General Manager - Marine Works Division

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Division Management:

• Lead and develop the Marine Works Division as a high-performing business unit within the group.
• Define and implement the division’s strategy, operating model, resources, systems and performance standards.
• Oversee the successful delivery of large-scale marine infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the Lagos Port rehabilitation project.
• Ensure alignment between project execution, commercial objectives, technical standards and the group’s long-term growth ambitions.
• Support the company’s positioning as a leading contractor for port, maritime and coastal infrastructure projects in Nigeria and West Africa.

Project Delivery and Technical Oversight:

• Oversee all marine works activities including port rehabilitation, quay walls, jetties, dredging, reclamation, piling, breakwaters, coastal protection, marine foundations and related civil works.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in line with international quality standards.
• Supervise planning, engineering, procurement, construction, subcontractor management, commissioning and handover.
• Review technical designs, construction methodologies, project schedules, budgets and risk plans.
• Anticipate technical and operational issues and implement practical solutions in challenging site environments.

Commercial and Financial Management:

• Take responsibility for the financial performance of the Marine Works Division.
• Manage budgets, cost control, forecasts, claims, variations and project profitability.
• Support tendering, contract negotiations, commercial strategy and business development for future marine works opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, cost efficiency, equipment utilisation and subcontractor performance.
• Provide clear and timely reporting to executive management on operational, financial and project performance.

Stakeholder and Client Management:

• Act as a senior representative of the company with clients, port authorities, government agencies, consultants, engineering partners, subcontractors and local communities.
• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders involved in the Lagos Port rehabilitation project.
• Manage sensitive project interfaces in a complex operating environment.
• Ensure transparent communication on project progress, risks, milestones and key decisions.
• Promote a collaborative approach with internal teams, external partners and public authorities.

Team Leadership and Capability Building:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including project managers, marine engineers, civil engineers, planners, quantity surveyors, HSE professionals, procurement teams and site operations teams.
• Build technical and managerial capability within the Marine Works Division.
• Set clear objectives, performance standards and accountability across the team.
• Promote a culture of safety, discipline, collaboration, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Mentor local talent and contribute to the long-term development of Nigerian engineering and construction capabilities.

HSE, Quality and Compliance:

• Ensure strict compliance with HSE standards, environmental requirements, permits, regulations and contractual obligations.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all marine works sites and subcontractor activities.
• Implement robust quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Ensure that all works comply with international standards for marine construction, port infrastructure and environmental management.
• Identify, monitor and mitigate operational, technical, financial, contractual and reputational risks.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Coastal Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 20 years’ experience in civil engineering, marine construction, port development or major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in senior leadership roles such as General Manager, Operations Director, Project Director, Marine Works Director or Business Unit Head.
• Strong track record delivering large-scale marine infrastructure projects, ideally including port rehabilitation, quay walls, dredging, reclamation, piling, breakwaters or coastal protection works.
• Experience managing major projects or divisions with significant budget responsibility.
• Strong technical understanding of marine works execution, engineering interfaces, construction methods, equipment, planning and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects in challenging environments, preferably in Africa or emerging markets.
• Strong commercial acumen, including cost control, claims, variations, subcontractor management and profitability improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage clients, government bodies, port authorities, consultants and local partners.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• High standards of safety, quality, ethics and operational discipline.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office.
• Professional engineering certification, PMP or equivalent project management qualification would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in Africa would be highly valued.