Head of Special Projects

eMagine Solutions is retained on a confidential search for a Head of Projects to lead the end-to-end delivery of a brand-new manufacturing facility in the UAE.

This is a rare opportunity to join a globally recognised European technology manufacturer with a long-standing reputation across healthcare technology, consumer electronics and industrial innovation.

The role You will be the senior project lead responsible for taking a greenfield facility from concept through approvals, build, commissioning and handover. This is a hands-on leadership role with heavy stakeholder management and a strong external-facing element across freezone and government authorities.

Key responsibilities

• Own the full programme delivery for a new manufacturing facility: scope, budget, timeline, governance and reporting
• Lead all regulatory and permitting activity, including liaison with:
• Freezone authority
• Relevant government bodies and regulators
• Civil Defence, HSE and inspections
• Utilities, licensing and operational permits (as required)
• Manage consultants, contractors and vendors across design, construction and fit-out phases
• Drive project controls: risk management, change control, dependencies, milestones and escalation
• Ensure compliance, quality and safety standards are built in from day one
• Lead commissioning, readiness and handover to operations, ensuring documentation and approvals are complete

What we're looking for

• Proven experience leading greenfield industrial/manufacturing projects in the UAE or wider GCC
• Strong track record navigating UAE authority approvals, freezones, permitting and inspections
• Confident senior stakeholder manager who can work with regional leadership and global HQ teams
• Strong technical understanding of construction/project delivery for manufacturing environments
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (medical devices, electronics, industrial, FMCG) is a strong advantage

Why this opportunity

• High visibility and real ownership: you will be the person accountable for delivery
• A flagship UAE build for a world-class brand, with long-term growth potential
• A role that rewards structure, pace and precision, not politics

During the screening we will want to ascertain

• Similar facilities you've delivered (size/value/timeline)
• Which UAE freezones/authorities you've worked with and what approvals you've led
• Notice period and compensation expectations

eMagine Solutions - Confidential Search Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted with full details.

Head of Projects, Project Director, Greenfield, Manufacturing Facility, Factory Setup, New Site Launch, Industrial Projects, Cap Ex Projects, EPC, PMC, Construction Management, Fit-Out, Commissioning, Handover, Operational Readiness, Permitting, Regulatory Approvals, UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Freezone, Government Liaison, Civil Defence, HSE, Compliance, Utilities, Licensing, Stakeholder Management, Contractors, Consultants