COO

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Industry: Construction Contracting/ Real Estate

About the Company:

Our client is a well-established and rapidly growing construction contracting and real estate firm based in Riyadh, delivering large-scale commercial, infrastructure, and residential projects across the Kingdom. With a solid reputation for quality, safety, and timely delivery, the company is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence and support its continued expansion in the region.

Position Overview:

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the Middle East construction industry, with a proven track record in managing large, complex projects, optimizing internal processes, and leading cross-functional teams. This role requires strategic insight, strong leadership, and operational expertise to scale the business and ensure project success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the operational management of construction projects across all phases from planning to execution and delivery.
• Drive efficiency and performance across all departments, including Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, HSE, and QA/QC.
• Develop and implement operational strategies in alignment with the company's growth objectives and market dynamics.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, contractual obligations, and safety standards.
• Lead resource planning and allocation to ensure optimal project delivery timelines and cost controls.
• Foster a high-performance culture through mentorship, leadership development, and team alignment.
• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team on strategic planning, business development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement and profitability.
• Manage relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, and government authorities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; MBA or Master's preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in the construction contracting sector, with at least 5 years in the Middle East (KSA experience highly preferred).
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, multi-million-dollar construction projects.
• Deep knowledge of construction regulations, practices, and procurement models within the region.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Bilingual (English & Arabic) preferred, but not mandatory.