Manager – Business Development & Operations

Ready to build something new in Kuwait?

An exciting opportunity to spearhead Descon Industrial Service’s Kuwait Business.

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to lead our Kuwait market entry, drive business growth, cultivate strategic client relationships, and establish a high-performing local organization from the ground up.

Role split: 70–80% Business Development • 20–30% business set-up, operational readiness and execution support.

Reporting to: Head Business Development & Head Operations, Descon Engineering Industrial Services Division

Service lines

• Maintenance • Turnaround / Shutdown • Retrofit • EPC

(This is a build role, not a maintain role. Our goal is to win and deliver our first Kuwait contracts and scale steadily. You will need strong access to decision makers at the target clients, the ability to spot opportunities well ahead of tender, and the drive to work independently while coordinating with corporate and overseas teams.)

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Strategy: Develop and execute the Kuwait BD strategy and market-entry plan for ISD's service lines.
• Clients: Build senior-level relationships with KIPIC, KNPC, EQUATE, KOC, KJO, WJO, KGOC and PIC, as well as EPC contractors, PMCs and consultants.
• Pipeline: Identify opportunities early, position Descon at pre-tender stage and convert the pipeline into contracts.
• Tendering: Lead prequalification and vendor registration; drive bid/no-bid, win strategy and tender support.
• Partnerships: Form alliances, consortiums and local subcontracting arrangements.
• Set-up: Establish the Kuwait office, processes, manpower plans and local supplier network; support smooth award-to-execution mobilization.
• Commercial: Own the ISD Kuwait P&L, budgets and forecasts; monitor margins and support negotiations.
• People & HSE: Build and mentor the Kuwait team and champion a Zero Harm HSE culture.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Civil); MBA is an advantage.
• 15+ years in Maintenance, Shutdown/Turnaround, Retrofit and EPC services for Kuwait Oil & Gas clients.
• Established relationships with KIPIC, KNPC, EQUATE and KOC (essential).
• Proven record of developing business and securing contracts in Kuwait.
• Deep understanding of Kuwait's contracting and procurement environment.
• Experience establishing or scaling a business unit from an early stage (strongly preferred).
• Commercial strength in contracting models, T&Cs, pricing, risk and negotiation.

IF YOU ARE:

Entrepreneurial • Client-focused • Commercially driven • Strategic • Resilient • Able to work cohesively with the Division Leadership Team & Senior Management