At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major construction projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery.
- Company: Fast-growing engineering and construction contractor delivering landmark projects in Africa.
- Benefits: Competitive tax-free salary and comprehensive expatriate benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction while leading high-impact projects across Africa.
- Qualifications: 20+ years in construction with leadership experience in large-scale projects.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Construction Operations Director
Our client is a leading engineering, construction and infrastructure contractor delivering some of Africa's most complex building and infrastructure projects.
We are partnering with them to appoint a Construction Operations Director to lead the delivery of major new-build projects across Ivory Coast.
This is a role for an accomplished construction leader who thrives in complex project environments and understands what it takes to deliver major developments safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
You will provide strategic leadership across multiple high-value projects while ensuring operational excellence, commercial discipline and exceptional client satisfaction.
We will only be able to consider candidates who have worked for a recognised main contractor delivering large-scale new-build construction projects
This is a senior leadership role requiring an individual who can successfully manage both the strategic and operational aspects of major construction projects.
First, leading the successful delivery of complex new-build projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
Second, driving operational performance across multiple projects by maintaining strong control of programme, forecasting, commercial performance, resource planning, procurement strategy and risk management.
Third, building strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and senior stakeholders while leading high-performing project teams capable of delivering exceptional project outcomes.
This is a genuine opportunity to lead landmark construction projects while helping shape the continued growth of one of Africa's fastest-growing engineering and construction businesses.
A minimum of 20 years' construction experience, including significant leadership of large-scale new-build building projects within a recognised main contractor
- Proven experience delivering major new-build building projects within a recognised main contractor environment.
Experience delivering education, hospital, healthcare or other institutional developments would be highly advantageous, although candidates with a strong track record on other large-scale new-build projects will also be considered.
- Strong operational leadership with extensive experience managing programme, budgets, forecasting, commercial performance, procurement, contract administration and project risk.
- Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary construction teams, consultants, subcontractors and delivery partners across large and complex projects.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, health and safety, quality management, commissioning and project close-out.
- A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence clients, consultants and senior leadership teams.
A competitive tax-free salary and comprehensive expatriate benefits package.
- The opportunity to join a fast-growing multinational engineering and construction business delivering landmark projects across Africa.
- A highly visible leadership role with genuine long-term career progression within an organisation that continues to invest in its people and projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commercial and Business Operations in England
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like GRG, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Director of Commercial and Business Operations at GRG.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commercial and Business Operations in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at GRG
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
