Managing Director - UAE

Averda; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global waste management leader is seeking a Managing Director for their UAE operations. The role involves strategic leadership, financial performance optimization, and operational excellence. Candidates should have over 10 years of senior leadership experience, ideally in waste management or related fields, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This is an entrepreneurial role requiring vision and execution skills, with a focus on people development and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience with P&L accountability.
• Proven track record of delivering growth and profitability.
• Experience managing diverse teams and focusing on culture.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute strategy for profitable growth in the UAE.
• Deliver against Revenue, EBIT, and Cash Collection targets.
• Ensure operational performance meets safety and quality standards.
• Build and retain a high‑performing leadership team.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Resilience

Education

Advanced degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

MBA preferred

Job description

#WeAreAverda

About Averda

Averda is a leading global provider of integrated waste management and environmental services, delivering innovative, sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most complex waste challenges. Operating across multiple markets, we are committed to transforming waste into value while safeguarding the environment, supporting our communities, and driving operational excellence.

In the UAE, Averda is uniquely positioned at the forefront of the industry, offering advanced solutions that span collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal. We are now seeking an exceptional Managing Director (MD) to lead our UAE business, accelerate its growth trajectory, and deliver transformative impact — financially, operationally, and culturally.

Role Summary

The Managing Director is the most senior leader of Averda UAE, responsible for the end-to-end performance of the business. Reporting directly to the Group COO, the MD leads the UAE management team to achieve ambitious goals in revenue growth, profitability, cash generation, operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and team development. This is a hands‑on, entrepreneurial, and commercially driven leadership role that demands strategic vision, disciplined execution, and inspirational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Define and execute a clear strategy for profitable growth in the UAE, aligned with the global and regional strategies.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, technical capabilities and technologies to expand market share and revenue streams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, government stakeholders, partners, and regulators.
• Act as the primary ambassador of Averda in the UAE, ensuring a positive and credible market presence.

2. Financial & Commercial Performance

• Deliver against Revenue, EBIT, and Cash Collection targets as agreed with the Group.
• Optimize the P&L by driving revenue growth, margin expansion, and cost efficiencies.
• Establish pricing strategies, contracts, and business models that maximize value while maintaining competitiveness.
• Proactively manage working capital, ensuring timely billing and collection of receivables.

3. Operational Excellence & Capacity

• Ensure operational performance meets the highest standards of safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Oversee end-to-end operations, ensuring adequate capacity to meet client demands while managing costs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and innovate processes.
• Ensure compliance with all local laws, environmental regulations, and Group policies.

4. People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, develop, and retain a high‑performing leadership team and workforce.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer‑centricity.
• Actively coach and mentor leaders to build bench strength and future successors.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business.

5. Quality, Client Experience & Brand

• Ensure service delivery meets contractual commitments and exceeds client expectations.
• Build a pipeline of opportunities and leads to sustain the business’s growth projections and ambitions.
• Monitor and improve customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
• Uphold Averda’s reputation as a trusted, ethical, and sustainable partner.

6. Local Market & Regulatory Navigation

• Navigate the evolving regulatory landscape across all Emirates, ensuring full compliance with municipal, environmental, transport, and waste‑related requirements.
• Anticipate and respond to changes in disposal fees, recycling policies, and permitting rules, adjusting commercial models and operational plans accordingly.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies (e.g., Tadweer, Dubai Municipality, MoCCAE, EAD) to stay ahead of shifts that affect operations, pricing, and service scope.
• Represent Averda in regulatory consultations and policy discussions, ensuring the company’s interests are well understood and protected.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience, including P&L accountability at country or regional level, ideally in waste management, industrial, logistics, or infrastructure business.
• Proven track record of delivering growth, profitability, and operational excellence in a complex and competitive environment.
• Experience managing diverse teams and stakeholders, with a strong focus on culture and people development.
• Advanced degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Commercially savvy with exceptional financial acumen.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
• Inspirational leader with a collaborative and decisive style.
• Resilient, entrepreneurial, and results‑driven.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

Languages

• English
• Arabic is preferable

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the transformation of a market‑leading business at a pivotal moment in its journey. You will have the opportunity to shape strategy, the resources of a global group, and the responsibility to build a high‑impact legacy — all while tackling one of the world’s most urgent challenges: sustainable waste management.

If you are an ambitious leader who thrives on challenge and purpose, and who wants to make a measurable impact on people, profit, and the planet, we would love to hear from you.

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL CONTACTED*