Seef, Bahrain

Head of Asset Management (HOA001)

 Job Description:

Foreground is partnering with a leading regional infrastructure investment group to appoint a Head of Asset Management.

The organization invests in, owns, and operates long-term infrastructure and PPP assets developed in collaboration with public-sector stakeholders. The group is well-capitalised, active across multiple infrastructure sectors, and focused on disciplined, long-term value creation.

Role Overview

The Head of Asset Management will be responsible for the financial, operational, and commercial performance of a portfolio of infrastructure assets across construction and operational phases.

This is a senior leadership role requiring deep PPP experience, strong commercial judgement, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments while protecting and enhancing investor returns.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Strategic Asset Management

  • Define and execute the asset management strategy to maximise value and risk-adjusted returns
  • Lead portfolio planning, performance reviews, and value optimisation initiatives
  • Provide strategic insight to executive leadership and the Board, with a focus on IRR protection and enhancement

Construction & Transition Oversight

  • Oversee construction-phase performance, including cost control, schedule adherence, and delivery milestones
  • Act as senior interface with Independent Engineers, lenders, and technical advisors
  • Ensure effective transition from development into steady-state operations

Operational & Performance Management

  • Monitor compliance with concession agreements and regulatory requirements
  • Track financial, technical, and operational KPIs across the full PPP lifecycle
  • Oversee O&M contractors, driving performance delivery, efficiency, and cost discipline

Commercial & Financial Management

  • Maintain oversight of financial models, budgets, forecasts, and long-term projections
  • Monitor lender covenants and financing obligations
  • Identify refinancing and capital optimisation opportunities during the operational phase
  • Lead contractual claims, compensation events, and dispute avoidance strategies

Governance, Risk & Stakeholder Management

  • Ensure robust governance frameworks, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance
  • Lead portfolio-wide risk management initiatives
  • Act as senior point of contact with government authorities, JV partners, lenders, and contractors
  • Oversee JV arrangements and ensure timely reporting to internal stakeholders

Reporting & Decision Support

  • Establish structured reporting across asset performance, risk, and financial health
  • Present regular updates to executive leadership, Boards, and investment partners
  • Enable data-driven decision-making across the portfolio

Team Leadership

  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing asset management team
  • Embed strong commercial discipline, accountability, and performance culture

Candidate Profile

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related discipline; Masters preferred
  • 10–15+ years experience in infrastructure asset management, project finance, or PPP environments
  • Proven experience managing assets under PPP structures (e.g. BOO, BOOT, DBFO)
  • Full lifecycle exposure from construction through steady-state operations
  • Direct engagement with lenders, authorities, and public-sector stakeholders
  • Strong understanding of concession frameworks, financial structuring, O&M performance, and risk management
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams
  Required Skills:

Asset Management Management