Business Director jobs in United Arab Emirates

ENGIE group is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. Together with our 96,000 employees, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers.

ENGIE’s Renewable & Flexible Global Business Unit has a GCC Generation Business Unit headquartered in Dubai. This BU manages the large scale power generation and water desalination in the UAE.

The Executive Managing Director (“EMD”) manages the Company, fulfilling the PWPA requirements in compliance with the laws, HSE best practices & Financing Agreements while maximizing the project value to the Shareholders. The EMD is based at a plant site, located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As per Shareholders’ agreement, a new EMD will be nominated by ENGIE and take function on 1st July 2025, subject to approval of the other Company Shareholders.

Purpose of the Job

The EMD will be responsible for:

• Managing the Company day-to-day operations, including financial, general administration, human resources and business activities in accordance with the Board of Directors (“BoD”) decisions and the Company business plan.
• Representing the Company and conducting relationships with EWEC, the authorities, regulatory agencies, lenders, professional organizations and other stakeholders.
• Following up proper execution of the commercial and financial contracts and bringing in solutions to any claims, arguments or problems that may arise, seeking BoD approval when required.
• Ensuring that the plant operator fulfills its contractual obligations and performs according to expectations.
• Ensuring that necessary permits and consents are obtained and maintained.
• Ensuring that the Company complies with the laws and mandatory guidelines and carefully monitor any changes in law and regulations.
• Promoting a safe and environmentally friendly company culture.
• Maintaining harmony among the different stakeholders that constitute the Company and ensuring timely reporting to them.
• Ensuring that information to the BoD is prepared and communicated timely and adequately for BoD to take decisions and give recommendations.
• Proposing the Company budget & business plan to BoD approval and achieving the Company targets.
• Periodically reviewing the plan status and risks the Company is facing.
• Preparing and implementing necessary steps for any required business recovery, changes, potential improvements or eventual PWPA extension.

Reporting Line

The EMD is seconded by ENGIE to the Company. As ENGIE employee, he reports to ENGIE UAE Asset Manager. In his capacity as EMD, he reports to the BoD. The EMD closely interacts with Shareholders’ Asset Managers to benefit from their respective experience and to facilitate interactions with Shareholders’ corporate support functions.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage the day-to-day matters of the Company in accordance with company governance and the Project Agreements (PWPA, OMA, Financing Agreements, etc.).
• Ensure the Company compliance with the Ethics, Health, Safety and Environment requirements and industry best practices.
• Conduct and/or coordinate and control all interfaces with clients (EWEC), electrical & water transport operators, UAE authorities (in particular DoE & Environmental Authorities).
• Manage the plant operator in accordance with the O&M Agreement, fostering a fair and good working relationship and ensuring plant safety, integrity, availability and performance.
• With the support of the CFO, manage the reporting and relationship with the lenders and their advisors, ensuring lenders' covenants and other requirements are met. Deal with eventual refinancing in accordance with BoD/Shareholder’s guidance.
• Prepare medium and long-term budget forecasts, submit them to BoD for approval, monitor and report budget variances and deviations from forecasts regularly.
• Ensure operations within approved budgetary limits, approving expenses incurred by subordinates in accordance with established policies.
• Report the health of the Company to the BoD and the Shareholders as required.
• Ensure reporting and coordination with Shareholders' relevant departments representatives (Asset Managers, legal, financial, tax, HR, internal audit, insurance, etc.).
• Foster good industrial relations at the Site and with key local groups, communities and other stakeholders. Define and implement the CSR and Stakeholder Management plans of the Company.
• Ensure preparedness for emergency incidents, manage crisis events and ensure business continuity.
• Ensure that the insurance coverage and policies are in place and claims procedures are followed properly. Coordinate with Insurers, brokers, ENGIE insurance team and, where relevant, the loss adjusters.
• Manage the staff of the Company, ensuring that human resources policies are adequately followed (hiring, training, appraisal, etc.). Set objectives for his team, evaluate personnel regularly and implement salary and benefits policies in line with the budget.
• Act as an ambassador for cultural changes, ensuring continuous improvement and drive towards operational excellence.
• Deal with claims and disputes as pertinent, taking full responsibility and coordinating with eventual committees as required.
• Ensure correct Company governance, updating as required the Company policies and procedures.
• Ensure Company compliance with the relevant legal requirements and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other EMDs as required.
• Share return of experience with Shareholders. Ensure application of the best practices as set out by the Shareholders while maintaining confidentiality of shared knowledge.

Qualifications

• University degree.
• MBA or Engineering degree is a plus.

Experience

• 15+ years’ experience, including 5+ years in a senior position.
• Strong experience in Stakeholder management.
• Company management experience.
• Extensive experience in the power and/or water sector, ideally both.
• Knowledge and work experience in GCC, ideally UAE.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Strong financial background/understanding.
• Good technical background/understanding.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lead a multicultural team.
• Strong planning and analysis skills.

Language

• Excellent command of English.
• Knowledge of Arabic or other languages used in the region is a plus.

Location/Travel

• UAE, Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
• Flexibility to travel throughout the region.

Field: General Management/Profit Centers

Job Level: Senior manager/Senior Expert

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Primary Location: Middle East - United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi

Business Unit: GBU Flexible Gen & Retail

Division: Thermal AMEA - GCC & Pak - Regional

Legal Entity: INTERNATIONAL POWER S.A., DUBAI BRANCH

Professional Experience: Senior (experience >15 years)

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.