About the Role
An infrastructure operator expanding into the UAE market. Own delivery of a large-scale infrastructure programme. a live partnership timeline with key stakeholders. It is a rare ground-floor seat — running a country as an owner-operator, not managing someone else's contract.
The role
- Lead the expansion of an infrastructure business into a new regional market.
- Negotiate directly with government and transport authorities as a delivery partner.
- Secure land and commercial sites to support the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
- Build the country organisation and own the P&L from the ground up.
- Deliver the first phase of a major infrastructure programme.
- Lay the groundwork for the company's broader growth plans.
What you'll bring
- Engineering degree in a relevant discipline.
- 15+ years in large-scale infrastructure delivery, such as transport, utilities, or heavy civil works.
- Track record leading a large-scale infrastructure programme.
- Director-level relationships with Gulf government or transport authorities.
- Early career site-based delivery, from site engineer through to programme director.
- Experience building a country unit, team or business from an early stage.
What's on offer
- A ground-floor country-lead mandate for a new UAE market entry.
- Direct reporting line into global leadership.
- Ownership of a landmark infrastructure programme from inception.
- A mandate that grows alongside the company's broader expansion plans.
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010.
- 8x independent industry awards since 2020.
- 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews.
- Direct access to the retained consultant running this search.
Hiring a Country Director for infrastructure in Dubai
A Country Director in this market typically owns delivery of a large infrastructure programme end to end, reporting into global or regional leadership rather than a local board. The role sits above site and construction leadership and carries the government-facing relationship — permits, approvals and land agreements — as well as the country P&L. Dubai continues to attract infrastructure operators building new networks in the region.
Common questions
What does a Country Director – Infrastructure do in Dubai?
A Country Director for an infrastructure operator owns delivery of the programme in-market, from government relationships and land approvals to the P&L and the country team. They typically report into regional or global leadership and sit above site and construction leadership.
What experience do I need to apply?
You should have an engineering degree and at least 15 years in large-scale infrastructure delivery, with accountability for major programmes. Director-level experience dealing with Gulf government or transport authorities, and a career that began in site-based delivery, are both expected.
How do I apply?
Apply directly on this page. A Guildhall consultant reviews every application confidentially and will contact suitable candidates directly.
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This search is managed by Guildhall — an 8× award-winning executive search and recruitment agency, rated 4.9★ across 250+ Google reviews, recruiting in Dubai and across the GCC.