General Manager – Construction & Contracting, Abu Dhabi

Linum Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering and contracting firm is seeking an Executive Director / General Manager to lead their operations in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing the business, developing annual business plans, and managing large-scale projects. Candidates should have a strong background in construction, excellent stakeholder communication skills, and be fluent in Arabic and English. This senior leadership position requires substantial experience in the region along with strategic and financial acumen.

Qualifications

• 10–20 years of experience in the construction/contracting sector.
• At least 5–7 years in a senior management role.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company’s market-entry strategy.
• Ensure delivery of all projects on time and within budget.
• Lead recruitment and workforce development across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Linum Consult’s client is an engineering and contracting firm who are seeking a highly experienced Arabic-speaking Executive Director / General Manager to establish, grow, and lead their business in Abu Dhabi. This is a senior leadership role suited for a dynamic professional with proven expertise in setting up and managing large-scale construction businesses in the UAE.

Responsibilities

• Defining and executing the company’s market-entry and growth strategy in Abu Dhabi
• Developing and delivering annual business plans, budgets, and KPIs
• Identifying and securing new business opportunities, partnerships, and markets
• Representing the company with clients, investors, and government authorities at the highest level
• Leading the execution of all projects to ensure delivery on time, within budget, and at the highest standards of quality
• Approving project plans, schedules, and allocation of resources
• Ensuring strict compliance with contractual obligations, regulations, and safety standards
• Resolving complex operational, engineering, and execution challenges
• Overseeing P&L, cash flow, and the overall financial health of the business
• Approving major bids, tenders, and contracts
• Monitoring the profitability and driving cost efficiency across all projects
• Managing high-level disputes, claims, and arbitration when necessary
• Leading, mentoring, and inspiring senior management teams across departments
• Overseeing recruitment and workforce development to build a strong local presence
• Fostering a high-performance culture driven by accountability, safety, and excellence
• Establishing and enforcing robust risk management frameworks
• Ensuring full compliance with HSE standards, ISO certifications, and local regulations
• Championing continuous improvement, quality assurance, and operational excellence

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field
• Master’s degree in Business Administration and / or Project Management is an advantage
• Professional certifications (PMP, RICS, Chartered Engineer, Lean Construction) are a plus
• 10–20 years of experience in the construction / contracting sector, including at least 5–7 years in a senior management role
• Strong understanding of construction laws, regulations, building codes, safety standards, and contractual frameworks (FIDIC, EPC, turnkey, etc.)
• Proven experience in building and developing a business for an engineering / contracting firm in Abu Dhabi
• Must be fluent in English and Arabic
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and cost control
• Advanced contract negotiation and risk management skills
• Strategic mindset with business development and market-entry acumen
• Excellent stakeholder communication (clients, consultants, subcontractors, and authorities)
• Proficiency in ERP systems and project management tools (Primavera P6, MS Project)