About the Role
Own full P&L for the Middle East region, with substantial annual revenue tied to project-based bespoke contracts. The company designs, engineers, and delivers bespoke technical systems for demanding industrial and institutional clients across multiple continents. The role exists to build autonomous regional leadership as the company evolves its governance structure over time.
Package: AED 190,000–240,000+ per month all-in (base ~AED 95,000; performance-based bonuses and targets to be negotiated).
The role
- Own full P&L for the Middle East region, with substantial annual revenue tied to project-based bespoke contracts.
- Lead mechanical production, site delivery, sales, business development, and HR; manage 50–70 specialised staff.
- Build decision-making capability in a high-tenure team currently dependent on top-level direction; empower autonomy.
- Represent the regional business to senior stakeholders and leadership; expect regular international travel.
- Manage complex, high-value project delivery for enterprise clients (theme parks, aquariums, government bodies); 'when others say impossible, we take it'.
What you'll bring
- 3–5 years as CEO, MD, or equivalent P&L ownership (board-facing, autonomous P&L authority).
- Fluent English is required, with an additional European language considered an asset for stakeholder communication.
- Mechanical engineering, chemical polymers, automotive, or adjacent manufacturing background.
- Problem-solving mindset; decision authority; ability to empower team autonomy and respect long-tenure specialists.
- Military officer background highly valued as proxy for discipline and command presence.
What's on offer
- Base salary AED 95,000 per month; client budgeting more than double all-in (AED 190,000–240,000+ all-in with performance elements).
- Performance-based bonuses and targets to be negotiated.
- Direct board access and full regional autonomy; seat at holding-company strategy table.
- Lead a stable, skilled team in a well-established, profitable firm.
- Opportunity to help shape the company's evolving regional governance structure.
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai with 8 independent industry awards since 2020; direct access to your retained consultant.
- 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ client reviews; confidential, candidate-first process.
- You'll interview directly with ownership and board; no intermediaries in final stages.
- Established 2010; specialist in GCC and regional leadership placements.
Hiring a CEO for specialized B2B engineering in the GCC
This hire reflects a common leadership transition many mid-market firms face as they professionalize governance. Mid-market B2B engineering firms in the GCC (especially those managing high-value, project-based delivery for enterprise clients) typically face a leadership bottleneck: excellent local technical teams with deep tenure, but limited decision-making autonomy. The role exists to unlock that autonomy and free ownership to focus on group strategy and restructuring.
Common questions
What does a Chief Executive Officer do in the GCC region for a specialized engineering firm?
A CEO in this context leads a substantial regional P&L tied to project-based revenue. You report directly to the parent company's board and own all regional decisions. The role combines operational management of a skilled technical team with enterprise client representation and international stakeholder engagement.
What experience do I need to apply?
You need 3–5 years as a CEO, Managing Director, or equivalent role with full P&L ownership and board reporting. A background in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, chemical polymers, or automotive is essential.
How do I apply?
Apply on this page. A Guildhall consultant will review your application confidentially and contact you directly if you are shortlisted. All CEO candidates are interviewed directly by ownership and board; expect multiple interview stages and involvement of internationally based stakeholders.
What does this role pay?
Base salary is approximately AED 95,000 per month; the client is budgeting more than double that all-in, typically AED 190,000–240,000+ per month including performance-based bonuses and negotiated targets.
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