Director Industrial Project

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Director of Industrial Projects – MEA is responsible for leading the commercial development, operational execution, and financial performance of the Industrial Projects business across the Middle East and Africa.

Reporting to the VP MEA, the role carries regional P&L accountability, with responsibility for driving profitable growth, securing new business opportunities, developing strategic customer relationships, and overseeing the successful delivery of complex project logistics solutions.

The position requires strong expertise in heavy-lift, breakbulk, out-of-gauge (OOG), chartering, and multimodal transportation, supporting key industries including oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, renewables, and industrial manufacturing.

Based in Dubai, the successful candidate will lead regional business development initiatives, strengthen operational capabilities, and develop a high-performing team while ensuring consistent service delivery, financial performance, and compliance standards.

Regular regional and international travel will be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Develop and execute the Industrial Projects strategy across MEA, aligned with regional and global business objectives.
• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities with industrial clients, EPC contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Lead major tenders, commercial proposals, and contract negotiations for complex logistics projects.
• Build and maintain a strong commercial pipeline across energy, infrastructure, oil and gas, renewables, and industrial sectors.
• Develop strategic customer relationships and drive sustainable regional revenue and profitability growth.

Project Solution Design & Operational Delivery

• Oversee the development and execution of complex project logistics solutions, including heavy-lift, breakbulk, charter, OOG, and multimodal transportation.
• Provide technical and commercial oversight of project planning, route assessments, feasibility studies, and operational risk management.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate with regional operations, carriers, subcontractors, and specialist service providers.
• Drive operational excellence, effective project governance, and compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

Financial & P&L Management

• Assume full responsibility for the regional Industrial Projects P&L, including revenue, gross profit, operating costs, and margin performance.
• Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and business performance objectives.
• Oversee project pricing, cost control, procurement, and commercial profitability.
• Monitor financial performance, identify commercial risks, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure effective financial reporting and alignment with regional profitability targets.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for key customers, EPC contractors, project owners, and strategic partners.
• Build and maintain long-term commercial relationships across the MEA region.
• Lead senior-level customer meetings, negotiations, and project reviews.
• Collaborate with country management, regional sales, operations, and global Industrial Projects teams.
• Represent Crane Worldwide Logistics at industry events and strategic business forums.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing regional Industrial Projects team.
• Establish clear performance objectives, accountability, and operational standards.
• Support recruitment, talent development, and succession planning.
• Promote collaboration across regional and global business functions.
• Drive continuous improvement in commercial performance, project execution, and customer service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable legislation.

• Ability to communicate effectively and operate standard office equipment.
• Close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to travel internationally and visit operational and industrial project sites as required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to secure complex project logistics business.
• Extensive knowledge of heavy-lift, breakbulk, OOG, chartering, and multimodal transportation.
• Strong understanding of the MEA industrial projects market and key industry sectors.
• Proven P&L management, financial planning, and commercial negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and customer relationship capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within demanding operational environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant logistics management systems.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic would be advantageous.

EDUCATION AND DIRECT WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline preferred, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Significant senior-level experience in industrial project logistics, freight forwarding, or project cargo transportation.
• Proven track record in commercial development, operational leadership, and regional P&L management.
• Experience managing complex international project cargo movements and multimodal logistics solutions.
• Strong knowledge of EPC, energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.
• Previous experience operating within the Middle East and Africa markets strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading regional or cross-functional teams.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) preferred.
• Relevant technical or engineering certifications advantageous.
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally as required.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work associated with this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned in accordance with business requirements and applicable legislation.