Operations Manager – Pest Control Services

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE:

To manage Pestfree Services operations. The role is responsible for driving service delivery excellence across pest control operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and sustaining operational profitability while upholding AKI's values of sustainability, safety, and customer-centricity.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead end-to-end operations of all pest control services across sectors including commercial, residential, hospitality, education, aviation, etc.
• Ensure service quality, compliance, timely delivery, and technician productivity.
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control checks, and performance KPIs.

• Ensure full compliance with UAE/GCC regulatory requirements for pest control, chemical handling, and product distribution.
• Oversee technician certification, licensing, and chemical handling protocols.
• Promote and enforce AKI's Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) standards across all operations.

• Manage operational budgets and support profitability objectives across the business.
• Monitor operational costs, productivity, and resource utilization to ensure financial efficiency.
• Approve expenditures within delegated authority and support CAPEX planning for new equipment, vehicles, or digital tools.

• Maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring retention, satisfaction, and service excellence.
• Manage interactions with government bodies, external auditors, and regulatory authorities.
• Collaborate with internal departments including Finance, Supply Chain, HSE, Digital, and HR to ensure smooth operations.

• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse workforce including service supervisors and technicians.
• Ensure effective manpower planning, recruitment, onboarding, and continuous employee development.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and foster a high-performance culture.

• Introduce and support digital platforms, IoT-based pest control solutions, and smart reporting tools.
• Drive automation, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Lead process reengineering and system enhancements across service and trading operations.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Business Administration, Chemical/Life Sciences, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in pest control services or related environmental services businesses, preferably within the UAE/GCC region.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Strong technical knowledge of pest management and environmental services operations.
• In-depth understanding of UAE/GCC regulations related to pest control, chemical and hazardous product handling, health & safety, and environmental standards.
• Strong business acumen in service operations, cost management, margin optimization, and pricing strategies.
• Experience implementing modern service delivery models including digital platforms, IoT, and smart pest control technologies.

• Strategic thinking, planning, and execution skills.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and talent development capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally.
• Strong change management and continuous improvement mindset.
• Commercially driven with the ability to grow and manage business operations in a complex environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• High level of integrity with a strong quality and safety mindset.