Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Construction & Development

Cirrera Development; Dubai; On-site; AED 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cirrera Development in Dubai seeks a Chief Operating Officer – Construction & Development to lead end-to-end delivery of all projects on site in the UAE. You will design the operating model, align engineering, procurement, and construction with budget, schedule, and design standards, and drive safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 15–20 years in construction/development, 7–10 in senior leadership, bachelor's in civil/related field (MBA/PM certification preferred), and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field; MBA preferred.
• 15–20 years in construction/development with 7–10 in senior leadership roles.
• Proven UAE market experience with large projects or developers.
• Experience setting up or restructuring construction/development operations from scratch.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery from concept/design through construction, commissioning and handover.
• Design operating model, organizational structure, and reporting lines for construction/development.
• Oversee procurement, budgeting, cash flow, contracts, and cost control.
• Ensure designs are constructible, coordinated, and aligned with budget and schedule.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships with consultants, contractors, banks, and regulators.
• Drive safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across sites and offices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

People management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

MBA/Master’s degree preferred

Tools

FIDIC contracts knowledge

Project management software

Job description

Company Description Cirrera Development is a boutique property developer based in Dubai, focused on crafting residences where design serves a clear purpose. The company approaches development as a detailed, end-to-end craft, from land acquisition and layout planning to long-term care of each property. With decades of combined experience across residential, commercial, hospitality, and infrastructure sectors, Cirrera’s leadership team brings global insight while staying grounded in the realities of living well in Dubai. Every project reflects a commitment to comfort‑first design, timeless aesthetics, refined craftsmanship, and respect for Dubai’s cultural and environmental context. Cirrera’s debut project, Capital Horizon Terrace, showcases this philosophy through low‑rise, high‑spec buildings designed for enduring quality and value.

Role Description The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Construction & Development is a full‑time, on‑site role based in Dubai, responsible for overseeing end‑to‑end operational delivery of Cirrera’s development projects. The COO will lead construction operations, project planning, and execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the company’s quality and design standards. This role includes managing cross‑functional teams, coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants, and implementing processes that promote safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The COO will oversee budgeting and financial performance for projects, support business planning and pipeline development, and provide data‑driven insights to guide strategic decisions. Daily responsibilities also include optimizing operational workflows, mentoring team members, managing key stakeholder relationships, and ensuring that each development aligns with Cirrera’s brand promise and long‑term vision.

Job Purpose

To establish and lead the company’s entire construction and development operation in the UAE from scratch, including company setup, team building, engineering, procurement, project delivery, financial control, and compliance. The role is accountable for delivering all projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality, safety, and regulatory standards while protecting the company’s profitability and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Company Setup & Organizational Design

• Design and implement the operating model, organizational structure, and reporting lines for the construction/development company.
• Define departments and functions (engineering, procurement, project management, commercial, HSE, QA/QC, planning, site operations, etc.).
• Work with owners, legal, and PRO to complete company licensing, trade name, visas, office setup, insurances, and statutory registrations in Dubai/UAE.
• Develop and approve core policies and procedures (procurement policy, delegation of authority, approval matrix, HSE policy, quality policy, document control).
• Identify, recruit, and hire all key roles: project directors/managers, construction managers, engineers (civil, structural, MEP), planners, QS/commercial, procurement, HSE, QA/QC, site supervisors, etc.
• Define job descriptions, KPIs, and performance management systems for the construction division.
• Lead onboarding, training, and development of the team; build a strong performance and accountability culture.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to all department heads and project teams.

Project Delivery & Engineering Oversight

• Own end‑to‑end delivery of all projects from concept/design through construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Approve project execution plans, master schedules, resource plans, method statements, and quality plans.
• Ensure designs are coordinated, constructible, and aligned with budget and program (working with consultants and contractors).
• Monitor progress vs baseline; drive recovery plans and corrective actions when delays or issues arise.

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Establish the procurement function: vendor prequalification, tendering, negotiations, contracts, and purchase order process.
• Define procurement strategy per project (direct purchase vs subcontracting, local vs international sourcing).
• Ensure compliance with approval workflows, value engineering, and cost control in all procurement activities.
• Prepare and manage the construction division’s budgets, cash flow forecasts, and cost reports.
• Control project costs, variations, and claims; ensure profitability targets are met.
• Work closely with finance on:
• Project cost codes and tracking
• Payment applications, certifications, and supplier/subcontractor payments
• Cash planning for materials, manpower, and equipment
• Ensure proper documentation and controls for internal and external audits.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Lead contract strategy with main contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants (e.g., FIDIC or other standard forms).
• Oversee tendering, bid evaluation, negotiation, and award recommendations.
• Manage variations, claims, disputes, and settlements in coordination with legal/commercial.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations and authority requirements (DM, DDA, Trakhees, utilities, etc., as applicable).

HSE, Quality & Compliance

• Establish and enforce HSE and QA/QC frameworks across all sites and offices.
• Ensure compliance with UAE health, safety, environment, and building regulations.
• Drive a “zero harm” culture and conduct regular audits, inspections, and toolbox talks.

Stakeholder & Authority Management

• Act as the main internal owner representative for all construction and development matters.
• Manage relationships with:
• Consultants, contractors, suppliers, and partners
• Banks, insurers, and other external stakeholders
• Represent the company in high‑level meetings, steering committees, and client/owner reviews.

Reporting & Governance

• Provide regular reports to the board/owners on:
• Cash flow and financial exposure
• Key risks and mitigation plans
• Implement governance structures: monthly operational reviews, project review meetings, risk registers, and dashboards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On‑time delivery of project milestones and handovers.
• Adherence to approved budgets and target profit margins.
• Safety performance (TRIR, incidents, near misses) and compliance audit results.
• Quality performance (defects, snags, rework levels).
• Procurement savings vs budget and vendor performance.
• Team stability, retention, and performance ratings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s/MBA preferred).
• Professional certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, CIOB, RICS, or similar) are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in construction/development, with at least 7–10 years in a senior leadership role (COO / General Manager / Executive Director / Project Director).
• Proven track record in the UAE market, ideally with a developer or large main contractor.
• Experience setting up or significantly restructuring a construction/development operation from scratch is highly preferred.
• Strong exposure to mixed‑use, residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects in the UAE.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent commercial, financial, and contract management skills (FIDIC, subcontracting, claims).
• Deep knowledge of UAE construction market, regulations, and authority processes.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High integrity and ability to work under pressure in a fast‑growing environment.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office‑based with frequent site visits across project locations in Dubai/UAE.
• May require flexible hours and occasional travel within the UAE or region as needed.