Manufacturing Manager - UAE

The roleThe Manufacturing Manager owns the company's manufacturing supply network and the delivery of every project that runs through it. The role carries two build mandates: to expand the supplier network in depth, capability and geography, and to build a project management function capable of delivering technically demanding components to client specification, on time and at margin.This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate will be expected to spend time at supplier sites, in front of clients and in the detail of live projects, while putting in place the people, processes and governance that let both functions operate without them.Key responsibilitiesSupplier network build-out

• Define and execute the supplier development roadmap by manufacturing process, material class and geography, extending sourcing beyond the current footprint into new regional and international markets as demand requires.
• Identify, assess and onboard new manufacturing partners against the company's technical, commercial and delivery requirements, and manage them through to steady-state performance.
• Own supplier commercials, including rate negotiation, framework and capacity agreements, payment terms and structured cost-down programmes.
• Maintain supplier relationships at owner and plant-manager level; manage capacity allocation, performance reviews and escalation.
• Work with the quality function to ensure supplier qualification, audit outcomes and corrective actions are reflected in sourcing decisions.Manufacturing project delivery
• Take accountability for the full portfolio of outsourced manufacturing projects from order receipt to delivery: planning, supplier allocation, technical clarification, schedule and cost control, and risk management.
• Act as the senior escalation point and, where required, the direct interface with client project, engineering and procurement teams on status, technical queries and delivery commitments.
• Drive on-time delivery, first-pass acceptance and project margin against agreed targets, and report performance to the leadership team.
• Ensure documentation, traceability and inspection requirements demanded by industrial and energy-sector clients are planned into every project from the outset.Building and leading the functions
• Build and lead the supplier management and project management functions: define the structure, hire and onboard, develop capability and manage performance.
• Establish standard operating procedures, stage gates, documentation standards and reporting for both functions, with clear hand-offs to engineering, quality, commercial and finance.
• Set the operating rhythm for supplier and project reviews so that risks surface early and decisions are made at the right level.Cross-functional
• Engineering: manufacturability, process selection and technical clarification with suppliers.
• Commercial: quoting accuracy, lead-time commitments, capacity forecasting and account planning.
• Quality: inspection, test and documentation requirements for client specifications.
• Finance: supplier terms, cost tracking and margin reporting.What you bringEssential
• Ten or more years in manufacturing operations, supply chain or project delivery, including at least three years leading teams.
• A demonstrable record of identifying, onboarding and managing manufacturing suppliers, including commercial negotiation and performance management.
• Direct accountability for the execution of manufacturing projects in one or more of machining, casting or additive manufacturing, with ownership of schedule, cost and delivery outcomes.
• Working knowledge of the material, traceability and documentation requirements typical of industrial and energy-sector clients, such as material certification, inspection and test plans and non-conformance handling.
• Experience building a function or team rather than only running an established one.
• Credibility at the client interface with large industrial or energy-sector organisations.
• Willingness to travel regularly to supplier and client sites across the region.Desirable
• Background in rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines, seals) in manufacturing, aftermarket or service.
• Multi-country sourcing experience across the GCC, Egypt, India or comparable markets.
• Degree in mechanical, manufacturing or industrial engineering.What success looks like at twelve months
• The qualified supplier base has expanded across the target process and geography matrix, with framework agreements in place with priority partners.
• On-time delivery and first-pass acceptance rates meet or exceed agreed thresholds, and are reported consistently.
• Project margin is held or improved against quote across the portfolio.
• Supplier cost baseline has been reduced through negotiated agreements and cost-down programmes.The project management function is staffed, trained and operating under documented governance, with the supplier management function on the same footing.