Chief Operating Officer jobs in United Arab Emirates

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To provide overall leadership and management of the Campus Physical Development Department and Campus Services. Ensures the effective operation of the University facilities management operation, projects and planning for University development and fit-out needs, Travel Services unit (international travel, hotel accommodation and services, ground transportation, vehicle fleet management), the University Business / Service Centers (copying / duplicating, mail, office and classroom supplies and materials), University Switchboards, contract services (food services, convenience shop), and overseas the Conference Center. Supervises and develops the Campus Services Team to ensure a high level of service and efficient departmental operations.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Must meet campus facility requirements effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner, ensuring high quality and cost-effectiveness within limited available space and existing resources. Lead the development and completion of complex, large projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Effectively represent the University with external stakeholders. Ensure the successful operation of campus services and convention center management.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership

• Provides strategic and tactical leadership on large-scale University projects as directed by university needs and management.
• Leads the development and update of campus master plans, the University’s facility plan, and contributes to the development of the University’s capital budget(s).
• Provides overall leadership to construction, renovation projects, and facilities-related operations such as security, soft services, MEP maintenance through the Facilities Project Manager.
• Annually updates the Department’s strategic plan and develops its operating plan and budget.
• Represents the Department in the University’s management structure and processes, including strategic planning.
• Manages the Department budget, ensuring proper and timely utilization of allocated funds.
• Develops and implements sustainability strategies aimed at achieving carbon cost-neutral campuses.
• Champions environmentally responsible design and operations, including green building standards, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.

Quality Assurance

• Develops policies and procedures to ensure effective, efficient, and safe operations of the Department and University facilities.
• Ensures design and construction of renovation and new projects meet University requirements, are within budget, per specifications, and on schedule.
• Ensures facilities meet safety and quality standards and University needs.
• Ensures compliance with regulations, policies, procedures, and budget, exhibiting best practices.
• Manages campus services including travel, business centers, and convention centers effectively.
• Leads the design and execution of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans for physical infrastructure and services.
• Ensures campus readiness through risk assessments, incident response protocols, and simulations.
• Maintains compliance with safety and resilience standards.

Systems

• Develops a unified facilities management system for campus space, inventories, budget support, and strategic planning.
• Provides leadership for the operation and maintenance of facilities and building systems.
• Oversees contracts for maintenance, custodial, grounds, and other services.
• Manages university services and presents to the retail committee, including business center, travel, and convention services.

Relationships

• Represents the University and builds effective relationships with external contacts like contractors, government agencies, and professional bodies.
• Establishes internal relationships to ascertain facility requirements.
• Recruits, supervises, evaluates, and develops Department staff, including Facilities Supervisors, Project Managers, and Service Managers.
• Optimizes organizational structure for effectiveness, service quality, and cost-efficiency.
• Collaborates with university and government officials on new campus facilities.

Degree of Independence / Complexity

Operates independently as a senior professional, making decisions across engineering, architectural, environmental, and administrative issues, with minimal supervision.

Working Relationships / Impact

• Interacts effectively under stress with diverse individuals.
• Engages with senior management and the university community on project requirements.
• Maintains contact with contractors, consultants, and officials from relevant authorities.

Education & Experience

• Minimum Master’s Degree in engineering, architecture, or related field, with 15 years of experience, including 5 in senior management, or equivalent.
• Experience in university environments preferred.
• Project management knowledge and health & safety awareness required.
• Experience in the Middle East and bilingual skills (English-Arabic) are ideal.
• Leadership & Management : Engages others, makes decisions, achieves outcomes.
• Communication : Shares information effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Customer & Service Focus : Demonstrates service excellence.
• Results & Action Orientation : Initiates improvements and positive outcomes.
• Interpersonal Skills : Demonstrates effectiveness in relationships.
• Technical Knowledge : Proficient and eager to learn.

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