General Manager – Operations
Location: Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa (with responsibility across West Africa operations)
Industry: EPC – Oil & Gas, Water, Power & Infrastructure
Job Purpose
The General Manager – Operations will lead end-to-end execution of EPC projects across West Africa and will be responsible for project delivery, operational profitability, client management, construction leadership, and organizational development.
The role requires a hands-on operations leader capable of managing multi-country projects, multicultural teams, subcontractors, and remote engineering/procurement coordination. The incumbent must ensure projects are executed safely, within budget, on schedule, and in line with contractual and quality requirements.
The position demands strong commercial understanding, execution capability, and leadership maturity to operate independently in developing markets and challenging project environments.
1. EPC Project Execution & DeliveryLead execution of multiple EPC projects including tank farms, terminals, pipelines, utility systems, industrial buildings, and infrastructure works.
- Ensure projects are delivered within approved cost, schedule, quality, and safety targets.
- Drive project planning, resource allocation, and execution strategy from mobilization to commissioning.
- Monitor project progress against schedules and initiate corrective actions for delays or cost overruns.
- Review construction methodologies and implement productivity improvement initiatives.
2. Multi-Country Operations ManagementOversee operations across multiple West African countries.
- Manage country/site managers and ensure standardization of operational systems and reporting.
- Coordinate logistics, manpower deployment, and equipment utilization across project locations.
- Support country teams in handling local authorities, statutory approvals, and operational challenges.
3. Engineering & Procurement CoordinationWork closely with engineering and procurement teams to ensure timely release of engineering deliverables and procurement activities.
- Ensure engineering designs are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with site execution realities.
- Review procurement plans, vendor performance, long-lead items, and material delivery schedules.
- Coordinate resolution of technical and commercial issues between project teams and support functions.
4. Commercial & Contract ManagementMonitor project commercial performance and profitability.
- Lead variation claims, extension of time (EOT), subcontractor claims, and client negotiations.
- Ensure proper contract administration and compliance with EPC contractual obligations.
- Review project cash flow, billing milestones, collections, and cost forecasts periodically.
5. Construction & Site LeadershipProvide leadership to project managers, construction managers, and discipline heads.
- Ensure effective coordination between civil, mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation teams.
- Resolve critical site issues, technical bottlenecks, and resource conflicts.
- Conduct periodic project reviews and site visits.
6. HSE & Quality ManagementEnforce strict HSE policies and ensure compliance with international safety standards and client requirements.
- Drive a strong safety culture across project sites.
- Ensure QA/QC systems, inspection procedures, and documentation standards are effectively implemented.
- Lead incident reviews and corrective/preventive actions.
7. Organizational & Team DevelopmentBuild and mentor high-performing project execution teams.
- Identify manpower requirements and support recruitment of key project personnel.
- Develop succession planning and leadership capabilities.
- Establish a performance-driven operational culture.
- Demonstrate strong business acumen and understanding of current and emerging industry trends.
- Take charge during high-priority operational challenges.
8. Stakeholder & Client ManagementAct as the primary operational interface with clients, consultants, licensors, and strategic partners.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers and government stakeholders across operating regions.
- Participate in project reviews, commercial discussions, and strategic business meetings.
- Develop and direct execution of operating policies and procedures to support business objectives.
Qualifications
- B.Eng./B.Tech in Civil or Mechanical Engineering
- Master's degree in Project Management or Construction Management preferred
Experience
- Minimum of 20+ years experience, with at least 5 years leading EPC projects in Oil & Gas, Water, Power, or related infrastructure projects.
- Strong experience handling the full EPC lifecycle including engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
- Experience working across Africa, EMEA, or other international project environments will be an advantage.
