Operations Manager - East Africa Construction Projects

Overview

We are searching for an experienced Operations Manager to spearhead and enhance operational effectiveness across our East African construction business. This senior leadership position involves managing multiple large-scale projects, optimizing operational results, ensuring profitability, and delivering exceptional project execution while upholding high standards in quality, safety, and client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities throughout East Africa, ensuring projects are completed successfully with operational excellence.
• Develop and deploy operational plans aligned with corporate goals and expansion strategies.
• Manage EPC, civil, infrastructure, commercial, industrial, and building projects from initial mobilization to final handover.
• Enhance project profitability by applying effective planning, cost control measures, productivity improvements, and efficient use of resources.
• Lead teams including Project Managers, Construction Managers, Commercial, Planning, Procurement, and support staff.
• Track project timelines, budgets, KPIs, contract compliance, quality, health and safety, and maintain high levels of client satisfaction.
• Implement stringent governance, project control frameworks, and operational reporting systems.
• Identify potential operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring uninterrupted business functions.
• Forge and sustain robust relationships with clients, consultants, authorities, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Assist in tender evaluations, resource allocation decisions, and project execution tactics.
• Ensure adherence to contracts, organizational policies, relevant international standards, and local regulations.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives, digital innovation, and best practices across all departments.
• Mentor leadership teams and cultivate local organizational talents to build strong internal capabilities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Master’s degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering Management, or equivalent is required.
• PMP® certification is mandatory.
• Additional certifications in leadership, contract management, or business management are advantageous.
• 15 to 20 years of advancing experience in the construction sector.
• At least 10 years of senior-level operational management experience.
• Demonstrated expertise managing extensive EPC, infrastructure, commercial, industrial, and building initiatives.
• Previous role as Operations Manager or Regional Operations Manager in East Africa is compulsory.
• Experience working with top regional or global Main Contracting/EPC firms is essential.
• Proven track record managing multiple projects with full Profit & Loss responsibility.
• Successful history of delivering complex, high-value projects on schedule and within budget.
• Preference for candidates with experience in multinational East African working environments.

Core Competencies

• Strong operational leadership abilities
• Strategic business planning and growth facilitation
• Expertise in construction and EPC project execution
• Financial and commercial management skills
• Contract administration knowledge
• Risk identification and mitigation experience
• Workforce and resource planning
• Client and stakeholder engagement proficiency
• Cost control and value engineering capabilities
• Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) and quality assurance management
• Change management and team leadership
• Sharp decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation talents