General Manager – Operations (Construction & Infrastructure)

About the role

Our client, a growing construction and infrastructure business in Nigeria, seeks an experienced General Manager – Operations to build and lead its operational platform as the company enters its next stage of development. The role carries overall responsibility for project execution, engineering, commercial performance, QHSE, plant and equipment, supply chain and financial management, with direct exposure to the Managing Director and Board.

Key responsibilities

• Take overall ownership of construction and infrastructure project execution, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, budgets, quality and safety standards.
• Build and standardise a project management approach across the business, enhancing planning, scheduling, resource deployment, progress tracking, project controls and risk management for multiple concurrent projects.
• Provide senior engineering leadership across civil, structural, geotechnical and infrastructure disciplines, ensuring sound technical decisions and modern engineering practices.
• Drive commercial performance by controlling costs, margins, forecasts, contractual matters, variations, claims, tendering and collections to maximise project profitability.
• Strengthen subcontractor, procurement, supply‑chain, plant and equipment capabilities to secure the right resources and partners at the right time.
• Establish a strong safety and quality culture by implementing effective QHSE systems, clear site accountability and internationally recognised management standards.
• Develop the operational organisation from the ground up, including structure, leadership hiring, capability development, succession planning and local talent growth.
• Partner with the Managing Director and Board on business planning, market development, major client relationships, strategic partnerships and financial controls.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s preferred) and recognised Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional qualification.
• Over 20 years of progressive construction, civil engineering or infrastructure experience, including recent senior operational leadership (e.g., Project Director, Deputy General Manager, General Manager).
• Proven experience working in Nigeria or a comparable West African construction environment with deep knowledge of local regulations, logistics and stakeholder management.
• Track record of delivering major, technically complex projects such as roads, bridges, airports, industrial facilities, large buildings or dams.
• Strong commercial and contractual expertise, familiar with FIDIC, NEC or JCT contract frameworks and experienced in variations, claims and margin management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary and multicultural project teams across multiple sites, with solid QHSE leadership and executive maturity.

Required skills

• Civil engineering fundamentals (structural, geotechnical)
• Project management and scheduling
• QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment) systems
• FIDIC/NEC/JCT contract frameworks
• Risk management and project controls
• Procurement and supply‑chain coordination