Lead Operations Engineer

Wood PLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking a Lead Operations Engineer in Dubai. The role involves ensuring project quality and integrity while leading operations and maintenance activities. Candidates should have at least 10 years of supervisory experience in the oil & gas industry, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to health and safety. Excellent communication and organizational abilities are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Medical Insurance

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience in oil & gas or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of planning and scheduling processes.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver O&M outputs in line with project requirements.
• Supervise small projects or specific disciplines.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Manage project cost and schedule performance.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of Control of Work processes

Training and developing local talent

Communication skills

Leadership capabilities

Organizational skills

Education

Technical diploma/apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)

OMS (Operations Management Systems)

Job description

Wood is currently looking for a Lead Operations Engineer to join our team in Dubai, UAE

This role will require travel 50% of the time to the MEAC region

#Wood #Dubai #middleeast #operations #maintenance

Our Clients and Projects

Designing the future. Transforming the world.

Wood is an integral part of operations in Iraq, and we are continuing to grow our footprint across the country. With a 90-year heritage, 10 major contracts and over 850 employees, we have the skills, expertise and asset knowledge to support clients to deliver energy security and decarbonisation ambitions.

Wood excels in supporting our clients to deliver complex upstream and midstream oil and gas projects in Iraq delivering maintenance, modifications and engineering solutions. We are committed to decarbonising existing assets, producing cleaner energy and developing a sustainable national workforce, ensuring the long-term growth of the region.

What we can offer

• Meaningful and interesting projects Delivered to high profile clients and complex projects in Iraq
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice
• Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
• Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests
• Global connections: join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession
• Medical Insurance Ensures inpatient and outpatient medical care is available should you require treatment.
• Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance: The company provides Life Assurance cover
• The Employee Share Plan: Gives you the opportunity to purchase Wood shares and receive a match from the company
• Long Service Award: Wood values the commitment and loyalty of our people. Celebrating Long Service provides an opportunity for the business to demonstrate their appreciation of the hard work, dedication and many years’ services of our employees at 5-year service milestones

Job Objective

Ensure the quality and integrity of all assigned projects and work scopes within established time, cost, and quality standards. The role emphasizes advanced operations and maintenance activities, including complex assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and quality assurance, using Wood’s O&M management procedures and best practices. Requires strong technical expertise to support and guide teams in resolving operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver O&M and contractor-related outputs in line with project requirements.
• Supervise all areas on small projects or specific disciplines on larger projects.
• Provide leadership in health, safety, and environmental compliance, ensuring adherence to regulations and minimizing risks.
• Execute work to meet quality standards and project specifications.
• Manage and control project cost and schedule performance.
• Interpret functional specifications and resolve technical issues.
• Monitor maintenance quality and adherence to safety procedures.
• Plan short-term activities for work continuity, including shift schedules, job priorities, material availability, and preventive inspections.
• Collaborate with other plant functions to ensure integrated support.
• Recommend improvements in equipment, processes, or methods.
• Exercise sound judgment in prioritizing breakdown repairs and critical tasks.
• Support and manage business development pursuits, including technical input for proposals, bid strategies, and client engagement.

Qualifications

What makes you remarkable?

At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

• Minimum ISCED Level 5 qualification (technical diploma/apprenticeship) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 10 years of post‑qualification supervisory experience in operations and maintenance within oil & gas or a related industry, preferably across trade and craft disciplines.
• Proven experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and OMS (Operations Management Systems) for planning, scheduling, reporting, and performance monitoring.
• Strong knowledge and application of Control of Work (CoW) processes, including Permit‑to‑Work systems and safe isolation practices.
• Middle East experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in training and developing local talent.
• Experience in managing pursuits and contributing to proposals/business development activities.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision‑making capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Assertive in driving cultural and operational improvements.
• Excellent team‑building and collaboration skills.
• Role model for Wood’s values and behaviors.
• Health and safety champion.

About Us

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 60 countries, employing around 35,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non‑exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.