Senior Director of Engineering - Abu Dhabi

Job Description

START DATE: Late 2025/ Early 2026 - Depending on successful candidates circumstances

With a start date expected in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on candidate availability, this assignment presents not only professional growth but also the chance to live in one of the safest, most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East.

JOB PURPOSE:

Provide strategic leadership across multiple engineering disciplines within the Technical/Projects Engineering Sections. Ensure high-quality engineering deliverables, effective resource management, compliance with established programs, and timely project execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as functional head of the Engineering Section, responsible for overall commercial and technical performance.
• Ensure compliance with quality, HSE, and company procedures.
• Develop and manage annual manpower and resource budgets.
• Monitor performance to ensure adequate support and efficiency across projects.
• Coordinate tender inputs and approve manpower estimates from subordinate teams.
• Provide technical expertise to troubleshoot complex engineering problems during construction.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation and technical processes.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor staff, implementing succession planning and talent development strategies.
• Approve engineering norms, standards, and deliverables to maintain quality and consistency.
• Prepare and deliver client presentations, addressing technical issues and clarifying project requirements.
• Oversee budgets, resource allocation, and financial management for engineering activities.
• Foster collaboration across departments and project teams to optimize outputs.
• Ensure continuous improvement in problem-solving, decision-making, and engineering practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor&aposs Degree in Engineering (related discipline) or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 9 years in managerial roles.

COMPETENCIES:

Behavioral:

• Resilience: Maintain composure under pressure, support team morale, turn setbacks into learning opportunities.
• Problem Solving: Analyze complex issues, develop effective solutions under time pressure, plan contingencies.
• Planning & Organizing: Manage budgets, coordinate cross-departmental processes, adapt to unplanned challenges.
• Collaboration: Foster inclusive teamwork, resolve conflicts proactively, encourage contributions from diverse teams.
• Communication: Build cross-cultural communication skills, anticipate stakeholder concerns, provide clear guidance.
• Leadership & Innovation: Promote creativity, implement cutting-edge solutions, motivate and mentor staff.
• Talent Development: Identify high-potential employees, provide coaching, recognize performance, plan for future resource needs.
• Business & Industry Insights: Analyze market trends, anticipate long-term threats, support strategic decision-making.
• Commitment: Develop long-term departmental strategies, challenge assumptions, drive improvement initiatives.

Technical:

• Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, software, and industry standards.
• Ability to manage and drive complex projects, evaluate technical solutions, and implement best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of Oil & Gas engineering disciplines and systems.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong planning, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and decision-making abilities.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Highly motivated and capable of influencing at all organizational levels.