Middle East & Africa Lead

Overview:

We are on the lookout for an experienced and dynamic Regional Lead who is fearless, positive, and ready to take on challenges headfirst. This role will oversee the total facilities management (TFM) of our sites across the Middle East and Africa region. You will lead and support direct reports handling operations across a number countries and buildings. If you are proactive, excel at customer relations, and have hands-on experience with mobilising integrated target operating models, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Provide strategic direction and fearless leadership to a team of facilities managers across the region, supporting and unifying strategic partners across this strategically critical portfolio.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the team, nurturing the development of their competencies in facilities management.
• Lead change management initiatives to smoothly transition teams and operations through recent and future changes, addressing gaps with a proactive mindset.
• Champion high profile customer relations, keeping your finger on the agency pulse and ensuring high quality communication and continual improvement on the real estate and agency relationships

Operations & Maintenance:

• Oversee the day-to-day facilities operations, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage the maintenance, repair, and improvement of facilities to ensure optimal functioning and appearance.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and improve facility performance.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding facilities management issues.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, providing regular updates on facilities operations and strategic initiatives.
• Address and resolve any facilities-related issues or concerns raised by employees or management with a solutions-oriented approach.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure their expectations are met or exceeded.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the regional facilities management budget.
• Ensure cost-effective procurement and contract management with suppliers and service providers.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising on service quality.

Project Management:

• Lead and coordinate facilities-related projects, including renovations, relocations, and upgrades.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.

Supplier & Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with external suppliers and service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure value for money and high service standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance and quality.

Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure all facilities comply with local and regional regulations and standards.
• Promote and implement sustainable practices across all facilities to minimize environmental impact.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in facilities management.

Travel:

Connecting with your regional team is a requisite for this leadership role. Visits to local sites and more remote locations will be agreed on a schedule in line with your local management team and budget.

Key Skills & Experience:

Demonstrable experience in facilities management, with at least 5 years in a regional or multi-site leadership role.

Proven experience managing facilities across multiple locations, including international operations.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.

Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and cost control.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Demonstrated ability to implement best practice processes and procedures.

Proficiency in English is required; additional languages relevant to the region are an asset.

Willingness and ability to travel frequently across the assigned regions.