Opportunity - based in Saudi Arabia
We are seeking an accomplished General Manager – Construction Services to lead and develop a specialist construction-services business in Saudi Arabia.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced construction professional who combines strong operational expertise with commercial acumen, strategic thinking and a proven ability to develop profitable businesses.
We are looking for more than an experienced Project Director or Operations Manager. We need a commercially driven leader who understands how to win work, deliver projects successfully, develop high-performing teams and take ownership of business performance.
The successful candidate will lead a specialist construction-services operation, with responsibility for driving sustainable growth, strengthening market presence, managing operational performance and developing organisational capabilities across Saudi Arabia.
Key Responsibilities
Business Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the development and execution of the KSA business strategy, driving sustainable growth, profitability and operational excellence.
- Take ownership of business performance, including revenue, profitability, financial forecasting and operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the company's position within the Saudi construction and infrastructure markets.
- Establish clear business priorities, performance expectations and accountability across the operation.
Operational & Project Delivery
- Provide leadership and oversight across multiple construction projects, ensuring successful delivery against programme, cost, quality and HSE requirements.
- Lead and develop Project Managers and operational teams, ensuring effective planning, resource allocation and project execution.
- Maintain visibility of project performance, commercial risks and operational challenges, intervening strategically where required.
- Drive consistency, efficiency and continuous improvement across the project portfolio.
Commercial & Financial Management
- Own the financial performance of the business, ensuring effective management of revenue, margins, operating costs and cash performance.
- Oversee project financial performance, forecasting, commercial risk and contractual obligations.
- Work closely with Commercial and Finance to protect profitability, strengthen financial controls and improve cash conversion.
- Evaluate commercial opportunities, balancing growth ambitions with operational capacity, risk and financial returns.
Business Development & Market Growth
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, contractors, consultants and industry stakeholders across Saudi Arabia.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within specialist construction, infrastructure and related engineering services.
- Provide leadership in major tenders, commercial negotiations and strategic client engagements.
- Strengthen existing client relationships while developing new market opportunities and long-term partnerships.
People & Organisational Leadership
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing management and operational team.
- Establish clear objectives, performance expectations and accountability throughout the business.
- Coach and develop Project Managers and emerging leaders, strengthening internal capability and succession readiness.
- Promote a culture of ownership, collaboration, operational discipline and continuous improvement.
- Champion high standards of health, safety, quality and professional integrity.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related engineering discipline.
- Extensive experience within construction, infrastructure, specialist contracting or project-based engineering services.
- Significant leadership experience managing multiple projects, operational teams and complex client relationships.
- Demonstrated responsibility for business-unit performance, including financial management, profitability and commercial decision-making.
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, project controls, risk management and commercial governance.
- Proven ability to develop client relationships, identify commercial opportunities and contribute to business growth.
- Experience operating within Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC construction market, with strong knowledge of the Saudi market highly desirable.
- Previous experience in specialist ground engineering, dewatering, piling, shoring, foundations or related construction services would be advantageous.
The Leadership Profile
We are particularly interested in individuals who have progressed through Project Management, Senior Project Management and Operations Leadership into broader business responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Commercial ownership: Understands the financial drivers of a successful contracting business and makes decisions that protect profitability.
- Operational credibility: Can challenge and guide experienced Project Managers while maintaining oversight of a complex project portfolio.
- Growth mindset: Recognises market opportunities and can convert strategic relationships into sustainable business growth.
- Leadership maturity: Develops capable managers, delegates effectively and holds teams accountable for performance.
- Strategic judgement: Balances immediate operational demands with long-term business priorities.
- Client influence: Builds trusted relationships and represents the business confidently at senior executive level.
