Location: Abu Dhabi
Job Type:
Permanent
Closing Date:
2025-03-09
About vacancy
mselect is looking to hire an Executive Director of Landscaping for a Facilities Management company in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Candidates must have more than 10 years’ experience in operations management, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior or executive role. Fluency in English and Arabic is a must.
Job Purpose
The Executive Director of Operations plays a crucial role in the landscaping company, ensuring the smooth execution of daily activities and long-term projects. This position requires comprehensive oversight of all operational departments, including project management, resource allocation, procurement, health and safety (H&S), sustainability, and quality control. By establishing clear processes, setting performance benchmarks, and fostering efficient workflows, the Executive Director ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, aligning with the financial benchmarks and targets agreed upon with Aldar Estates. In addition to operational leadership, the Executive Director is responsible for the financial health of the company's services. This includes making data-driven decisions to improve profitability, control costs, and enhance resource utilization. The Executive Director collaborates closely with finance, procurement, and bid teams to develop and manage budgets, track key performance indicators, and ensure that operations align with financial targets. By implementing sustainable practices and optimizing resource use, this role supports profitability while upholding the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Client satisfaction and relationship management are also key aspects of this role. The Executive Director works to meet and exceed client expectations by collaborating with sales and customer service teams to understand client needs, troubleshoot issues, and secure repeat business. Furthermore, the Executive Director prioritizes compliance with industry regulations, safety protocols, and environmental guidelines to maintain the company’s reputation and uphold industry standards. Through strategic planning and hands-on leadership, the Executive Director of Operations positions the company for sustainable growth and success in the landscaping industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Visionary:
All employees must adhere to the company’s health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and relevant legal requirements Employees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these policies and staying updated on any changes.
Information Security Responsibilities:
Requirements
Education & Qualifications:
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.
Job Purpose
The Executive Director of Operations plays a crucial role in the landscaping company, ensuring the smooth execution of daily activities and long-term projects. This position requires comprehensive oversight of all operational departments, including project management, resource allocation, procurement, health and safety (H&S), sustainability, and quality control. By establishing clear processes, setting performance benchmarks, and fostering efficient workflows, the Executive Director ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, aligning with the financial benchmarks and targets agreed upon with Aldar Estates. In addition to operational leadership, the Executive Director is responsible for the financial health of the company's services. This includes making data-driven decisions to improve profitability, control costs, and enhance resource utilization. The Executive Director collaborates closely with finance, procurement, and bid teams to develop and manage budgets, track key performance indicators, and ensure that operations align with financial targets. By implementing sustainable practices and optimizing resource use, this role supports profitability while upholding the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Client satisfaction and relationship management are also key aspects of this role. The Executive Director works to meet and exceed client expectations by collaborating with sales and customer service teams to understand client needs, troubleshoot issues, and secure repeat business. Furthermore, the Executive Director prioritizes compliance with industry regulations, safety protocols, and environmental guidelines to maintain the company’s reputation and uphold industry standards. Through strategic planning and hands-on leadership, the Executive Director of Operations positions the company for sustainable growth and success in the landscaping industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Visionary:
- Set a clear vision for the operations function that aligns with the company’s overall mission and growth strategy
- Analyze market trends, anticipate future demands, and proactively identify growth areas
- Manage all facets of landscaping operations, from resource allocation and logistics to quality assurance and performance tracking
- Set department objectives, optimize workflows, and ensure seamless teamwork to meet project goals
- Oversee the profitability of operations by developing cost-control initiatives and aligning financial goals with operational output
- Create and implement processes to enhance profitability and productivity
- Serve as a primary contact for key clients, ensuring that operational deliverables meet their expectations
- Manage high-profile client relationships and implement systems for ongoing feedback
- Ensure all operational processes adhere to industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental laws
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all employees are trained in safe work practices
- Process Optimization: Analyze and improve current operational processes using Lean or Six Sigma principles to minimize waste and reduce costs
- Resource Allocation: Ensure optimal use of resources, including labour, equipment, and materials, and oversee scheduling to maximize productivity
- Project Management Oversight: Supervise major projects or assign qualified project managers, ensuring each project has a clear plan, timeline, and budget
- Budget Development: Collaborate with the finance team to develop comprehensive budgets, setting targets for revenue and expenses while finding operational efficiencies
- Profitability Analysis: Conduct regular cost-benefit analyses to identify areas for cost savings and profitability improvements
- Vendor and Supplier Negotiations: Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts to ensure quality standards and budget constraints
- Talent Management: Recruit, train, and retain top talent across operations, identifying high-potential employees for advancement
- Training and Development: Develop comprehensive training programs that enhance both technical and soft skills
- Performance Management: Conduct evaluations, provide feedback, and create improvement plans, recognizing outstanding performance
- Client Communication: Serve as a primary liaison for key clients, addressing questions and concerns proactively
- Quality Assurance: Implement stringent quality control measures to ensure all projects meet the highest standards
- Problem Resolution: Quickly resolve client-related issues, ensuring satisfaction and retention
- Safety Protocol Implementation: Develop and enforce safety protocols in compliance with OSHA and industry regulations
- Regular Audits and Inspections: Conduct site inspections and audits to confirm adherence to safety and environmental standards
- Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to ensure employee safety and regulatory compliance
- Market Analysis and Business Development: Collaborate with senior leadership to analyze market trends and identify new service opportunities
- Innovation and Technology Adoption: Evaluate and implement new technologies to increase efficiency and improve service quality
- Expansion Strategy: Contribute to growth strategies, such as expanding into new regions or adding new service offerings
- Develop and approve daily and weekly schedules for project teams, ensuring adequate staffing and resources
- Monitor day-to-day activities across various projects, offering support and troubleshooting issues
- Regularly assess operational metrics and create detailed reports for executive leadership, with recommendations for improvements
- Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned for future projects
- Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, ensuring everyone is informed about project progress and potential issues
- Prepare and lead presentations for executive management on operational performance and strategic initiatives
- Oversee procurement processes and liaise with the centralized procurement team to select and manage vendors
- Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers to support cost efficiency and maintain quality standards
- Conduct regular field visits and audits to ensure adherence to safety, quality, and compliance standards
- Review and assess employee performance regularly, implementing corrective measures when standards are not met
- Research and implement innovative landscaping techniques and technology solutions
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by gathering feedback and analyzing operations
All employees must adhere to the company’s health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and relevant legal requirements Employees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these policies and staying updated on any changes.
Information Security Responsibilities:
- Comply with the company’s Information Security Policies
- Ensure that anyone handling sensitive information has completed Security Awareness Training
- Report any security incidents to the IT Service Desk or InfoSec
- Maintain the confidentiality of user accounts and associated passwords
Requirements
Education & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Required in business administration, operations management, landscape architecture, horticulture, or a related field
- Master’s Degree (Preferred): An MBA or a master’s degree in operations management or a related field is advantageous
- Industry Experience: 10+ years in operations management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior or executive role
- Position/Functional Experience: 5 to 8 years
- Strategic Vision and Planning: Ability to develop operational strategies aligned with company goals
- Leadership and Team Development: Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, fostering a collaborative culture
- Financial Acumen: Strong skills in budgeting and cost control
- Customer-Centric Mindset: Ability to prioritize client needs and ensure service delivery meets expectations
- Operational Excellence and Process Improvement: Deep understanding of operational efficiency and best practices
- Risk Management and Compliance: Knowledge of risk assessment and compliance with safety regulations
- Results Orientation: Driven to achieve and exceed performance targets
- Sustainability and Environmental Awareness: Commitment to eco-friendly practices in landscaping
- Project Management: Skilled in planning, resource allocation, and timeline management
- Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Strong analytical abilities to assess metrics and identify improvements
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to seasonal fluctuations and project challenges
- Negotiation and Vendor Management: Skilled in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships
- Safety and Compliance Expertise: Knowledge of industry safety standards and best practices
- Financial Management: Proficient in budgeting and financial analysis
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with ERP systems and project management software
- Decision-Making Skills: Strong decision-making abilities for operational success
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Commitment to adopting new ideas and enhancing efficiency
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.
