Job Description

Operations Manager – MEP Contracts & Commercial Operations

Company: Al Shirawi Retrofit Engineering Solutions Co. L.L.C.

Location: United Arab Emirates

Reports to: General Manager / Senior Management

1. Job Purpose

Al Shirawi Retrofit Engineering Solutions Co. L.L.C. is seeking a commercially strong and results-oriented Operations Manager to oversee the end-to-end execution and commercial management of MEP retrofit contracts.

The role involves managing project execution, procurement, planning, manpower, cost control, site operations, material management, work completion certification, invoicing, and payment collection. The candidate must ensure projects are delivered on time, within approved budgets, at targeted profitability, and with timely revenue realization and cash flow.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Contract Execution and Operations Management

• Manage awarded contracts from project handover through execution, completion, and final commercial closure.
• Prepare project execution plans, schedules, procurement plans, and resource deployment strategies.
• Coordinate engineering, procurement, site teams, subcontractors, suppliers, finance, and clients.
• Monitor multiple projects, resolve operational bottlenecks, and ensure timely completion within contractual commitments.

B. Commercial Management and Cost Control

• Prepare and monitor project budgets, committed costs, cost forecasts, and profitability.
• Track actual expenditure against approved budgets and implement corrective measures to prevent cost overruns.
• Review supplier quotations, subcontractor costs, project expenses, and opportunities for cost savings.
• Identify, document, and follow up on variations, additional works, and contractual claims.
• Monitor project margins and provide regular cost-to-complete and profitability reports to management.

C. Procurement and Material Management

• Plan procurement to ensure timely availability of materials, equipment, tools, and subcontractor services.
• Coordinate supplier negotiations, purchase orders, technical approvals, and delivery schedules.
• Supervise site material management and stores, including material receipts, issues, stock verification, returns, and inventory reconciliation.
• Control material consumption, wastage, excess inventory, and unplanned purchases.

D. Planning, Resources and Site Execution

• Develop project schedules and manpower deployment plans for engineers, supervisors, technicians, labour, and subcontractors.
• Monitor site progress against planned targets and ensure timely corrective action.
• Coordinate work permits, site access, shutdown approvals, inspections, and client requirements.
• Ensure timely submission of daily site reports, weekly progress reports, manpower records, and material consumption reports.
• Monitor productivity, subcontractor performance, quality, HSE compliance, and site logistics.

E. Work Completion Certification and Handover

• Coordinate inspections, testing, commissioning, snag rectification, and project handover.
• Ensure timely submission and approval of work completion certificates, measurements, delivery records, and supporting documents.
• Follow up on pending approvals, outstanding snags, retention money, and final account requirements.
• Ensure contractual deliverables and handover documentation are completed before project closure.

F. Billing, Invoicing and Payment Collection

• Establish project-wise billing schedules in line with contractual payment terms and milestones.
• Ensure timely invoicing for completed work and delivered materials, as contractually applicable.
• Track work completed, certified revenue, invoices submitted, pending certification, unbilled work, and outstanding receivables.
• Proactively follow up with clients, consultants, and accounts departments to expedite certification and payment.
• Maintain receivables ageing and collection forecasts, resolve payment delays, and escalate overdue accounts to management.
• Coordinate with finance to align collections with supplier payments, subcontractor commitments, and operational cash flow.

G. Reporting and Process Improvement

• Prepare consolidated weekly and monthly reports covering project progress, procurement, costs, profitability, billing, collections, and key risks.
• Establish effective systems for project tracking, material control, cost monitoring, and commercial follow-up.
• Ensure proper documentation, accountability, and compliance with company procedures.
• Recommend improvements in operational efficiency, working capital management, and project profitability.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or MEP Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience in MEP contracting, HVAC projects, retrofit works, or building services.
• Proven experience in managing multiple contracts, including project execution, procurement, cost control, billing, and commercial closure.
• Strong understanding of project profitability, variation claims, subcontractor management, work certification, receivables, and payment collection.
• Practical knowledge of UAE construction practices, site permit procedures, and client approval processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, project reporting, and ERP or project management systems.