Job Description

General Manager F/M



Managing Direction





Keolis, a global leader in shared mobility, makes life easier for millions of passengers. We offer safe, efficient and sustainable public transport solutions that enhance the appeal of local communities.


In 2024, the Group achieved a revenue of 7.7 billion euros. Present in 13 countries, we believe that our 70,000 employees are the key to our success.


As part of an on-going tender for the operations, maintenance, and overhaul of a medium-sized rail transport system in the United Arab Emirates, we are seeking to identify and engage exceptional leadership talent. The appointment of this role will be subject to the successful award of the contract. The position offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering world-class rail operations in the region, ensuring safety, efficiency, and service excellence at every stage.



The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations and maintenance, ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance, and financial performance. They will lead strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational execution to achieve the contracts' goals and deliver a world-class transportation service. This role holds the executive powers to manage the day-to-day operations of the Operator's business and the Operator's performance of its obligations under the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Contract, as well as under the Overhaul Contract.

Key responsabilities

Strategic Leadership

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Lead, develop and execute strategic plans to achieve contractual requirement and organizational goals. Engage closely with Client to develop and maintain strong relationship, ensure contractual compliance and address issues - acting as the Operator's power to act and make binding decisions as per the O&M and Overhaul Contracts. Provide strategic direction, planning, and managing the development and implementation of policies, procedures and work instructions for achieving overall performance targets and year-on-year improvement. Deliver operation & maintenance and overhaul KPIs, aligning with strategic objectives for profit improvement. Champion the business continuity and enterprise risk management initiatives Engage closely Overhaul supply chain stakeholders (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to maintain strong relationship, ensuring delivery in line with performance targets and maximising financial opportunities. Focus on the future direction of the contract, to include implementation of continuous improvement initiatives, and strengthen Client relationship to enable the success of future rebids.

Operational

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Oversee and lead overall operations - including train services, customer services, asset management, and maintenance programs - to ensure high service quality and reliability, delivering continuous improvement throughout the contract Lead and manage directly the operations teams (Operation Control Centre, stations) ensuring day-to-day service delivery in line with procedures and performance objectives Promote a culture of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction Ensure compliance with all safety, contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements and standards Implement safety and quality standards to ensure passenger and employee safety Drive operational excellence through performance monitoring, risk management, and process optimization Implement and lead effective incident response and crisis management protocols Ensure successful delivery of the Overhaul programme, meeting the technical and financial targets and drive efficiency initiatives (optimisation in scope and supply chain) to deliver benefits for the Operator and/or Client Engage closely with the Safety Regulator, providing regular updates on mitigation measures and progress of Overhaul plan - developing a trustful and transparent relationship

Financial

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Full company P&L responsibility, overseeing financial performance Oversee, manage, and control budgets, forecasts, and financial targets Monitor financial performance and implement cost control measures to ensure profitability and sustainability Optimize asset lifecycle costs and drive efficiency in resource allocation Provide accurate reporting to management and stakeholders on financial and operational performance, manage risks and develop mitigation strategies to address potential challenges Drive financial performance and optimisation, in close relationship with Keolis Platform - especially to maximise the benefits of Shared Services

People

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Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team and foster a collaborative work environment. Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Ensure robust competence management and training processes are in place to deliver safe and efficient services in line with applicable regulatory requirements Ensure robust succession planning, talent development, and workforce engagement initiatives. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce. Lead by example in promoting integrity, professionalism, and organizational values.

Key competencies

In-depth understanding of metropolitan rail or transit operations, including scheduling, maintenance, and customer service. Knowledge of relevant transportation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in a transportation setting. Proven P&L Accountability. Experience working with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders. Ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans aligned with organizational goals. Familiarity with managing large contracts, including performance monitoring and compliance. Proficiency in identifying and mitigating operational and financial risks. Understanding of project management principles, especially in large infrastructure projects. Knowledge in planning, executing, and overseeing large-scale projects, ensuring they meet timelines and budgets. Knowledge of HR best practices, including leadership development and organizational culture.

Behavioural Competencies

Strong leadership abilities to inspire and guide a diverse team towards achieving strategic objectives. Capability to develop and implement a long-term vision for the contract, aligning with broader organizational goals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders, including Client, government agencies, and the public. Proficient in making informed and timely decisions, especially under pressure. Effective negotiation skills to manage contracts, partnerships, and stakeholder agreements. Strong analytical skills to identify problems, evaluate solutions, and implement effective strategies. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders, addressing their concerns and aligning their interests with the project's goals.

Qualifications

Min.

Required

Desirable

Education

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as transportation management, business administration, engineering, or a related discipline.



Master's degree

Experience

Proven track record of leadership in a management role within the transportation or infrastructure sector. Experience in managing transportation operations urban rail or transit systems.



Middle East Experience



Monorail Experience

Skills / Training

Fluent in English.


Relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), transportation management, or financial management can be advantageous.