Summary
GMG is hiring a Senior Manager – Facilities in Dubai to lead facilities operations across retail, commercial and other property portfolios. The role oversees maintenance, service contracts, budgets, compliance, asset reliability and improvement projects, while leading Facilities Managers and technical teams. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering or a related field, 15+ years of relevant experience and at least five years in a leadership role managing multiple facilities. Facilities or property management certification is preferred; health and safety certification such as NEBOSH or IOSH is an advantage.
The posting
As published on gmg.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Who we are:
GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG is a valued partner of choice for the world's most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.
Summary:
The Senior Manager – Facilities is responsible for leading and overseeing facilities management operations across multiple property portfolios, ensuring the efficient delivery of maintenance, engineering, and support services in line with organizational objectives. The role is accountable for developing facilities management strategies, driving operational excellence, managing large-scale budgets and service contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high service standards across all locations. The incumbent provides leadership to Facilities Managers and technical teams while ensuring business continuity, asset reliability, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Key Success Drivers including Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
• Lead facilities operations across multiple retail, commercial, and properties.
• Develop and implement facilities management policies, standards, and procedures.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of all building systems and infrastructure.
• Drive operational excellence, service quality, and business continuity across locations.
• Manage facilities budgets, forecasts, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Lead procurement activities, contract negotiations, and vendor selection processes.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with SLAs and service standards.
• Approve maintenance plans, asset replacement programs, and capital expenditure requirements.
• Conduct site audits and inspections to ensure operational and regulatory compliance.
• Lead facility enhancement, refurbishment, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and statutory requirements.
• Maintain accurate facilities documentation, records, and audit readiness.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to support business operations and expansion plans.
• Drive risk management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity initiatives.
• Ensure timely resolution of critical facilities issues and service disruptions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver high stakeholder satisfaction through effective facilities services.
• Optimize asset performance, reliability, and lifecycle management.
• Lead and develop facilities teams to achieve operational and business objectives.
People Management:
The incumbent is responsible for leading Facilities Managers, Technical Executives, Technical Officers, Supervisors, and Technicians across multiple locations. This role establishes departmental objectives and performance targets aligned with organizational priorities while ensuring effective workforce planning and resource allocation. The incumbent provides leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management support to direct reports, fostering professional development, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Through regular performance reviews, succession planning, and talent development initiatives, the role builds a high-performing facilities organization capable of delivering both operational and strategic objectives.
Functional/Technical Competencies:
• Strong knowledge of facilities systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
• Familiarity with local building codes, statutory requirements, and safety regulations
• Contract management and vendor negotiation skills
• Budgeting and cost control
• Preventive and corrective maintenance planning
• Facility inspection and audit procedures
• Team supervision and scheduling
• Computer literacy (CMMS systems, MS Office, etc.)
Educational Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, or a related field
• Postgraduate certification in Facilities or Property Management (preferred)
Experience:
• 15+ years of experience in facilities management, engineering operations, or property management.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role managing multiple facilities, properties, or large-scale operations.
• Proven experience in managing large facilities budgets, service contracts, and vendor portfolios.
• Experience in retail, commercial, and mixed-use property environments preferred.
Certifications:
• Certified Facilities Senior Manager (CFM) or equivalent (preferred)
• Health & Safety certification (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH) is an advantage