General Manager - MENA Region

About The Shaw Group

The Shaw Group is a globally recognized leader with a combined fabrication and manufacturing capacity exceeding 1.9 million square feet worldwide. The company specializes in high-quality project delivery services encompassing module fabrication, engineering, design, procurement, pipe fabrication, and pipe bending. Serving various industries worldwide, The Shaw Group is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions tailored to its clients' unique requirements.

Position Overview

This full-time, on-site General Manager role based in Abu Dhabi directs the strategic leadership, management, and operational delivery of the UAE business. It encompasses overseeing UAE-wide projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and fulfilling client requirements. The incumbent is responsible for standardizing frameworks pertaining to project execution, including project execution plans (PEPs), resource and risk management, change and claim management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement to guarantee successful project outcomes across scope, schedule, and budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold comprehensive responsibility for the UAE profit and loss, managing all project delivery and execution.
• Define and implement project management strategies aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices, supporting the US Head of Projects.
• Oversee development and governance of project plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring timely execution at each project phase.
• Authorize and supervise modifications to project scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Ensure all projects incorporate standardized P6 plans linked to schedule management, earned value management (EVM), and critical path analysis.
• Monitor project management teams (PMTs) and supporting departments for efficiency and quality, addressing issues systematically.
• Drive company strategy development and pursue new business opportunities.
• Manage resource allocation across projects, optimizing personnel, equipment, and materials usage.
• Coordinate closely with internal teams and external suppliers for punctual delivery of materials and services.
• Supervise subcontractor and vendor compliance with quality and safety standards alongside supply chain/procurement teams.
• Build partnerships with vendors and subcontractors to support regional project execution.
• Collaborate with HR for effective talent acquisition and retention.
• Establish and enforce quality assurance frameworks and conduct audits to ensure project compliance with specifications and standards.
• Promote corrective and preventive actions for systemic quality improvements in coordination with the PQM team.
• Implement and monitor project risk management models, leading mitigation strategies to minimize delays and disruptions.
• Manage risks related to liquidated damages, claims, and ensure proper change management (MoC) is followed and tracked across projects.
• Maintain transparent communication with senior leadership, clients, and stakeholders through governance meetings and executive updates.
• Develop best practice communication tools including minutes of meetings (MoM), actions tracking, and schedule coordination.
• Oversee UAE financial performance, adhere to budgets, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead commercial bid activities and claims management, ensuring cash flow management and financial reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, championing a strong safety culture and sustainability initiatives.
• Work with HSE teams and clients to promote incident-free operations and a culture of proactive safety awareness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Project Management, or Engineering.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Relevant experience in manufacturing sectors including piping, structural steel, or module fabrication.
• Strong financial literacy with understanding of P&L management; an MBA is an advantage.
• Fluent English required; Arabic language skills are a plus.

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in the energy industry.
• Minimum 10 years in project management roles with 8 or more years in supervisory positions.
• Experience in the oil and gas, petrochemical, power, or water sectors; background in fabrication yards, construction, or EPC preferred.
• Proficient with project management methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects, teams, and client relationships simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Why Join The Shaw Group

• Take on a pivotal regional leadership role with genuine strategic and financial accountability.
• Influence and innovate how projects are delivered throughout the MENA region.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and major clients in a high-impact role.
• Opportunity to establish long-term, profitable, and repeat business partnerships.

Location & Diversity

This position is located in Abu Dhabi. The company embraces equal opportunity employment, providing accommodations during the interview process upon request, demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion.