Company: DGC Africa – Middle East Operations
Purpose of the Role The Regional Manager is responsible for the effective, efficient, and profitable management of DGC Africa’s operations in the Middle East. The primary mandate of the role is to drive operational efficiency, execution discipline, cost control, and margin protection in a highly competitive and price-sensitive industrial environment. Ensuring safe, predictable delivery and sustainable earnings is the priority. Business development is a secondary responsibility and is limited to supporting selective, technically aligned opportunities that enhance utilisation and margins without increasing operational or commercial risk. The role is strongly operations-led and is best suited to a proven senior industrial operator with deep site-based experience in heavy process environments.
Key Accountabilities
Operational Leadership & Execution (Primary Focus) Lead all Middle East operations with a strong emphasis on operational discipline, productivity, and cost control. Ensure consistent, safe, and reliable execution across shutdowns, maintenance campaigns, and specialist industrial services. Drive continuous improvement in planning, scheduling, resource utilisation, and site performance. Maintain strong on-site leadership presence during critical operational phases. Ensure consistent application of safety, quality, and operating standards across all sites. Stabilise and strengthen operational routines, reporting, and accountability structures. Financial Management Deliver regional performance within approved budgets and strategic parameters. Protect and improve contribution margins through disciplined execution and cost management. Control regional overheads and align cost structures to workload and utilisation. Enforce commercial discipline on variations, scope changes, and cost recovery. Manage regional cash flow, debtors, and working capital with a focus on predictability. Review monthly management accounts, identify variances, and implement corrective actions promptly. Governance, Risk & Compliance Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory, safety, and Group governance requirements. Uphold ethical conduct, contract governance, and compliance standards across all jurisdictions. Proactively identify and mitigate operational, safety, and commercial risks. Ensure contracts, commitments, and approvals remain within delegated authority levels. Business Development & Client Engagement (Secondary Focus) Maintain strong operational and technical relationships with key existing clients. Support selective business development initiatives aligned to existing capabilities and capacity. Provide operational input into tender reviews to ensure pricing, risk, and execution assumptions are realistic. Avoid pursuit of low-margin or high-risk work that compromises operational focus or earnings quality. Collaborate with Group leadership on opportunity selection rather than volume-driven growth. Logistics, Resources & Infrastructure Ensure effective management of logistics, materials, equipment, and documentation. Optimise utilisation of assets and resources to prevent downtime and cost leakage. Ensure regional facilities and infrastructure remain fit for purpose and cost-efficient. Avoid unnecessary fixed cost expansion or duplication of resources. Reporting & Communication Provide clear, accurate, and timely reporting to the CEO of DGC Industrial Services Group. Escalate material operational, financial, or commercial risks appropriately and early. Maintain effective communication across regional teams, support functions, and Group leadership. Initial Mandate and Transition Focus Complete a structured familiarisation period across Middle East operations and key regional client interfaces. Conduct a diagnostic review of people, projects, contracts, financial controls, and operating practices. Strengthen execution discipline, cost control, and leadership alignment before pursuing optimisation initiatives. Build confidence with clients and internal stakeholders through consistent delivery. Qualifications & Experience Grade 12 with a relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, construction management, or business. Project management or project planning qualification advantageous. Financial management qualification or certification advantageous. Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in a senior operational or regional management role. Direct leadership experience in furnace, smelter, or high-temperature process operations (e.g., steel, ferroalloys, or base metals) strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in heavy industrial, smelting, furnace-based, or mining-related environments. Strong background in site-based operations, shutdowns, maintenance, and industrial services delivery. Knowledge, Skills & Attributes Proven operational leader with strong execution and delivery discipline. Sound financial and commercial acumen with a margin-focused mindset. Experience operating in energy-intensive, cost-pressured industrial environments, particularly those involving furnace or smelter processes. Strong safety leadership and governance orientation. Pragmatic, structured, and resilient management style. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Proven ability to lead multicultural teams and support workforce localisation in Middle Eastern industrial environments. Willingness to spend extended periods in the Middle East , particularly during the initial phase.
Application Process If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on this important role, please send your CV to: [Click to show email] or [Click to show email] with subject line: Regional Manager Middle East or follow the Linked In Easy Apply application process.