Head of Department - EPC Construction Director (O&G)

Job Title: Construction HoD – EPC
Location: Dubai, UAE (MENA HQ)
Industry: Oil & Gas, EPC Contractor


Role Overview: 
Our client, an established EPC Contractor specializing in Oil & Gas projects, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Construction HoD to lead construction operations and establish robust systems and processes for their newly incorporated subsidiary in Dubai.
As Construction HoD you will be asked to lead and establish construction operations for a newly incorporated EPC Contractor subsidiary in Dubai, specializing in Oil & Gas projects. This role involves setting up processes, policies, and systems, overseeing project execution from tendering to completion, and ensuring budget, schedule, quality, and safety compliance. The HoD will actively contribute to bid preparation, risk assessment, and construction strategy formulation, while managing construction teams across multiple sites. Additionally, the role requires cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement, HSE, and project controls teams, as well as maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure seamless project execution.

Company Overview:
A leading EPC contractor with strong financial backing from their cash rich parent company, a major state-owned enterprise, this company specializes in petrochemical, oil & gas, and infrastructure projects across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), they execute large-scale projects for top national and private-sector clients, including oil field development, pipeline engineering, refinery upgrades, LNG terminals, and petrochemical plants. Their capabilities extend to sulfur recovery, fertilizer production, and bulk storage solutions, reinforcing their role as a key player in the region’s industrial and energy sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish, implement, and manage comprehensive construction processes, policies, and systems tailored for the new subsidiary.
• Collaborate closely with the Business Development team during bid phases to ensure alignment of construction methodologies, risk management approaches, and feasibility analysis.
• Actively participate in the tendering process by reviewing tender documents, preparing construction execution plans, developing accurate cost estimates, and providing strategic input to improve bid competitiveness coordinating with China HQ for alignment on methods and resource planning and availability.
• Lead and oversee construction teams across multiple sites, ensuring efficient resource allocation, productivity enhancement, and adherence to critical project milestones.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for construction operations, aligning closely with corporate objectives and specific client expectations.
• Coordinate and interface seamlessly with Engineering, Procurement, Project Controls, HSE, and Quality departments to ensure smooth integration, effective communication, and timely project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with local and international standards, industry codes, and regulatory requirements, particularly within Oil & Gas EPC projects.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, implementing strategic measures to minimize project uncertainties and enhance profitability.
• Foster and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and relevant regulatory authorities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related disciplines. Mix experience of Corp HQ Construction activities and Site activities is advantageous.

• Minimum 15 years of extensive experience in construction management within the Oil & Gas EPC sector. Experience with bringing resources in GCC countries is a plus.

• At least 7 years in senior leadership roles with proven experience managing large-scale, complex EPC projects in the Middle East.
• Demonstrated expertise and success in setting up operational systems, processes, and standards for new business units or subsidiaries.
• Proven experience supporting tender processes, including tender review, risk analysis, cost estimation, and construction methodology planning.
• Familiarity with international standards, construction best practices, and regulatory environments prevalent in the Middle East.
• Previous experience with Chinese EPC contractors or familiarity with Chinese corporate environmental standards and practices would be beneficial.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English required.

What They Can Offer:

• Competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits package
• An exceptional opportunity to lead, influence, and shape the direction of a newly established subsidiary
• A supportive, collaborative, and dynamic working environment
• Extensive opportunities for professional growth, development, and international exposure

   
About Adecco:
At Adecco Group (incorporating LHH), we believe in the potential of people. We are world’s leading talent advisory and solutions company making a difference in the working lives of 3.5 million people every year. The Adecco Group is a Swiss-based global firm, operating in 60 countries that offers 360° HR solutions from flexible placement, visa and payrolling to permanent placement executive search and outsourcing services. We support more than 100,000 organizations with their human capital needs.

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