Associate Principal – Administration

About the role

A leading organization, recruited through Manpower Middle East, is looking for an Associate Principal – Administration to report to the Director of Support Services. The role leads day-to-day administration and workplace services across the Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, with a focus on service delivery, operational readiness and cost control.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day administration and workplace services across the Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices.
• Manage office services personnel and outsourced resources such as cleaners, office attendants, tea and coffee service staff and other support providers, with clear schedules and service standards.
• Oversee catering arrangements and the timely, hygienic and cost-effective supply of food, beverages, pantry items, guest refreshments and coffee-area consumables.
• Maintain stock levels, consumption controls, replenishment schedules and records for office, pantry, hospitality and cleaning supplies.
• Manage office-related contracts and service providers (maintenance, cleaning, catering, pest control, waste management, utilities) and monitor SLAs, quality, renewals and corrective actions.
• Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance, office repairs, inspections, access requirements and emergency support.
• Administer office accounts, invoices, purchase requests, supporting documents, budget tracking, cost controls and payment follow-up.
• Manage drivers and company vehicles, including assignments, schedules, utilization, registration, insurance, servicing, fuel, cleanliness, safety records and incident follow-up.
• Arrange reliable and cost-effective transportation for employees and guests, including airport transfers and business travel support.
• Manage employee and visitor parking across both offices, including allocation, permits, access lists, utilization records and coordination with landlords or parking operators.
• Lead workplace health and safety coordination, including inspections, risk assessments, emergency preparedness and drills, incident reporting and escalation of safety, service, budget or supplier risks.
• Support office moves, fit-outs, events, business continuity arrangements and other administration projects assigned by the Director.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in administration, facilities management, corporate services, hospitality or workplace operations.
• Proven experience managing multiple offices, outsourced service providers and demanding day-to-day workplace requirements.
• Preferred: certification in facilities management, health and safety, contract management or a related discipline; working knowledge of budgets, invoice validation, procurement documentation, contract administration, SLAs and cost control; experience managing drivers, vehicles, catering, maintenance and parking operations.
• Preferred: proficiency in English and Arabic.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and office, facilities, transport or service-management systems.
• Knowledge of UAE occupational health and safety, emergency preparedness, incident management, transport, vehicle and facilities requirements.
• Strong team leadership, service management, work-allocation, communication, presentation, project management and stakeholder relationship-building skills.