Operations Director

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Operations Director from general operations management experience in the RAIL Industry for an entity based in Dubai. This role demands a strong background in the description mentioned below.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage the Operations Department to ensure outputs delivered are to an appropriate standard on time and within the allocated budget.
2. Develop the Operations Department and coordinate resources including hiring and management of qualified operations managers, control room operators, planners, and front-line staff.
3. Oversee all functions of the Operations Department and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Metro and Tram.
4. Effectively manage the processes and resources to enable requirements of the Metro and Tram passengers to be met, e.g. service frequency, punctuality, cleanliness and provision of information.
5. Restore and recover services affected by operational incidents, bad weather, staff shortages or equipment failure, and be a focal point in incident management and liaise with the emergency services and agencies for assistance.
6. Lead and participate in updating the standard operating procedures and work instructions due to changes in customer’s requirements, legislation, work process and methods.
7. Provide strategic direction, planning, and managing the development and implementation of policies, procedures and work instructions for aligning department’s operations to the committed performance targets and achieving year-over-year cost reductions while improving operations efficiency and performance.
8. Provide direction to subordinate managers regarding the resolution of complex issues, compliance issues and potential problems related to operations.
9. Assign the Head of Operations as his deputy, to act on his behalf during his absence.
10. Ensure that Line Managers take ownership for the competence of their teams.
11. Review non-conformances raised against the department regularly and assign resources to close out overdue Non-Conformances (NCs) within agreed timescales.
12. Lead, manage and motivate the team, including coaching departmental Managers and contract Managers.
13. Complete annual and mid-year appraisals and identify any sub-standard performance or behaviour and ensure corrective action through employee development plans.
14. Ensure the performance review process within their departments is managed consistently and effectively and provides advice and guidance to Line Managers in dealing with difficult situations.
15. Own departmental succession and development plans.
16. Ensure that their teams understand how they contribute to departmental and organizational goals.
17. Comply with all company Policies and Standard Operating Procedures and all local regional or contract related policies and procedures.
18. Perform and carry out other duties as instructed/directed by the Managing Director.
19. Technical, Financial and People Accountabilities.
20. Meet the Key Performance Indicators according to the targets agreed with the Managing Director in the areas of: Management of the client and contractor interface, Delivery of study reports on time, Preparations for launch of service.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum 7 years, preferably 10 years of general operations management experience.
2. 5 years of specific operations management experience within the rail industry.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ideally a degree holder in relevant engineering, transport planning or related discipline.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

1. Thorough understanding of all aspects of safety issues related to railway operations.
2. Good understanding of the rail systems basics such as driverless trains, Tram operations, moving block signalling systems, 3rd rail power supply distribution, platform screen doors, automatic gates and fare collection, track and crossovers, control and communication systems and E&M systems, their functions and operations.
3. Working knowledge of train scheduling, train utilization, train crew roster, control center operations, station operations, train operations and depot operations.

KEY SKILLS:

1. Must be a skilled manager in communicating, motivating and developing staff.
2. Must be politically incisive in communicating effectively with government agencies, board members, media/press, contractors and staff.
3. Highly motivated and flexible to work in a time-sensitive environment to respond quickly and effectively to unanticipated high workloads, events and emergencies.
4. Excellent analytical reasoning ability and capable of making decisions on complex matters.
5. Ability to multi-task and analyse situations promptly and without bias to determine the proper course of action or alternatives without jeopardizing human safety, quality and the committed performance targets.

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, please reach out to me directly at ricky.anchan@manpower-me.com.