Gopakumar BK Karnavar

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dynamic and results-driven Camp Operations & Workforce Services Manager with 23+ years of experience managing large-scale workforce accommodations (2,500–18,000+) across UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, and India. Proven expertise in MOHRE and local labor law compliance, camp operations, facilities management, soft service management, employee welfare, fleet and transport management, MEP/HVAC/utilities, catering, vendor management, and QHSE standards (HSE, OSHA, HACCP). Skilled in strategic manpower planning, recruitment, mobilization, cost optimization, SOP implementation, KPI/SLA monitoring, and cross-functional coordination.

Adept at enhancing operational efficiency, employee satisfaction, and regulatory compliance while driving sustainable performance improvements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Camp & Workforce Accommodation Management (2,500–18,000+ employees)
• Strategic Manpower Planning, Recruitment, Mobilization & Demobilization
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Employee Welfare, Engagement & Grievance Management; HR & Cross-Functional Coordination
• Facilities Operations & Maintenance | Soft & Hard FM Services (MEP, HVAC, Civil, Utilities)
• Occupational Health, Safety & Compliance | HSE, QHSE, OSHA, HACCP, MOHRE & Labor Law
• Vendor, Contracts & Procurement Management | KPI/SLA Oversight & Cost Optimization
• Catering Operations & Food Safety Management (HACCP Compliance)
• Preventive & Corrective Maintenance | Asset & Inventory Control | Operational Efficiency
• Security, Fire Safety & Risk Assessments
• Process Improvement, Stakeholder Collaboration & Multi-Geography Standardization
• Workforce Documentation & Regulatory Liaison
• Communication, Negotiation, Mediation & Conflict Resolution | Empathy & Leadership
• MS Office Suite (Excel Pivot table, Macro, VLOOKUP & XLOOKUP, PowerPoint Presentation)

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Directed large-scale camp operations for 2,500–18,000+ personnel across multiple countries, delivering 20+ mobilization/demobilization projects on time, within budget, and in full compliance with HSE, MOHRE, labour laws, and welfare standards.
• Optimized operations through cost savings, risk reduction, vendor management, process improvements, and enhanced employee engagement, while overseeing end-to-end office and infrastructure setup.

• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), Qatar – Oil & Gas Industry (Onshore EPC Project)

Camp Operations & Facilities Maintenance Manager (Soft/FM Services) - Apr 2024 – Dec 2024

Camp & Facilities Operations Management

• Directed operations for 2,500–18,000+ personnel, overseeing accommodation, utilities, fleet, catering, and welfare while ensuring MOHRE, labor law, and industry compliance.
• Achieved 100% audit readiness by implementing SOPs, policies, and streamlined processes; directed strategy and managed P&L accountability for Soft Services operations. 
• Led workforce mobilization/demobilization, statutory inspections, QHSE compliance, and employee welfare programs, fostering engagement and positive workplace culture.
• Developed and managed high-performing manpower, People Services, camp, and maintenance teams, enhancing service quality through training and safety initiatives.
• Responsible and accountable for managing all Soft Services operations across the company portfolio, ensuring service quality, compliance, and efficiency
• Managed budgets, procurement, AMCs, vendor contracts, and petty cash, implementing cost control, sustainability measures, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervised multi-disciplinary maintenance and FM services—including mechanical, electrical, civil, HVAC, plumbing, catering, housekeeping, IT, landscaping, firefighting, security, waste management, and fleet—ensuring preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Coordinated with stakeholders, vendors, and AMC providers for catering, recreation, janitorial, laundry, water treatment, pest control, security, and facility maintenance, achieving high resident satisfaction.
• Blue Rhine Group of Companies – (Manufacturing, Civil & MEP Constructions) - UAE

Camp operations-(Soft/FM Services) / Accommodation & Welfare manager | Aug 2022 – Mar 2024

Camp & Staff Accommodation Management

• Led multi-site staff accommodation projects for 2,500–75,00+ personnel, managing planning, execution, and operations from inception to completion, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost efficiency.
• Directed cross-functional teams, including project managers and support staff, fostering collaboration, efficiency, and a high-performance culture.
• Oversaw MEP, HVAC, plumbing, civil, and infrastructure maintenance, reducing downtime and improving operational reliability by 25%, while maintaining full compliance with HSEQ, OSHA, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, and corporate standards.
• Implemented housing and safety initiatives, conducting audits and inspections that reduced hygiene and security incidents by 30%; managed employee relations by resolving grievances, disputes, and misconduct, while guiding managers on conflict resolution and disciplinary procedures, resulting in improved compliance, employee engagement, and retention.
• Managed vendor contracts and executive reporting, ensuring timely delivery, quality, and cost efficiency, providing senior leadership with accurate operational documentation, progress updates, and key achievements.
• SsangYong Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (ICD Group) – Dubai, UAE

Camp Operations & Workforce Services Manager (Manpower/ Welfare/General Services) Jul 2015 – May 2021

Camp Operations & People Services Management

• Managed multi-site camp operations for 2,500–10,000+ personnel, overseeing accommodation, catering, sanitation, recreation, health compliance, and general services including reception, mailroom, transport, pantry, and office support.
• Directed Manpower & People Services (M&PS) across multiple locations, including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, mobilization, deployment, and demobilization.
• Developed and executed strategic M&PS plans aligned with divisional objectives; advised senior leadership on HR strategy and workforce optimization.
• Designed and implemented HR policies, SOPs, and employee engagement frameworks to improve retention, efficiency, and workforce experience.
• Ensured compliance with UAE labour laws, MOHRE regulations, permits, licenses, environmental standards, labour accommodation regulations, and building codes.
• Managed camp and office assets, procurement, inventory control, vendor contracts, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Oversaw daily facilities operations across HQ, branches, and satellite offices, including preventive and corrective maintenance, vendor management, service contracts, office fit-outs, relocations, and space optimization projects.
• Directed fleet operations, including procurement, maintenance, fuel management, route planning, and safety compliance, achieving operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Implemented grievance mechanisms, monitored trends, and improved processes to boost employee satisfaction.
• Led, mentored, and developed high-performing teams in People Services, camp operations, and maintenance; represented M&PS in leadership forums to support strategic growth.
• JGC Corporation (Barzan Onshore EPC Project – Qatar Petroleum) – Qatar

Senior Camp Accommodation Supervisor | Oct 2011 – Dec 2014

• Managed large-scale camp operations for 15,000+ personnel, ensuring compliance with MOHRE, HSE, and Qatar Petroleum standards while optimizing staff welfare and safety.
• Supervised 300+ camp staff, enhancing operational efficiency through targeted training and performance monitoring.
• Oversaw employee attendance and absenteeism, coordinating with administration to maintain accurate records.
• Collaborated with HR and project teams on workforce welfare, accommodation planning, and resource allocation.
• Handled supply chain activities, including RFQs, LPOs, deliveries, and third-party service agreements.
• Power Point LLC –Construction & MEP - Dubai, UAE

Senior Camp Coordinator, - Accommodation & Fleet (Transportation) Operations | Nov 2008 – Jun 2011

• Managed camp operations and employee welfare for 50,000+ personnel, ensuring MOHRE compliance and high resident satisfaction. Prepared KPIs and operational reports for data-driven decision-making.
•  Streamlined staff administration, attendance, and reporting, boosting workforce efficiency by 15%.
• Oversaw 100+ vehicle fleet: preventive maintenance, procurement, route optimization, and inventory management
•  Led Camp Bosses and support teams for consistent service delivery across all camp functions.
• Coordinated logistics and procurement of supplies, food, and equipment, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
• Implemented transportation safety protocols and driver training, reducing incidents by 30%.
•  Ensured compliance with RTA/UAE traffic laws, safety standards, and company policies.
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction – KNPC Offshore - EPC Project, Kuwait Employees Welfare Officer - Camp Administration/ Catering Management – Sep 2005 – May 2008
• Managed offshore camp operations and welfare for 5,000+ EPC project personnel, including planning meal schedules, dietary requirements, and staff morale programs.
•  Ensured regulatory compliance by coordinating with MOH & MOHRE for inspections, approvals, staff certifications, and adherence to standards.
• Ensure compliance with welfare policies and regulations, manage audits and documentation, conduct worker programs, foster inclusivity, prepare reports, and support the welfare team with meetings and coordination.
• Supervised catering and facilities operations, maintaining HACCP, hygiene, nutrition, and negotiating service agreements, renewals, and terminations.
•  Collaborated cross-functionally with SHES, medical, security, utilities, and infrastructure teams to maintain safe, compliant, and efficient camp operations
• Korel Industries SDN BHD – India & Malaysia

Site/Camp Coordinator – Facility & General Service | Feb 2001 – July -2005 – Malaysia

Camp Operations & General Affairs Management

• Directed operations for 2,500–7,500 residents, ensuring compliance with HSE protocols and supervising housekeeping, maintenance, security, transport, and utilities teams to maintain safety and operational efficiency.
• Managed administration, facilities, procurement, vendor management, compliance, and employee welfare. Implemented SOPs and process improvements to streamline operations.
• Oversaw reporting and support functions, including operational reports, audit-ready documentation, logistics coordination, HR support, staff welfare, and emergency response preparedness.

Academic QualificationsSpecializationCollege/

University

Year of Passing Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)Humanities and General AdministrationArni University - India2017 ~ 2020 Bachelor of Commerce

 (B. Com)

Auditing, Costing Management Jamia Peer Mohammad 1997 ~ 2000 Diploma in Office Automation - DOAData Entry &

 Software operation

Sun Infosys Technologies1998 ~ 1999 HACCPHACCP- (Level -04)Aosh Awarding Body - UK2020 ~2020 Computer Skills & Training Undergone ERP SAP, Adrenalin MAX, MS Office: Advanced Excel,V lookup, pivot table, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Total Safety Task Instructions & PTW, HSE, KPI