles, handling equipment, construction plants and specialist vehicles, including armored SUVs.

Select Auto, as Al-Futtaim Integrated Services, is committed to providing all its clients with high quality automotive, equipment, power generation and management solutions at competitive prices. We are experienced in working in austere and potentially dangerous locations and excel in delivering a thoroughly professional, cost-effective and efficient service to all our clients.

Reports to: GM Operations
Direct Reports: None
Department: Operations, Select Auto
Location: Non UAE Operational Location

Job Purpose:

The Operations Manager will have a wide spectrum of responsibilities all of which will contribute to the efficient and effective management of Company commercial operations. While not necessarily being an expert in any particular field, his diverse portfolio will require him to have a very good understanding of administration, basic accounting, safety, security, logistics and communications. In addition, he must possess the qualities to manage clients and local partners as well as have the ability to identify business and sales opportunities that can be exploited by GM Commercial's staff.

Description of the Accountability:

* Manage and administer Company staff, property and equipment including asset tracking.
* In coordination with Dubai-based management, develop site-specific plans and procedures and ensure full compliance in order to promote a secure and safe working environment. This includes analysis of the local threat, travel advice, risk assessments and mitigation measures, incident management and reporting.
* Safeguard the reputation and brand of Al Futtaim by maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and business ethics.
* Identify business development (BD) opportunities for exploitation by GM Commercial's staff.
* Maintain a harmonious and productive relationship with our local partners.
* Develop and manage appropriate morale and welfare facilities to ensure a productive working and living environment.
* Ensure a comprehensive, timely and accurate flow of information to Dubai senior management.

Job Context:

We operate in locations which can often be difficult and frustrating environments where actions or failure to act can have a disproportionate effect. The Operations Manager must understand the strategic context in which he is operating and the importance of managing relationships with clients and partners as well as local authorities and stakeholders such as community and tribal leaders. He will need to be familiar not only with Company policies and procedures but also with the regulations which govern daily life in the area in which the role is based and, where necessary, ensure full compliance.

Requirements

Job Title Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:

* NVQ Level III or equivalent in Management
* Knowledge of oil and gas or automotive sector, HSE and security background highly desirable.

Minimum Experience:

* Must have at least four (4) years of experience working in an austere environment, experience in austere, remote and potentially hostile/post-conflict locations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, East Africa
* Previous experience as NCO or junior officer in armed forces is beneficial

Job-Specific Skills:

* Physically and medically robust to operate in an austere and hostile environment.
* Understanding of the cultural, social and political dimensions of the location in which the role is based, in particular, and the Middle East, in general and a willingness to work in such an environment.
* Willing to travel throughout base location and other locations as required by the business.
* Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Behavioural Competencies:

* Good analytical and problem-solving skills with the moral courage to make timely decisions.
* Ability to plan, organize and balance multiple time sensitive demands under pressure
* Ability to build relationships and communicate and apply new knowledge and new concepts
* Able to operate in austere and potentially hazardous environments
* Fluent in English (written & spoken).: Operations Manager
* Excellent oral and written communications.
* Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to drive through complex solutions

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.