Director of Infrastructure Operations

KBR; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Director of Infrastructure Operations to lead and grow a portfolio of PMO/PMC infrastructure projects across the Middle East, with focus on UAE and KSA. Travel as required and governance best practices will be essential.

The role demands 15+ years in infrastructure delivery, with 5+ years in senior leadership, and strong contract negotiation skills to drive strategic growth and high performance.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of infrastructure project delivery experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record managing large-scale PMO/PMC programs in the Middle East.
• Familiarity with APAC infrastructure markets is advantageous.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee governance of a diverse PMO/PMC portfolio; report to regional operations director.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities; expand infrastructure footprint in ME and APAC.
• Build and maintain relationships with government and private sector clients.
• Implement project controls, risk management and QA frameworks across programs.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of directors and managers.
• Foster cross-unit collaboration across OneKBR to secure broader work scopes.

Skills

Portfolio leadership

Strategic growth

Client relationship management

Operational governance

Team leadership

Cross-cultural communication

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PMP certification

RICS certification

Job description

Director of Infrastructure Operations

Location: UAE / KSA (with travel as required)

Reports To: Director of Projects International

Business Unit: Integrated Solutions International

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Position Summary

KBR is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Infrastructure to lead and grow our portfolio of infrastructure projects across the Middle East. With a primary focus on Program Management Office (PMO) and Project Management Consultancy (PMC) in the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), this role will be pivotal in driving operational excellence, ensuring governance, and expanding our market presence.

Experience in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is a plus reflecting our broader strategic ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Leadership: Oversee the successful delivery and governance of a diverse portfolio of PMO/PMC infrastructure projects; accountable for results to the relevant regional operations director.
• Strategic Growth: Work with KBR’s business development team to identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships and strategic alliances to expand KBR’s infrastructure footprint in the Middle East and potentially APAC.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key government and private sector clients ensuring alignment with their strategic infrastructure goals.
• Operational Excellence: Implement best‑in‑class project controls, risk management and quality assurance frameworks across all programs.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing team of project directors, managers and technical experts.
• OneKBR Solutions: Develop relationships across the wider KBR to support pursuit and securing broader work scopes leveraging multiple KBR business units.
• Regional Insight: Provide thought leadership on infrastructure trends, regulatory environments and market dynamics in the Middle East and APAC.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure all projects comply with local laws, KBR policies and international standards.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field (Masters preferred).

Minimum 15 years of experience in infrastructure project delivery with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Proven track record managing large‑scale PMO/PMC infrastructure programs in the Middle East, preferably in KSA and/or UAE.

Familiarity with APAC infrastructure markets is advantageous.

Strong commercial acumen and experience with contract negotiation and stakeholder management.

PMP, RICS or equivalent professional certification is desirable.

Key Competencies

Strategic Thinking & Vision

Leadership & Team Development

Client Relationship Management

Risk & Financial Management

Cross‑Cultural Communication

New Business Development & Market Expansion

Required Experience

Director-level experience