Head of Site Operations

SD (Middle East) LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation solutions provider is seeking a Head of Site Operations - Installation based in Dubai, UAE. This role involves overseeing project execution across global operations, managing site planning and installation activities, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, significant international site management experience, and strong communication skills. Willingness to travel internationally is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in industrial installation business site management.
• Ability to adapt to diverse cultural environments.
• Strong understanding of site management and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Manage all site-related planning, setup, and installation.
• Provide input during Sales and Bid Phases.
• Ensure compliance with project quality procedures.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Manage internal site supervision resources.

Skills

International site management experience

Quality assurance

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Scheduling (Primavera preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Together we make the difference

We are a leading provider of innovative and high-performance solutions for airport logistics. Our portfolio includes products and solutions for baggage and cargo handling, high-end software for the digitalization of logistics processes as well as an extensive range of maintenance and services. Major customers include renowned airports and airlines around the globe.

Join our team as a Head of Site Operations - Installation based in Dubai, UAE, and play a key role in ensuring successful project execution across our global operations.

What are my responsibilities?

• Support and control all site-related planning, setup, and installation activities, ensuring timely safeguarding of required equipment and materials.
• Work closely and in alignment with regional site teams to ensure consistent and efficient project execution.
• Provide input to Sales and Bid Phases (PM10/PM20) by attending site visits and developing strategies for site management, installation concepts (steel, mechanical, and electrical), and site logistics in consideration of commissioning, testing, and integration requirements.
• Manage and ensure that all project quality procedures applicable to construction and material logistics are available, applied, and operational.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Management (QM) to ensure that all minimum applicable standards and project management guidelines are adhered to.
• Oversee that method statements, risk assessments, inspection and test plans, and other project-specific documents are aligned with client requirements and integrated into site management processes.
• Ensure agreed installation concepts are reflected within the installation program, rolled out on-site, and monitored through continuous inspection and control via the execution schedule.
• Maintain good working relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to avoid non-recoverable claims or variations and to achieve stable cost control and forecasting.
• Manage internal site supervision resources within a matrix organization, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and development in coordination with regional organizations.
• Attend monthly Progress Status Report (PSR) meetings and ensure transparent reporting of site progress and performance.
• Apply lessons learned from previous projects to improve efficiency and prevent repeated errors.
• Foster and support HSE adherence and contribute to continuous improvement of safety performance across all sites.

What do I need to qualify for the role?

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven and relevant experience in international site management roles, including quality assurance responsibility within the industrial installation business.
• Experience working in diverse cultural environments and adapting to varying work ethics.
• Strong technical grounding in all aspects of site management, including scheduling (Primavera preferred), installation methods, and quality control.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to manage teams at both site and quality management levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of German, Dutch, or a second language would be an advantage.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills with effective communication across all levels of the organization.
• High willingness to travel internationally (approximately two weeks per month).