Operations Manager (Infrastructure Projects)

Job description / 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.

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.