Director of Infrastructure Operations

KBR; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm is seeking a Director of Infrastructure Operations to oversee portfolio delivery in the Middle East, including UAE and KSA. This strategic position requires a minimum of 15 years of infrastructure project experience with strong leadership skills. The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence, engage with high-profile clients, and lead a high-performing team. This is a full-time, permanent role offering opportunities for significant professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in infrastructure project delivery.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing large-scale projects.
• Experience managing PMO/PMC programs in the Middle East preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the successful delivery and governance of PMO/PMC infrastructure projects.
• Work with business development to identify new opportunities.
• Build relationships with government and private sector clients.
• Implement project controls, risk management, and quality frameworks.
• Lead and mentor a team of project directors and managers.

Skills

Strategic Thinking & Vision

Leadership & Team Development

Client Relationship Management

Risk & Financial Management

Cross-Cultural Communication

New Business Development & Market Expansion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PMP certification

RICS certification

Job description

Title: Director of Infrastructure Operations

Job Title: Director of Infrastructure

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 KBRs business development team to identify and pursue new business opportunities partnerships and strategic alliances to expand KBRs 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