Job Description

Our client is a leading international provider of telecommunications infrastructure and technology solutions, with operations across the MENA Region and a strong track record in telecom infrastructure deployment, site management, power solutions, maintenance, and turnkey projects.  The Country Manager will have full responsibility for the organization and performance of the company’s in-country affiliate, with accountability for commercial development, operational performance, customer relationships and financial results. The role will oversee the country’s operations, develop new business opportunities, manage key customers, partners, suppliers and subcontractors, ensure successful project delivery, and lead the local management team toward achieving the company’s operational and strategic objectives.

The Country Manager will report to the Regional General Manager and will have full P&L accountability for the country operation.

Responsibilities

Operations & Project Management

• Manage the Operations Department and ensure projects are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, quality standards, timelines and agreed conditions.
• Direct and coordinate all involved parties to ensure effective project execution, quality control, HSE compliance and performance monitoring.
• Define project success criteria and communicate them to all relevant stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure the proper functioning and continuity of all projects and country operations.
• Direct and manage contract development from initiation through completion.
• Oversee the O&M function and ensure the O&M Manager delivers against agreed SLAs, KPIs and operational targets.
• Ensure effective coordination between Rollout, Operations & Maintenance, Warehouse, Finance, HR and other departments.
• Identify technical training and on-the-job coaching requirements for senior and middle management.

Commercial & Business Development

• Develop and implement a successful commercial development strategy for the country.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, potential partners and strategic alliances.
• Develop new business while strengthening and expanding existing customer accounts.
• Conduct business development research to identify opportunities for sales and business growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain appropriate customer communications and relationship-management processes.
• Represent the company with key customers, business partners and external stakeholders.

Financial & P&L Management

• Take full P&L accountability for the country affiliate/subsidiary.
• Develop and implement annual budget plans and provide regular financial and operational reports to headquarters.
• Review and monitor cash flow and financial statements.
• Review country performance with the Regional General Manager and ensure budgets remain aligned with initial project costing and approved plans.
• Develop and implement effective systems for commercial, financial and logistical information flows in coordination with headquarters.
• Monitor project and operational costs and ensure financial performance is maintained in line with company objectives.

Leadership & People Management

• Develop and manage all country departments to ensure operational and strategic objectives are achieved.
• Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise senior and middle managers, contractors and other key personnel.
• Ensure managers and department heads take ownership and accountability for their respective responsibilities.
• Supervise the effective delegation of tasks and responsibilities by senior and middle management to their teams.
• Lead, develop and support the country team toward operating successfully as one integrated organization.
• Promote employee engagement, development and retention, while maintaining a low employee turnover rate.
• Identify and implement appropriate training and development initiatives for management and key technical personnel.

Stakeholder, Government & Regulatory Management

• Represent the company externally with government authorities, statutory and regulatory bodies, customers, business partners and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors and strategic partners.
• Ensure awareness and compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements in the country.
• Identify potential legal and regulatory risks and highlight areas of concern within contracts and agreements.
• Maintain strong political and stakeholder awareness when managing the country operation.

Quality, HSE & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company QHSE policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate quality, health, safety and environmental standards across all projects and operations.
• Monitor performance and take corrective action where required to ensure operational, contractual and HSE requirements are met.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Telecommunications Engineering.
• MBA or Master’s degree in Engineering is an advantage.
• PMP certification is desirable.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 15 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 10 years in a managerial or senior management position.
• Strong experience in telecommunications, infrastructure, engineering, project delivery, operations or a closely related industry.
• Proven experience managing a country operation, affiliate, subsidiary or large-scale business unit is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in P&L management, budgeting, cash flow and financial performance.
• Strong experience in commercial development and business development, including identifying new opportunities and developing existing accounts.
• Proven experience managing large and complex projects, contracts, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Experience managing Operations and/or O&M functions against SLAs and KPIs.
• Experience dealing with customers, government authorities, regulatory bodies and strategic business partners.
• International or multi-country experience is highly desirable.

Technical & Management Skills

• Strong technical knowledge, preferably within telecommunications and/or related infrastructure.
• Excellent operational and project management capabilities.
• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and full P&L responsibility.
• Strong contract management and supplier/subcontractor management experience.
• Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple departments and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong strategic thinking and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong customer focus and stakeholder-management capabilities.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions and take full accountability for results.

Languages & Computer Skills

• Fluency in English and French.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Core Competencies

• Leadership
• Business Acumen
• Strategic Thinking
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Customer Focus
• Commercial Awareness
• Managing Performance
• Developing and Empowering Others
• Motivating and Influencing Others
• Decisiveness
• Stress Management
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Establishing Focus
• Personal Credibility
• Political and Stakeholder Awareness
• Thoroughness and Ethical Conduct

Location

• Baghdad, Iraq