Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Dubai, UAE (also open to Qatar)
Industry: Construction / Design & Consultancy
Job Function: General Management
Nationality: Any Nationality

InSite, an allied practice of KEO International Consultants, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support and oversee the commercial, operational, and strategic performance of its award-winning urban design, planning, and landscape architecture studios across the Middle East.

This leadership role works closely with the Managing Principal, Principals, Finance, and Project Leadership teams to ensure project governance excellence, financial control, QA/QC compliance, and long-term operational sustainability across all active and future projects.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Partner with the Managing Principal to develop, implement, and maintain divisional operational and commercial management procedures

• Contribute to the formulation and execution of organizational strategies, policies, and best practices

• Represent InSite at key stages including proposal development, contract award, project execution, and close-out

Project & Commercial Management

• Monitor overall project performance, financial status, and commercial risk across the division

• Ensure project managers comply with KEO and divisional project management standards

• Review project budgets, forecasts, fee utilization, invoicing status, and cash flow

• Identify and proactively manage variations, scope changes, claims, and performance risks

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Oversee divisional budgets, forecasting, invoicing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable

• Produce monthly and quarterly financial and operational performance reports

• Lead coordination meetings with CFO, Financial Controller, and Managing Principal

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and transparency of financial data and reporting

Governance, QA/QC & Systems Improvement

• Ensure full implementation of corporate and divisional QA/QC frameworks

• Develop, maintain, and enhance InSite management procedures and QMS systems

• Lead progression toward ISO 9001 certification

• Continuously improve operational systems, reporting tools, workflows, and governance frameworks

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to maintain strong professional relationships

• Support proposal submissions and commercial negotiations as required

• Chair and organize regular project review and performance meetings

People Management & Leadership

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to staff within functional areas

• Plan workforce utilization, staffing levels, and resource allocation

• Deliver performance reviews, mentoring, and coaching to develop leadership capability within the team

Additional Duties

• Act on behalf of the Managing Principal or Principals when required

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by senior leadership or KEO executives

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Professional Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline

• 15+ years of relevant professional experience within design or consultancy environments

• Professional registration or chartership with a recognized international body such as:

  • AICP

  • RTPI

  • ASLA

  • CMLI

Technical & Commercial Expertise

• Proven experience managing commercial and contractual matters on complex, fast-track consultancy projects

• Strong understanding of planning and landscape architecture consultancy business models

• Expertise in budget preparation, fee control, contract negotiation, invoicing, and financial reporting

• Solid knowledge of design development, production processes, construction standards, and industry codes

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex contractual relationships

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities

• Advanced organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and discipline-specific software

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities

Why Join InSite & KEO?

• Work within a globally recognised, award-winning consultancy

• Lead impactful urban, landscape, and design projects across the Middle East

• Access career mobility, leadership development, mentoring, and global opportunities

• Benefit from a progressive workplace offering hybrid working, study assistance, wellness initiatives, and learning platforms

• Be part of a culture built on integrity, innovation, results, safety, and people

About InSite & KEO

InSite International is a design-driven urban design, planning, and landscape architecture practice operating across the UAE and Qatar. As a KEO Allied Practice, InSite combines human-scale design thinking with global expertise to create culturally responsive, sustainable places.