Chief Operating Officer

About Kafa’at:Established in Saudi Arabia, Kafa’at Business Solutions (KBS) is one of Tahakom Investment Company's (TIC) subsidiaries, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Our mission is aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, combining strategic clarity with tangible impact to support sustainable growth and development across both public and private sectors. With a strong presence across both the public and private sectors, we deliver forward-thinking business solutions and consulting services that empower organizations through knowledge and technology.Client of Kafa’at is looking for General Manager / Chief Operating Officer – Water Solutions:Job PurposeThe General Manager / Chief Operating Officer will lead the overall business strategy and operations of an integrated water solutions business, covering water treatment and desalination, EPC, Operations & Maintenance (O&M), manufacturing, and specialty water treatment chemicals.The role requires extensive leadership experience within the water and desalination sector, combined with strong operational, technical, commercial, and P&L management expertise.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the overall business strategy, operational performance, and growth of the water solutions business.Own P&L performance, revenue growth, profitability, EBITDA, CAPEX, and overall operational efficiency.Drive business growth and strategic opportunities across municipal, industrial, and commercial water sectors.Lead EPC and O&M operations across water treatment and desalination projects and facilities.Oversee manufacturing and engineering activities related to water treatment and desalination technologies, including RO, MED, MSF, and STP systems.Ensure plant performance meets contractual requirements related to water quality, uptime, energy efficiency, and operational KPIs.Lead the specialty water treatment chemicals business, including manufacturing, trading, distribution, supply chain, and related commercial activities.Drive asset management, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives across operations.Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, government entities, industrial stakeholders, technology providers, vendors, and suppliers.Lead strategic partnerships, commercial negotiations, and major business agreements.Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, HSE, quality, and engineering standards.Lead and develop multidisciplinary engineering, technical, operational, and commercial teams.Drive localization, local sourcing, and organizational capability development initiatives.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; an MBA is highly desirable.15+ years of relevant experience in the water treatment and/or desalination sector.Strong experience within the Saudi Arabian water sector and understanding of its regulatory, procurement, and technical environment.Proven experience leading EPC and O&M operations within water treatment or desalination businesses.Strong experience in water treatment and desalination technologies, including RO and other major treatment technologies.Demonstrated experience overseeing manufacturing, engineering, or industrial production within the water solutions sector.Strong exposure to specialty water treatment chemicals, including manufacturing, formulations, trading, distribution, or supply chain.Proven track record of P&L ownership, revenue growth, profitability improvement, and operational performance management.Experience managing relationships with major government, municipal, industrial, or infrastructure clients.Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary technical, operational, and commercial teams.Professional proficiency in Arabic and English.