General Manager

Our Client

Our client is an established UAE-based facilities management and technical services company with a strong presence across the region. As part of its growth strategy, the company is expanding into construction and is looking to appoint a General Manager to establish, lead, and grow this new business division.

The opportunity offers an entrepreneurial leader the platform to build a construction business, backed by an established organization and existing client relationships.

Your Role

As General Manager - Construction, you will take full ownership of the construction division, driving business development, project acquisition, execution, and profitability. The role requires a strong combination of technical construction expertise and commercial acumen, with the ability to build operations from the ground up.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and lead the construction division, developing its business strategy, operational structure, and growth plans.
• Convert existing project enquiries into secured contracts while actively developing new business opportunities across the UAE.
• Lead construction projects across warehouses, residential developments, villas, and small commercial buildings.
• Oversee tendering, estimation, BOQs, contract negotiations, project costing, and commercial evaluations.
• Manage projects from planning and mobilization through execution and handover, ensuring quality, safety, timelines, and profitability.
• Build and manage project teams, subcontractor networks, suppliers, and external consultants.
• Develop relationships with developers, consultants, property owners, and other key stakeholders to strengthen the project pipeline.
• Take ownership of divisional P&L, budgets, project margins, cost control, and cash flow.
• Establish practical operational processes, performance standards, and reporting structures to support sustainable growth.

Must-Have

• 15+ years of experience in building construction or general contracting, with strong UAE market exposure.
• Degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven leadership experience in an SME construction company, growing contracting business, or entrepreneurial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently secure construction projects and manage their successful execution.
• Hands-on technical knowledge of building construction, tendering, estimation, contracts, and project costing.
• Experience delivering warehouse, residential, villa, or small commercial construction projects.
• Strong commercial understanding, including project profitability, budgeting, and P&L management.
• Ability to establish operations, build teams, and grow a construction business from the ground up.