Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Civil Building Construction

Confidential Company

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

Desired Candidate Profile

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement operational strategies in alignment with the company’s vision, mission, and long-term goals.
• Drive innovation in project delivery, construction technology, and resource optimization.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of all civil contracting projects to ensure quality, safety, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and systems to improve efficiency, compliance, and performance across projects.
• Lead contract management, tendering, and negotiation processes to ensure profitability.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure adherence to contractual obligations.

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance to meet company objectives.
• Implement KPIs to measure operational effectiveness, project delivery, client satisfaction, and workforce productivity.
• Drive cost-control measures, risk management, and value engineering initiatives.

People & Culture

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to Area Managers, Project Managers, Project Engineers, and operational teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, health and safety standards, and ethical business practices.

Stakeholder Management

• Report to the CEO and senior management with periodic updates, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Act as a key point of escalation for operational issues and client concerns.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 25+ years of experience in the construction industry in the UAE/GCC, including at least 15+ years in a senior leadership role (COO, Operations Director or General Manager)
• Proven track record in managing large-scale civil, or building projects.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in project cost control, budgeting, and P&L management.
• In-depth knowledge of local construction regulations, labor laws, health & safety standards, and quality management systems.