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Position Summary
Fives Services Gulf is actively seeking an experienced Engineering and Projects Director to join our team in UAE.
At Fives, we are all driven by a common calling : to prove that industry can do it !
We work together daily to make industry an answer to all of the major technological, environmental, social, and economic challenges of our time.
How do we do that?
For over 200 years , we’ve invented and designed solutions and technologies that substantially and sustainably improve everyone’s daily life.
Fives Services Gulf is the Fives service centre for the Middle East, with a team of 150 people based in Bahrain, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. It provides local customer service, project execution support, local parts sourcing, and carries out refit, modernization projects, audits, and technical assistance on customer sites. A team is also dedicated to maintaining equipment in operation at our customers' plants.
We are committed to working together to develop new solutions for the industry of tomorrow : an industry that respects the environment and helps make the world a better place.
Job Content
It is with you that industry can do it!
Fives Services Gulf (FSG) is looking for an experienced Engineering and Projects Director to lead the delivery of engineering activities and projects related to Fives Services Gulf. Based in the UAE, the role oversees project and engineering teams located in Bahrain and the UAE.
The role requires a strong leader capable of managing technical project execution, overseeing all project and operational activities in line with FSG's strategic and operational objectives. This position holds full accountability for engineering and project execution within Fives Services Gulf. It involves managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, often with overlapping timelines and varying client and technical requirements. The Engineering and Projects Director will lead a diverse team of approximately 20 professionals, ensuring effective coordination, resource allocation, and adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
The Director will have strategic oversight for the UAE-based team, promoting alignment and collaboration within the local team while representing the company to key clients in the region. Although sales and support staff report through separate lines, the position provides functional leadership across these teams.
This position reports directly to the Managing Director for the Gulf Region and plays a critical role in connecting sales, projects, spare parts, and HSEQ across the Gulf region.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities :
- Engineering
- Provide strategic direction and technical oversight for all engineering activities to ensure alignment with project requirements, safety standards, and client specifications.
- Ensure manuals and technical documents are regularly updated and shared to equip users with the necessary knowledge to execute tasks safely and efficiently.
- Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within engineering workflows to enhance productivity and quality.
- Foster a strong relationship with the Product Offices Engineering teams (based in France).
- Identify areas for automation and digitization to drive efficiencies, and lead the implementation of automation / digitization strategies for the Execution department to enhance capabilities and service offerings.
- Project Execution
- Oversee the execution of projects, ensuring delivery aligns with the technical scope, specifications, budgets, timelines, and standards.
- Manage project execution teams in UAE and Bahrain, ensuring effective remote collaboration.
- Ensure project activities meet customer expectations, safety standards, and quality requirements.
- Collaborate with spare parts and workshop teams for seamless service delivery.
- Strategy & Operations
- Define, develop, and implement operating frameworks, policies, and procedures for the Execution Department, ensuring compliance with regulations, Fives standards, and best practices.
- Oversee planning, scheduling, and daily operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with standards and customer requirements.
- Develop strategies to meet operational requirements and support strategic objectives.
- Manage financial performance, including P&L, CAPEX, and OPEX budgets.
- Participate in recruitment, set individual goals, evaluate performance, and provide coaching.
- Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations, including HSEQ requirements.
- Implement cost reduction plans and improve operational practices.
- Customer Relations & Local Business Focus
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers in the Gulf.
- Act as the primary contact for project execution and service delivery in the UAE.
- Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Represent the company in local meetings, technical discussions, and negotiations.
- UAE Based Leadership & Team Building
- Manage direct reports including Project Supervisors, Managers, and other roles; dotted line reports include Business Development, Spare Parts, HR, and admin staff.
- Foster team spirit, collaboration, and a positive culture aligned with company values.
- Ensure effective communication between the UAE office and Bahrain team.
- Oversee daily office operations for smooth coordination.
- Regional Coordination & Reporting
- Work with the Managing Director to align UAE operations with regional strategy.
- Provide regular updates and performance reports.
- Ensure UAE activities are integrated into the regional structure.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s preferred).10+ years in project execution and engineering services, preferably in aluminum or heavy industrial sectors.Proven leadership managing distributed teams.Strong understanding of project execution services and customer support in aluminum industry settings.Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.Ability to manage cross-border operations and travel (50 / 50 between UAE and Bahrain).Fluent in English; French proficiency is an advantage.Key Accountabilities
Successful and timely project execution and engineering services.Customer satisfaction and relationship development in the Gulf.Effective leadership of UAE team.Coordination with Bahrain team.Contribution to business development and market presence.Maintain operational excellence, safety, and compliance.Personal Attributes
Hands-on, pragmatic leadership with proactive attitude.Strong interpersonal and team-building skills.Strategic thinker focused on operational execution.Culturally sensitive and adaptable.Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.Why Join Fives?
Joining Fives offers opportunities for growth and mobility across various fields. We support your professional and personal development through onboarding, learning, and support programs.
Industry can do it with you!
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