Construction Operations Director - New Projects

About the role

We are seeking a Construction Operations Director to lead the delivery of major new‑build projects, ranging from education and hospital facilities to other institutional developments. The role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on execution, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers through all project phases from execution to handover.
• Own programme planning, logistics, resource allocation and site execution to meet contractual and client requirements.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, cash‑flow visibility and cost‑to‑complete reporting, taking proactive action on cost or schedule pressures.
• Collaborate with commercial teams on procurement, contracts, change control, subcontractor performance and commercial risk.
• Monitor progress, risks, quality, health & safety, regulatory compliance, commissioning and handover activities.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, authorities, consultants, operators and senior management.

Required profile

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline; professional membership preferred.
• Minimum 20 years of construction experience, including senior leadership of large‑scale building projects.
• Proven main‑contractor experience delivering complex new‑build education, hospital, healthcare or institutional projects.
• Experience in West Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, and French language capability is an advantage.

Required skills

• Forecasting
• Cost control
• Procurement
• Contract administration
• Change management
• Commissioning
• Program control
• Budgeting
• Commercial management
• Risk management
• Stakeholder engagement