General Manager - Substations

Albatha Group; Sharjah; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Albatha Group seeks an experienced leader to drive strategy and business development for EPC and civil, electrical, and mechanical works in power utilities and industrial sectors. The role oversees tendering, project delivery, procurement, HSE and finance, ensuring profitable growth and successful project outcomes.

The candidate must have deep substation construction experience, including HV/EHV projects, with a proven track record in negotiating major contracts and managing large teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Civil or Construction Engineering (or related discipline)
• 15+ years of experience in power or construction, with 8+ years in senior leadership
• Mandatory: strong business and technical knowledge of substation construction
• Track record of owning a P&L and delivering profitable growth in contracting
• Experience winning and negotiating major T&D contracts with utilities and large clients

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic and annual business plans with targets for revenue, margin, order intake and backlog
• Identify growth opportunities across utilities, T&D, renewables, oil and gas, industrial and infrastructure
• Lead tender strategy, bid reviews, pricing, and contract negotiations
• Oversee end-to-end delivery of substation projects and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
• Own P&L, cash flow, working capital and budgets

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Tendering

Project delivery

HSE knowledge

Financial acumen

Procurement

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Civil/Construction Engineering

Job description

Job Purpose

The role leads the company across tendering, project delivery, procurement, HSE, finance and people, with the aim of winning, delivering and growing high-quality EPC and civil, electrical and mechanical works for power utilities, developers and industrial clients.

This is a hands‑on leadership role. The successful candidate must have a deep and demonstrable understanding of substation construction, from civil and structural works through to HV/MV equipment installation, testing and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Business Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's strategic and annual business plans, setting targets for revenue, margin, order intake and backlog.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities across utilities, transmission and distribution (T&D), renewables, oil and gas, industrial and infrastructure clients.
• Evaluate partnerships, joint ventures, acquisitions and subcontractor or vendor alliances that strengthen capability and market position.
• Report on performance to the Board and shareholders and advise on risk, investment and resourcing decisions.

Business Development and Tendering

• Build and maintain senior relationships with utilities, consultants, EPC main contractors, developers and regulators.
• Lead prequalification, tender strategy, technical and commercial bid reviews, pricing, and contract negotiations.
• Make go/no‑go decisions on bids based on risk, margin, capacity and strategic fit.
• Ensure contract terms (FIDIC, bespoke utility contracts) are reviewed and risks are properly allocated.

Project Delivery and Operations

• Oversee end‑to‑end delivery of substation projects (e.g. 11 kV to 400 kV, AIS and GIS, primary and secondary substations, switching stations, GIS buildings, and associated cable and OHL interfaces).
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to specification, with strong planning, progress control and cost management.
• Oversee civil and structural works, steelwork, earthing, equipment installation, cabling, protection and control, SCADA integration, testing and commissioning, and handover.
• Manage the interface with utility requirements, design consultants, third‑party inspectors and authorities, including approvals, energization and statutory clearances.
• Review progress, variations, claims, delays and risks, and drive corrective action on underperforming projects.

Financial Management

• Own the P&L, cash flow, working capital and budgets for the business.
• Drive margin improvement, cost control, and timely billing and collection, including management of retention, advance payments and bank guarantees.
• Maintain accurate forecasting and monthly management reporting.

People and Organization

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team including project directors, project managers, engineers, planners, commercial managers, procurement, HSE and finance.
• Build succession plans, performance management, and a high‑accountability culture.
• Oversee workforce planning, subcontractor labour management and local content or nationalisation requirements where applicable.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Civil or Construction Engineering (or a related discipline) is required. A Master's degree or MBA is preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in power or construction, with at least 8 years in senior leadership (General Manager, Director, Country or Business Unit Head, or equivalent).
• Mandatory: strong, proven business and technical knowledge of substation construction, including delivery of HV/EHV substation projects as contractor or EPC.
• Track record of owning a P&L and delivering profitable growth in a contracting business.
• Demonstrated experience winning and negotiating major T&D contracts with utilities and large clients.
• Strong working knowledge of substation components and standards (IEC, IEEE, utility specifications), civil and electrical interfaces, and testing and commissioning.
• Experience with contract management, claims and risk, preferably under FIDIC forms.
• Excellent commercial, financial and negotiation skills.
• Established network within regional utilities, consultants and EPC contractors.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the GCC and Middle East utility market, with relevant regional approvals or prequalification's (e.g. DEWA, SEWA, TRANSCO, SEC, or equivalent).
• Experience with GIS substations, 132 kV and above, and renewable or industrial grid connections.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE/CEng, or NEBOSH/IOSH.
• Experience integrating acquisitions or scaling a contracting business.