Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our German client, a highly successful international enterprise operating at the forefront of the construction and infrastructure sector, is looking for a Managing Director (m/f/d) Middle East. This role represents a strategic executive appointment within a high-growth organization that is actively involved in iconic regional developments and national transformation initiatives across the Gulf region and beyond.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership across the complex Middle East markets and selected territories 
• Lead a regional team of 50+ employees, with a strong presence in the GCC, including local production and build scalable organizational structures to support sustainable growth
• Drive project acquisition and delivery of landmark construction and infrastructure developments, including cultural, hospitality and urban transformation projects
• Oversee end-to-end operations across production, supply chain, and related functions, ensuring operational excellence, cost efficiency and seamless alignment with the company’s strategic goals in dynamic and fast-paced market environments
• Represent the organization with government entities, private sector partners and regional stakeholders at the highest levels
• Develop and execute market-entry strategies for new territories, navigating local regulations and business cultures
• Ensure alignment with the company’s long-term business objectives, financial targets and compliance standards
• Champion a performance-driven, multicultural leadership culture that emphasizes empowerment, accountability and innovation
• Collaborate closely with the global leadership team to ensure consistency and excellence in delivery across borders

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• You hold a degree in Engineering, Business Administration or a related discipline, complemented by extensive executive-level experience in the construction or infrastructure sector
• Proven track record of strategic leadership across multiple markets, preferably with direct exposure to the GCC region and extended Middle East/South Asia territories
• Understanding of the dynamics of project-driven business environments, including bidding, delivery and stakeholder management in high-profile infrastructure projects
• Demonstrated leadership in overseeing local production units, supply chain operations and technical functions, ensuring operational excellence and cost efficiency 
• You are experienced in managing cross-functional, multicultural teams in matrix or decentralized organizations
• Strong commercial mindset, high political acumen and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes
• You are hands-on, resilient and adaptable, capable of operating both at the strategic level and in operational detail
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills and are fluent in English; additional language skills relevant to the region are a plus 
• A high level of integrity, discretion and a long-term vision complete your executive profile