Lead Operations Engineer

-; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

An international consulting and engineering firm is seeking a Lead Operations Engineer in Dubai, UAE. This role involves ensuring project quality, supervising operations, and maintaining safety standards. With a focus on the oil and gas industry, the position calls for strong leadership skills and a commitment to professional development. Candidates should have a technical diploma, at least 10 years of relevant experience, and a proven track record in developing local talent. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Medical Insurance

Employee Share Plan

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Long Service Award

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience in operations and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of Control of Work processes, including Permit-to-Work systems.
• Experience in training and developing local talent.

Responsibilities

• Deliver O&M and contractor-related outputs in line with project requirements.
• Provide leadership in health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Manage and control project cost and schedule performance.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Operations and maintenance

Leadership

Communication skills

Team-building

Education

Technical diploma or equivalent

Tools

CMMS

OMS

Job description

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.

Our Clients and Projects

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?

• 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 (Computerised 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 organisational, 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 behaviours.
• 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.