General Manager - Substations

About the role

This is a hands-on leadership role leading the company across tendering, project delivery, procurement, HSE, finance and people, with the aim of winning, delivering and growing high-quality EPC and civil, electrical and mechanical works for power utilities, developers and industrial clients. The successful candidate must have a deep understanding of substation construction, from civil and structural works through to HV/MV equipment installation, testing and commissioning.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's strategic and annual business plans, set targets for revenue, margin, order intake and backlog, and report performance to the Board and shareholders.
• Pursue growth opportunities across utilities, T&D, renewables, oil and gas, industrial and infrastructure clients, and evaluate partnerships, joint ventures, acquisitions and subcontractor alliances.
• Build relationships with utilities, consultants, EPC main contractors, developers and regulators, lead tenders, bid reviews, pricing and contract negotiations, and make go/no-go decisions on bids.
• Oversee end-to-end delivery of substation projects (11 kV to 400 kV, AIS and GIS, primary and secondary substations, switching stations, GIS buildings, cable and OHL interfaces), ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Manage civil and structural works, steelwork, earthing, equipment installation, cabling, protection and control, SCADA integration, testing and commissioning, and the interface with utilities, consultants, inspectors and authorities.
• Own the P&L, cash flow, working capital and budgets, drive margin improvement, cost control and timely billing and collection, and maintain monthly management reporting.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, build succession plans, manage workforce planning and subcontractor labour, and oversee local content or nationalisation requirements where applicable.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Civil or Construction Engineering (or related); Master's or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years in power or construction, with at least 8 years in senior leadership (General Manager, Director, Country or Business Unit Head, or equivalent).
• Mandatory: proven knowledge of substation construction and delivery of HV/EHV substation projects as contractor or EPC, and a track record of owning a P&L in a contracting business.
• Demonstrated experience winning and negotiating major T&D contracts with utilities and large clients.
• Established network within regional utilities, consultants and EPC contractors.
• Preferred: experience in the GCC and Middle East utility market, GIS substations 132 kV and above, renewable or industrial grid connections, and professional certifications such as PMP, PE/CEng or NEBOSH/IOSH.

Required skills

• Substation components, standards (IEC, IEEE, utility specifications), civil and electrical interfaces, and testing and commissioning.
• Contract management, claims and risk, preferably under FIDIC forms.
• Excellent commercial, financial and negotiation skills.