About Citra
Citra is a Swiss company at the forefront of innovative building technology. Our proprietary construction methods enable rapid, highly resistant, and durable building solutions. We are committed to supporting Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts, with an initial focus on residential housing. Citra plans to deploy a mobile factory in Ukraine, aiming to produce 1,500 housing units annually. Citra has applied for a reconstruction grant from the Swiss Government. Should the funding be approved, Citra will need to rapidly build a world class team in Ukraine. Since the operations would then be backed by international funding, strict adherence to international reporting standards and full compliance with all relevant regulations would be required. The Citra Ukraine team will be an integral part of our international organization, working in close collaboration with our experienced South African team of architects, engineers, and project managers who will oversee significant aspects of planning and project management.
Job Summary
Citra is seeking an experienced and dynamic Country Manager to lead and oversee all our operations in Ukraine. This pivotal role involves establishing and managing the local entity, ensuring the successful deployment and operation of our mobile factory, and delivering high-quality housing units. The Country Manager will be responsible for local execution, localization of our building technology, certification processes, managing subcontractors, training stakeholders, and ensuring stringent quality control. A key aspect of this role will be fostering a strong partnership with a local, to-be-established large-scale property fund (our «captive client») in activities such as land sourcing (including negotiations for long-term government leases), planning, permitting, and engaging with local funders.
Start Date
Q3/Q4 2025
The position is subject to funding approval from Swiss Government.
Responsibilities
- Overall Operational Leadership: Oversee and manage all aspects of Citra’s operations in Ukraine, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Team Leadership & Management: Build, lead, and motivate a high-performing local team. Manage medium to large teams effectively.
- Company Management: Direct and manage Citra Ukraine as a legal entity, ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Stakeholder Management & Networking: Develop and maintain excellent relationships with Ukrainian regulatory bodies, government authorities, and other key stakeholders. Leverage existing networks to facilitate smooth operations.
- Project Execution & Localization: Oversee the local execution of building projects, including the adaptation and certification of Citra’s building technology and mobile factory for the Ukrainian market.
- Subcontractor Management: Identify, select, and manage local subcontractors, ensuring they meet Citra’s quality standards and project requirements.
- Training & Quality Control: Implement training programs for local staff and subcontractors on Citra’s building technology and processes. Establish and enforce rigorous quality control measures.
- Partnership with Captive Client: Work in close collaboration with the designated local property fund to identify and secure land, navigate planning and permitting processes, and support negotiations with local funding institutions.
- Reporting & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to international funding requirements, including transparent and accurate reporting, and compliance with all local and international regulations.
- Integration with International Team: Collaborate effectively with Citra’s international teams, particularly the South African planning and project management unit, to ensure seamless project delivery.
- Business Development: Identify new opportunities and contribute to the strategic growth of Citra in Ukraine.

Required Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Master’s degree in a construction-related field (e.g., Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Property Development).
- Experience in Construction: Mandatory background in the construction industry with proven experience in engineering, construction, architecture, or property development.
- Leadership Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in managing medium to large teams.
- Company Management Experience: At least 5 years of experience in managing a company or a significant business unit.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken Ukraine and English is essential. German proficiency is an advantage.
- Travel Capability: Waiver of military service will allow for international travel as required.
- Network: Demonstrable excellent network within Ukrainian regulatory bodies and authorities.
- Integrity: Impeccable professional standing and a commitment to ethical business practices.

Preferred Qualifications
- MBA: An MBA is considered an advantage.
- Non-Standard Building Methods: Experience with non-standard or innovative building methods is highly desirable.
- Experience in Post-Conflict or Reconstruction Environments: Previous experience working in challenging or reconstruction environments would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of International Funding Mechanisms: Familiarity with projects funded by international financial institutions or development agencies would be beneficial.
- Ukrainians living in Switzerland with a Status S permit will be given preference.

Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
- Resilient, adaptable, and results-oriented.
- High level of integrity and professionalism.

What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to play a leading role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
- The chance to work with innovative, sustainable building technology.
- A key position within a growing international company.
- A competitive remuneration package.

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