Job Description/Specification:
A leading construction company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and drive operational excellence across its East African business. This strategic leadership role is responsible for managing multiple EPC, infrastructure, commercial, industrial, and civil construction projects while ensuring operational efficiency, profitability, safety, quality, and exceptional client satisfaction.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading large-scale construction operations, managing multidisciplinary teams, driving business growth, and delivering complex projects on time and within budget across East Africa.
About This Role
As the Operations Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the company's regional construction portfolio. You will oversee project execution from mobilization to handover, optimize resources, manage commercial performance, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and implement operational strategies that support sustainable business growth and long-term organizational success.
Key Responsibilities
🏗️ Operations & Project Leadership
- Lead construction operations across multiple projects throughout East Africa.
- Oversee EPC, infrastructure, commercial, industrial, civil, and building projects from initiation to completion.
- Develop operational strategies aligned with business objectives and expansion plans.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Establish governance frameworks, operational controls, and performance reporting systems.
💼 Commercial & Financial Management
- Drive project profitability through effective planning, budgeting, and cost control.
- Monitor project financial performance, KPIs, contractual obligations, and resource utilization.
- Support tender evaluations, project planning, and execution strategies.
- Optimize workforce deployment, procurement, equipment utilization, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure full P&L accountability across multiple projects.
🤝 Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead Project Managers, Construction Managers, Commercial Teams, Planning Engineers, Procurement, and support functions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and government authorities.
- Mentor and develop high-performing leadership teams while strengthening local organizational capability.
- Foster collaboration across all departments to achieve business objectives.
📊 Risk, Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, HSE regulations, company policies, and international standards.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, digital transformation, and operational best practices.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline.
- Master's Degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering Management, or an equivalent field (Mandatory).
Certifications
- PMP® (Project Management Professional) – Mandatory
- Additional certifications in Leadership, Contract Management, Business Management, or Project Controls are advantageous.
Experience
- Minimum 15–20 years of progressive experience within the construction industry.
- Minimum 10 years in senior operational leadership positions.
- Proven experience managing large-scale EPC, infrastructure, industrial, commercial, civil, and building projects.
- Previous experience as an Operations Manager or Regional Operations Manager in East Africa is mandatory.
- Experience with leading regional or international EPC/Main Contracting companies.
- Strong track record managing multiple projects with full commercial and operational responsibility.
- Experience working in multinational environments across East Africa is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
- Construction Operations Management
- EPC Project Delivery
- Project Portfolio Management
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Contract Administration
- Cost Control & Value Engineering
- Project Controls
- Risk Management
- Resource Planning
- HSE & Quality Management
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Operational Excellence
- Business Development
- Commercial Acumen
- Decision Making
- Negotiation Skills
- Stakeholder Management
- Change Management
- Team Leadership
- Problem Solving
Why Join This Organization?
- Lead major construction and infrastructure projects across East Africa.
- Play a key role in shaping regional operational strategy and business growth.
- Work with large multidisciplinary teams on high-value EPC and infrastructure developments.
- Join a dynamic organization committed to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
- Enjoy opportunities for executive leadership, regional exposure, and long-term career advancement.
Job Information
- Job Title: Operations Manager
- Location: East Africa
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Industry: Construction | EPC | Infrastructure | Engineering
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for professionals currently working as:
- Operations Manager
- Regional Operations Manager
- Construction Director
- Project Director
- Regional Project Director
- General Manager – Construction
- Head of Operations
- EPC Operations Manager
Candidates with experience in EPC Contracting, Civil Engineering, Infrastructure, Industrial Construction, Commercial Buildings, Oil & Gas Construction, Transportation Infrastructure, or Large-Scale Construction Projects are encouraged to apply.
CV Tips
Emphasize your experience managing regional construction operations, delivering EPC projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing P&L, implementing project controls, optimizing operational performance, and maintaining HSE and quality standards. Include measurable achievements such as project values, cost savings, profit improvements, project completion rates, and team leadership accomplishments.
Application Tips
Optimize your CV with ATS keywords including Operations Manager, Regional Operations Manager, EPC, Construction Management, Infrastructure Projects, Civil Engineering, Commercial Management, Project Portfolio Management, PMP, Cost Control, Contract Administration, Project Delivery, HSE, Value Engineering, East Africa Construction Jobs, and Engineering Leadership.
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