Operations Director

KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we've led with vision, contributing to many of the world's most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey.

We invite you to join us. Why?

When you join KEO, you'll discover more than just a job – you'll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards.

Our newest opportunity is for a talented Operations Director PMCM Services to join our award-winning team based in Dubai. This position is responsible for multiple teams and projects across the allocated region, overseeing all of the construction management, construction supervision and quality management within the PMI Division.

The Operations Director works in close partnership with the Managing Director to oversee all project operations and commercial activities within PM/CM International. This role is essential to ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently, on budget, and in alignment with company policies and strategic goals.

We envisage success in this role to include;

• Collaborate with the Managing Director to design, implement, and maintain commercial and operational management systems across the division.
• Ensure project managers adhere to standardized project management practices in accordance with KEO and divisional policies.
• Monitor project invoicing and reporting to ensure accuracy and timeliness for both clients and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure corporate and divisional QA/QC standards are fully implemented across all projects.
• Track divisional project performance and generate regular performance metrics reports for executive review.
• Work closely with project managers and studio leaders to proactively identify and resolve project performance issues, including out-of-scope work requests and variation opportunities.
• Organize and lead regular project review meetings for all ongoing projects.
• Drive improvements in operational systems, processes, and policies to support digital transformation and the division's strategic development.
• Facilitate effective management reporting, information flow, financial management, and organizational planning.
• Participate in meetings with the Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director, and Financial Controller on fiscal planning and budget management.
• Assist the Managing Director in managing the division's budget, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Step in to support or relieve the Managing Director / Heads of Department as needed.
• Oversee monthly and quarterly performance assessments and provide insights on financial and operational outcomes relative to targets.
• Champion the implementation of Health and Safety (HSE) and Quality Management Systems in line with KEO policies.
• Ensure all staff receive necessary HSE and Quality training, and that adequate resources are devoted to these programs.
• Promote a culture where HSE and Quality are core organizational values, leading by example in all activities.

To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include 20+ years work experience partnered with a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or related field (Master's preferred).

Membership of a Professional Engineering or Project / Construction Management Society or other recognised body is desirable. Certification(s) in PMP (Project Management Professional) preferred.

• Proven experience in project management, project operations and civil engineering
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with CRM and ERP.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience with HSE and quality management systems is an asset.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Results-oriented and proactive approach.
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams.

KEO's performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its' contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.