General Manager Operations – Construction Projects-Port Moresby-PNG

About Our Client

Our Client is a leading integrated construction and remote-infrastructure delivery company operating across Papua New Guinea, with active expansion underway into the Solomon Islands. They specialise in delivering technically complex, logistically challenging projects in remote locations in Papua New Guinea, servicing foreign aid programs, mining and resource companies, government agencies, and private-sector clients.

Their construction capability spans a full suite of modern building systems, enabling us to tailor solutions to client requirements, site conditions, and programme constraints. They deliver projects using a range of advanced construction methodologies, including:

• Light Gauge Steel (LGS) structural systems

• AFS Rediwall and other permanent formwork systems

• Precast and in-situ concrete systems

• Structural steel buildings

• Containerised and modularised buildings

• Blockwork and masonry construction – traditional systems for schools, community infrastructure, and government buildings

• Hybrid systems

Our Client`s methodology is underpinned by disciplined project planning, strict QA/QC frameworks, strong HSE culture, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality infrastructure in environments with limited access, challenging logistics, and constrained local supply chains. They have delivered major projects across Papua New Guinea and consistently on schedule, within budget, and to Australian and PNG standards.

Their proven remote-delivery expertise, combined with modern construction technologies and a strong social-impact focus, positions us to support government, foreign aid donors, mining and resource companies, and broader private-sector infrastructure programs across the Pacific.

1. Position Overview

The General Manager Operations – Construction Projects & Technical is a senior executive responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all technical, engineering, pre-construction, and construction delivery functions across the organisation.

This role ensures that all projects are designed, estimated, planned, executed, and completed to the highest standards of safety, quality, cost efficiency, and client satisfaction.

The General Manager Operations – Construction Projects & Technical acts as the principal technical authority for the company and the primary client interface for all technical, design, engineering, and constructability matters.

The position drives operational excellence across all departments Design, Engineering, Estimating, Planning & Scheduling, Project Management, Construction Delivery, QA/QC, HSE, Procurement, and Project Controls.

This role is central to building a disciplined, high-performance culture, ensuring predictable outcomes, protecting margins, and strengthening the company’s technical credibility with key clients, resource-sector and government partners.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Technical Leadership

• Serve as the company’s senior technical authority for all engineering, design, and construction-related matters.

• Lead and oversee the development of design concepts, engineering solutions, construction methodologies, and technical documentation.

• Review and approve all technical submissions, drawings, shop drawings, ITPs, methodologies, and QA/QC records.

• Provide expert advice on structural, civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical, LGS/AFS systems, and prefabricated/modular construction methodologies.

• Drive technical innovation, value engineering, and cost-efficient construction solutions.

B. Client & Stakeholder Interface

• Act as the primary technical representative in all client meetings, workshops, and reviews.•

• Manage and resolve all client technical queries (RFI, clarification requests, design reviews, constructability discussions).

• Ensure alignment between client expectations, technical specifications, and internal execution. 

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with key clients and stakeholders, reinforcing PNG CR’s technical capability and delivery reliability.

• Support tender presentations, proposal submissions, and project kick-off sessions.

C. Operational Leadership

• Oversee all company operations from design → tendering / estimating → planning → procurement → construction → commissioning.

• Ensure operational workflows are integrated, efficient, and aligned with corporate strategy.

• Provide leadership to Project Managers, Engineering Leads, Construction Managers, QA/QC, HSE, Planners, and Site Teams.

• Ensure projects meet or exceed targets relating to schedule, cost, quality, safety, and client satisfaction.

• Drive weekly and monthly operational reporting, forecasting, and performance reviews.

D. Pre-Construction Oversight

• Lead all pre-construction activities including design development, engineering reviews, estimating accuracy, and tender submissions.

• Ensure tenders are accurate, competitive, and technically sound.

• Conduct tender risk assessments, buildability reviews, margin protection analysis, and resource planning.

• Approve final tender submissions, methodologies, and pricing strategies.

E. Project Delivery Management

• Oversee the execution of all ongoing projects across PNG and the Solomon Islands.

• Resolve high-level technical issues, delivery constraints, schedule slippages, and contractor/subcontractor performance issues.

• Implement operational governance, project controls, and reporting frameworks.

• Ensure PMs are disciplined, accountable, and delivering in accordance with scope, schedule, and approved budgets.

F. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• General Manager Operations – Construction Projects & Technical

• Champion a strong HSE and QA/QC culture across all sites and departments.

• Approve all quality plans, inspection & test plans (ITPs), and handover documentation.

• Ensure compliance with PNG regulations, Australian Standards, building codes, ISO 9001, client technical requirements, and internal procedures.

• Lead root-cause analyses for defects, issues, delays, or safety incidents and implement systemic improvements.

G. Resource & Workforce Leadership

• Provide oversight to workforce planning, including recruitment, training, competency development, and performance management.

• Work closely with HR/Training to support national content and local workforce development.

• Drive a high-performance culture with clear expectations, discipline, and accountability across all teams.

H. Strategic & Commercial Inputs

• Contribute to overall business strategy, growth planning, and market positioning.

• Support the Managing Director with business development, major proposals, and strategic client relationships.

• Provide commercial and technical risk assessment for all major projects and JV opportunities.

• Lead continuous improvement, operational efficiency programs, and cost-reduction initiatives.

3. Key Deliverables (12–24 Months)

• Establish a fully integrated operations system connecting design, estimating, planning, construction, QA/QC, and HSE.

• Improve tender accuracy and margin protection.

• Deliver all projects on schedule, within budget, and to client satisfaction.

• Strengthen technical capability and discipline across the business.

• Build a strong internal leadership team in engineering, estimating, and project delivery.

• Reduce rework, delays, procurement errors, and quality defects by >30%.

• Establish standardised systems: PMO processes, project controls, QA/QC frameworks, ITPs, operational dashboards, and technical governance.

• Position the company as the most technically capable and reliable contractor in PNG/SI modular and prefabricated construction.

4. Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in construction, engineering, or EPC project delivery. Previous work on DFAT or Australian Government Funded Projects would be favourable.

• Strong background in civil, structural, building, modular/prefabricated, or LGS/AFS/Blockwork/Structural Steel/Hybrid construction.

• Proven leadership managing design, engineering, estimating, and operations teams.

• Experience interfacing with high-level clients (resource sector, government, or defence).

• Strong understanding of Australian Standards, HSE legislation, and QA/QC systems.

• Experience delivering projects in PNG, Pacific Islands, or similar remote environments (highly advantageous).

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and drive operational excellence.

5. Key Skills & Attributes

• Excellent technical judgement and problem-solving ability.

• Strong operational leadership and organisational discipline.

• High emotional intelligence, communication, and client-relationship skills.

• Commercially minded with strong understanding of cost, risk, and contract management.

• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop local teams.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ethical, disciplined, and accountable leadership style.

6. Reporting Structure

Reports to: Managing Director / CEO

Direct Reports:

• Design & Engineering Manager

• Estimating Manager

• Planning & Project Controls Lead

• Project Managers & Construction Managers

• QA/QC Manager

• HSE Manager

• Procurement Lead

Internal Interfaces: Finance, HR, Logistics, Commercial/Contracts

External Interfaces: Clients, consultants, subcontractors, regulators

7. Location & Travel

• Position based in Port Moresby.

• Requires regular travel to project sites across PNG and Solomon Islands.

8. Remuneration Package

• A competitive package including:

• Base salary

• Housing/vehicle/allowances

• Annual bonus based on operational KPIs

• Medical and insurance