Position: General Manager – Sports Turf & Surface Solutions
Location: Dubai, UAE
Salary: 45,000 AED/month (Approx. $12,250 / £9,700 per month – $147,000 / £116,400 annually)
A leading international organisation specialising in the construction and maintenance of high-performance sports surfaces is seeking a General Manager to lead its Middle East operations. Based in Dubai, this is a senior-level opportunity for an accomplished professional with a strong background in natural turf, and a working knowledge of hybrid systems and artificial grass technologies.
The successful candidate will oversee a wide range of prestigious projects including elite stadiums, sports academies, training facilities, and high-profile schools across the GCC region.
This role requires a confident and commercially astute leader who can manage cross-functional teams, drive operational excellence, and build trusted relationships with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
About our Client
Our client is a globally recognised leader in the design, construction, and maintenance of high-performance sports surfaces. Operating across multiple continents, the organisation delivers world-class natural turf, hybrid, and artificial pitch solutions for some of the most prestigious stadiums, training grounds, and educational institutions worldwide.
With a growing presence in the Middle East and offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company is firmly positioned at the forefront of the region's sports infrastructure development. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and long-term performance has made them a trusted partner for professional sports clubs, government bodies, and private institutions alike.
Role Overview
You will work closely with senior international stakeholders to develop and execute strategic plans across the Gulf and East Africa. Leading a multidisciplinary local team across construction, maintenance, sales, and finance, you will ensure exceptional delivery standards, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business growth.
Applicants with prior experience working in the Middle East, or who are currently based in the region, are highly desirable, though this is not essential. The ability to speak Arabic would be a plus, but is not a requirement.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic business plans to support regional growth and market expansion.
- Set performance targets, sales goals, and annual budgets in alignment with the wider organisation.
- Foster long-term partnerships with clients and key contractors across the GCC.
- Ensure the successful delivery of high-quality projects, particularly in elite sports and education environments.
- Lead and support senior managers across finance, maintenance, and construction divisions.
- Continuously improve operational performance and service delivery standards.
- Ensure adherence to global and local health, safety, and compliance regulations.
- Report to global leadership and represent the Middle East division in international strategic meetings.
Candidate Profile
This is a key leadership role suited to someone with a strong foundation in natural turf management, complemented by familiarity with hybrid and synthetic sports surface systems. You will be an effective communicator and strategic thinker with the ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and inspire confidence across cultures.
Experience in the delivery of sports surfaces for professional stadiums, academies, or high-end school environments will be particularly valued.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 3 years' experience as a General Manager or senior leader overseeing large teams (100+ staff).
- At least 8 years' experience in the construction and/or maintenance of natural sports turf surfaces.
- Working knowledge of hybrid turf systems and artificial grass solutions.
- Broad operational understanding of finance, HR, procurement, and project delivery.
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
- Flexibility to travel frequently across the GCC and internationally.
- Valid international driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience working in the Middle East or currently based in the region.
- Arabic language skills (spoken/written).
- Experience leading large multicultural teams (up to 200 people).
- Background in managing projects for professional sports venues or education sector clients.
- Minimum 5 years in a senior project management role.
- BSc/MBA in Business or a related discipline.
- Additional qualifications in agronomy, landscaping, or project management.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Proven ability to manage complexity and change.
Technical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Fluent in English (spoken and written); Arabic is an advantage
- Strategic planning and leadership
- P&L and budget management
- Contract negotiation and stakeholder engagement
- Quality assurance and customer service excellence
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
Interested in applying?
If you are an experienced leader with a proven background in natural turf and sports surface construction, and are looking to join a forward-thinking, internationally recognised business, we'd love to hear from you.
Chappell Enterprises UK are an equal opportunities employer and encourage people to apply from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.
