Associate Director, Building Operations, Safety and Security

About the role

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is looking for an Associate Director to lead building operations, maintenance, safety and security at its Qatar campus in Doha. The role supports the Chief Facilities Management Officer (CFMO) with strategy, budgets and performance across Facilities Management, Auxiliary Services, Bookstore and Events, and develops the leadership capability needed for possible future progression to CFMO.

Key responsibilities

• Lead building operations, maintenance, custodial, safety and security services, ensuring continuity, compliance with local and international regulations and effective use of resources.
• Manage relationships with Qatar Foundation, contractors and university stakeholders, resolving escalated issues.
• Oversee service delivery, staff and contractor performance, operational risk, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance.
• Support the CFMO with integrated planning, budgets, performance reporting and improvement.
• Lead delegated cross-functional initiatives and deputize for the CFMO within agreed authority.
• Oversee maintenance, building systems, cleaning, security, space planning, capital works and asset management, and ensure effective use of the helpdesk and permit-to-work systems.
• Maintain safety procedures, inspections, fire warden arrangements, emergency plans and drills, and act as Chief Fire Warden during evacuations.
• Drive sustainability, accessibility, energy efficiency, waste reduction and technology improvements.
• Coordinate support for university events, IT/AV projects and shared campus users, and oversee access control, CCTV, ID cards, keys, vehicle tags and the Student Guard Programme.
• Monitor expenditure, contracts, procurement and service performance, and prepare performance reports and business cases.
• Manage direct reports, set and review performance objectives, coordinate recruitment and onboarding with Human Resources, and supervise and mentor contracted staff.
• Respond to urgent requests outside normal hours and provide evening and weekend operational support.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
• CFM/FMP (IFMA or equivalent) and NEBOSH IGC or equivalent.
• Postgraduate management qualification, LEED/SFP, NFPA fire certification and professional membership preferred.
• 10+ years of facilities/building operations experience, preferably in higher education.
• 8+ years leading diverse teams, contractors and complex projects.
• Experience with budgets, supplier performance, strategic planning, safety/security and sustainability.

Required skills

• Knowledge of hard and soft facilities services, building systems, security, safety, sustainability and Qatar/international standards.
• Ability to manage budgets, contracts, procurement, risk, projects and performance indicators.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CAFM and relevant building/technical systems.

What we offer

• Expatriate benefits package including monthly transportation and home leave travel allowance, worldwide health insurance and private school tuition support for accompanying children.
• Relocation support including visa processing, travel arrangements, fully furnished temporary accommodation and campus orientation.