[ref. a3341901] Senior Construction Operations Manager - Founding Member, New Strategic - Toa Payoh

An Exceptional Opportunity to Shape the Future of a Growing Medium-Sized Enterprise's Greenfield Construction Venture in Singapore

The Company:

We are seeking an exceptional and entrepreneurial Senior Construction Operations Manager to spearhead site operations, drive business development, and establish robust regulatory and HR frameworks.

The Role:

You will be instrumental in setting the operational blueprint, securing initial projects, and building a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Operational Blueprint:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define the operational strategy and establish core procedures, workflows, and performance standards for the new construction business unit.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and acquisition of essential operational resources, including initial equipment, technology platforms, and strategic supplier partnerships, aligned with the company's growth strategy.
• Define and champion the company's approach to project execution excellence, stringent quality assurance protocols, and industry-leading safety management systems.

Strategic Business Development & Key Client Acquisition:

• Spearhead business development initiatives by leveraging your extensive network and proactively identifying and engaging with key potential clients, including developers, architects, and other businesses.
• Contribute strategically to the development of compelling business development materials, presentations, and proposals that align with the company's brand and value proposition.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with strategic clients, industry influencers, and potential partners to secure initial and future projects.
• Represent the company at relevant industry events, conferences, and networking forums to build brand presence and generate leads.
• Provide critical operational and costing expertise in the preparation of complex bids and tenders, ensuring competitive and profitable proposals.
• Establish robust tracking and reporting mechanisms for business development activities and outcomes.

Project Leadership & Elite Execution (Flagship Projects):

• Directly lead and oversee the execution of the company's initial, high-profile construction projects, ensuring delivery on time, within stringent budgetary parameters, and to high-quality standards that reflect the company's commitment to excellence.
• Build, mentor, and empower a team of capable project managers, supervisors, and skilled workers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of operational leadership, reporting directly to the designated General Manager or Business Unit Head on all strategic and tactical matters related to site and project performance.
• Chair comprehensive project briefings and strategic kick-off meetings, setting clear expectations and ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.
• Develop and present concise, data-driven periodic progress reports for internal executive review and external client communication.

Strategic Construction Planning & Resource Optimization:

• Provide strategic direction in establishing advanced construction planning methodologies and resource allocation strategies for the new business unit.
• Establish sophisticated and efficient coordination protocols between internal project teams, pre-qualified subcontractors, key clients, and external consultants, ensuring seamless project delivery aligned with master schedules.
• Contribute to the development of standardized, company-level cost estimation and control processes, overseeing progress claim reviews, interim certifications, and payment authorizations.
• Strategically forecast and secure all necessary resources (highly skilled manpower, appropriate equipment fleets, suitable machinery, and quality materials) from project inception to completion, with a strong emphasis on optimized resource utilization and adherence to the company's financial guidelines.

Enterprise-Level Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance:

• Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks across initial projects, translating lessons learned into robust company-wide risk management frameworks and best practices.
• Ensure unwavering compliance with all Singaporean regulatory requirements, including stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards, establishing a culture of compliance that aligns with the company's ethical and operational standards.
• Oversee the submission and clearance processes with relevant Singaporean authorities, establishing efficient and compliant protocols for all future projects.
• Implement and enforce adherence to approved specifications and relevant industry standards, embedding a commitment to quality assurance throughout the organization.
• Establish, implement, and continuously monitor a comprehensive safety management system, conducting rigorous periodic safety audits on all initial sites to set the benchmark for a safety-first culture.

Strategic HR & Regulatory Framework Development:

• Leverage a deep understanding of Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations to strategically plan and manage foreign worker quotas, work permit applications, and other critical HR practices within the construction sector, aligning with the company's HR policies.
• Collaborate with the company's HR function to establish the business unit's HR policies, procedures, and talent acquisition strategies, ensuring compliance with local regulations and the company's overall standards.
• Utilize your comprehensive knowledge of Singapore's business certification and licensing requirements to ensure the new construction firm operates with full legal compliance from its inception, working with relevant internal teams or external advisors.
• Lead the application and acquisition of all essential business licenses and permits, ensuring a smooth and timely setup process.
• Strategically plan and manage initial project staffing to optimize workforce deployment while adhering strictly to MOM regulations and quota limitations.

Strategic Ad-hoc & Foundational Initiatives:

• Undertake strategic ad-hoc assignments directed by executive leadership, the Construction Manager, and the Business Unit Head, particularly those critical to establishing the new company's operational, business development, and regulatory frameworks in alignment with the company's overall strategy.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering (Civil, Structural, or equivalent), or a related field from a reputable institution. Advanced degree preferred.
• Equivalent to 15+ years of progressive and impactful experience within the construction sector in Singapore, with significant and demonstrable success as a Senior Construction Site Manager or equivalent management role on complex, large-scale projects.
• Exceptional and comprehensive knowledge of best-in-class project management methodologies, tools, and technologies across all project lifecycle stages, with a strategic understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of a new business unit within a growing enterprise.
• Proven and demonstrable track record of successfully soliciting new business, building strong client relationships, and contributing to significant business development wins within the Singaporean construction market.
• Deep and current understanding of Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations concerning foreign worker quotas, work permit processes, and strategic HR management within the construction industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the necessary business certifications, licenses, and regulatory requirements for operating a construction firm in Singapore, including interactions with relevant government agencies.
• Mastery of MS Project and the MS Office suite, with proficiency in other relevant project management and collaboration tools.
• A strategic and passionate leader with exceptional people management skills, demonstrated ability to build and motivate high-performing teams in a start-up or new business unit environment, and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• A results-oriented and decisive individual with exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills, crucial for navigating the complexities of a new business and the Singaporean regulatory landscape.
• World-class written, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for engaging with executive leadership, diverse stakeholders, building strategic client relationships, securing new business, and effectively interacting with regulatory bodies.
• Unwavering willingness to work flexibly, including extended hours as required during critical project phases, business development initiatives, and the strategic establishment of the new business unit.
• A proven ability to thrive under pressure, manage complex priorities, and deliver exceptional results within demanding timelines.
• A strategic, proactive, and highly entrepreneurial mindset with a strong personal drive to build and shape a significant new construction business unit within a growing enterprise, with a direct and measurable impact on its growth and success across operations, business development, and regulatory compliance.

Working Conditions:

• A dynamic and challenging leadership role based in Singapore, requiring a commitment of 5 working days per week, with the understanding that significant flexibility and extended hours will be necessary, particularly during the initial strategic phases of the business unit's establishment, critical flagship project milestones, and strategic business development activities.

This is a rare and compelling opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by building a significant new construction business unit within a thriving medium-sized enterprise. If you possess the strategic vision, deep industry expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and proven leadership capabilities to excel in this foundational role, we encourage you to submit your confidential application.