Operations Manager – NDT & Inspection Services

Confidential; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Annual airfare

Performance bonus

Job summary

Confidential is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for NDT & Inspection Services in the UAE, responsible for leading day-to-day operations, ensuring safe project execution and optimizing resources. The role combines technical leadership with client management and business growth across onshore, offshore and marine environments.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in NDT/inspection, holds ASNT or PCN Level III, and can drive continuous improvement while maintaining high safety and quality

Qualifications

• 10+ years of NDT, inspection or technical services experience.
• ASNT or PCN NDT Level III certification.
• Experience across onshore, offshore and marine environments.
• Strong leadership, client management and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day NDT and inspection operations safely and efficiently.
• Plan manpower, technicians, equipment and resources for productivity.
• Ensure compliance with procedures, codes and client requirements.
• Monitor schedules, costs and profitability; take corrective actions.
• Oversee report delivery and technical documentation.
• Engage with clients and senior management on strategy.

Skills

NDT Leadership

Project management

Client management

Manpower planning

ASNT/PCN Level III

RT UT MT PT PAUT

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Job description

Lead. Optimize. Grow.

Take ownership of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and inspection operations across onshore, offshore and marine environments, combining technical leadership with operational excellence, client management and business growth.

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager – NDT & Inspection Services to lead day-to-day operations, ensure safe and efficient project execution, optimize manpower and resources, maintain technical excellence and strengthen client relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced NDT professional with strong operational and leadership capabilities who is ready to take broader ownership of people, projects, clients and business performance.

Operations & Project Delivery:

• Lead day-to-day NDT and inspection operations, ensuring safe, efficient and timely project execution.
• Plan and optimize manpower, technicians, equipment and resources to maximize utilization and productivity.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with approved procedures, project specifications, applicable codes, standards and client requirements.
• Monitor project schedules, operational performance, costs and profitability, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure timely completion of NDT reports, project documentation and technical deliverables.

Technical & NDT Leadership:

• Provide technical leadership and support for NDT Level III-related activities, procedures and technical requirements.
• Develop, review and coordinate project-specific NDT procedures and techniques in consultation with relevant technical personnel and clients.
• Ensure appropriate application of NDT methods, including:
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
• Other conventional and advanced NDT techniques, where applicable.
• Ensure NDT personnel are appropriately qualified, certified and technically competent before deployment.
• Oversee periodic technical competency assessments and certification requirements in accordance with applicable standards, employer written practices and client requirements.
• Participate in technical meetings, audits, site inspections and client assessments as required.

People, Resources & QHSE:

• Lead and coordinate field teams to ensure effective manpower utilization, productivity and operational readiness.
• Manage subcontractor engagement, ensuring appropriate technical assessments, approvals and compliance requirements before deployment.
• Work closely with Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE) teams to maintain high safety and quality standards.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, productivity, service quality and safety performance.

Client & Business Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Lead or participate in technical and operational discussions and provide effective solutions to customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities to expand NDT and inspection services and support business development initiatives.
• Participate in proposals, technical presentations, client meetings and other commercial activities as required.
• Work closely with senior management on operational and business-growth strategies.

What We're Looking For:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in NDT, inspection or technical services, preferably within the UAE/GCC.
• ASNT or PCN NDT Level III certification
• Strong knowledge of Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
• Strong experience across onshore, offshore and/or marine environments.
• Proven experience managing NDT operations, field teams, projects and customer requirements.
• Good understanding of NDT procedures, applicable codes and standards, certification and personnel competency requirements.
• Experience in manpower planning, resource optimization, subcontractor management and operational cost control.
• Strong leadership, communication, client-management and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify and support business-development opportunities.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Science or a related discipline preferred.
• Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certification and offshore medical fitness will be an advantage.

Key Accountabilities:

• Safe, efficient and profitable execution of NDT and inspection projects.
• Effective manpower, equipment and resource utilization.
• Technical quality and compliance.
• Operational cost control and productivity.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Achievement of operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Workforce competency and certification.
• Strong QHSE performance.
• Contribution to business growth.