Operations Manager

About Evostel:Evostel (previously AQESA), is part of the Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Brothers Company (AZAQ Group), a closed joint stock company with a diversified investment portfolio. The Group takes pride in its Saudi roots and has been successfully operating in the GCC region for over 60 years. The Group has long-established associations and strategic relationships with several well-known international names.Position OverviewThe Manager of Electrical Engineering and Procurement is a leadership role responsible for directing all aspects of electrical engineering design, technical procurement, and pre-sales proposal development within industrial projects. This role demands deep technical expertise combined with strategic leadership to deliver complex, large-scale industrial facilities on time and within budget.The incumbent will lead a multidisciplinary team encompassing electrical and instrumentation engineers as well as a dedicated technical and commercial proposals team. The role carries full accountability for LV and MV equipment-related engineering services — from initial bid preparation through detailed design, procurement, and project handover — while serving as the primary technical authority on all matters relating to electrical systems, power distribution, and instrumentation.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering LeadershipLead and manage the electrical engineering team across all project phases — feasibility, FEED, detailed design, and commissioning.Define and enforce engineering standards, technical specifications, and design methodologies for HV/MV/LV power distribution and instrumentation.Review and approve engineering deliverables including single-line diagrams, loop diagrams, instrument data sheets, and protection coordination studies.Ensure full compliance with applicable standards (IEC, NFPA, NEC, ATEX/IECEx, Saudi Aramco, SEC, SABIC, or relevant client specifications).Provide technical guidance on power system studies: load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, and harmonic analysis.Procurement & Vendor ManagementOversee the technical procurement of all electrical equipment including transformers, switchgear, MCC panels, UPS systems, variable speed drives, and instrumentation. Develop Stocking plan for fast moving items from Market knowledge & Material Planning system analysis and reportsProvide timely updates and reporting for all Open Purchase orders in system to enable accurate forecasting and customer information for delivery. Drive cost effective logistics and procurement functionDevelop technical bid documents, material requisitions, and RFQ packages; evaluate technical bids and issue technical bid evaluations (TBEs).Establish and manage a qualified vendor list (QVL) for electrical equipment suppliers; conduct technical audits and factory acceptance tests (FATs).Negotiate technical scope and commercial terms with vendors in coordination with the supply chain function.Monitor vendor manufacturing progress and ensure on-time delivery of long-lead items.Project Execution & CoordinationInterface with clients, PMC teams, and third-party consultants on technical clarifications and design approvals.Lead hazard reviews (HAZOP, HAZID) for electrical system elements.Oversee loop testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning activities for electrical and instrumentation systems.Technical & Commercial ProposalsLead and manage the proposals team responsible for preparing technically sound and commercially competitive bids covering LV and MV electrical equipment services and instrumentation — from initial enquiry through award.Review and approve all outgoing technical proposals, ensuring accuracy of scope, compliance with client specifications, and alignment with applicable standards (IEC, NFPA, NEC, ATEX/IECEx, Saudi Aramco, SABIC, SEC, or equivalent).Direct cost estimation and bill-of-quantities (BOQ) development for the full LV/MV scope including: switchgear, transformers, MCCs, distribution boards, cable systems, busducts, VFDs, UPS, soft starters, protection relays, and instrumentation packages.Oversee the preparation of proposal-stage engineering deliverables: single-line diagrams, equipment lists, data sheets, outline specifications, and basis-of-design documents.Define proposal strategies — lump-sum, unit-rate, or reimbursable — and ensure each is properly reflected in the commercial structure and risk register.Coordinate with the procurement team to obtain competitive vendor quotations underpinning proposal pricing for LV/MV equipment and instrumentation packages.Manage clarification meetings, technical queries (TQs), and client/consultant negotiations during the bid and award phases.Maintain a proposals register, track win rates, and implement lessons-learned to continuously improve bid quality and success ratios.Ensure proposals comply with contractual requirements and internal governance/approval workflows before submission.LV & MV Equipment ServicesServe as technical authority for the full lifecycle of LV (up to 1 kV) and MV (1 kV to 36 kV) electrical equipment services: design, supply, installation supervision, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and hand-over.Oversee engineering and delivery of LV/MV switchgear, switchboards, ring main units (RMUs), pad-mounted and pole-mounted transformers, automatic transfer switches (ATS), capacitor banks, and harmonic filtering equipment.Direct cable management engineering including cable sizing, routing, tray design, termination schedules, and high-pot/insulation resistance testing.Ensure proper application of protection coordination, relay settings, and arc-flash mitigation across LV and MV networks.Supervise installation quality, acceptance testing, and energisation protocols for all LV/MV equipment in compliance with project and statutory requirements.Team Development & GovernanceRecruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team spanning electrical engineers and proposals specialists.Establish quality assurance processes, design review gates, and engineering governance frameworks.Drive continuous improvement in engineering workflows, digital tools (CAD, simulation, PDM, estimating software), and technical standards.Prepare and present technical reports, proposal status updates, and project progress summaries to senior management.Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (B.Eng. or B.Sc.) from an accredited university. A Master's degree is an advantage.Professional Engineering (PE) license or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is highly desirable.ExperienceMinimum 10 years of progressive experience in industrial electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership/ Managerial position with team size of 10+ membersDemonstrated experience delivering major EPC or EPCM projects in oil & gas, petrochemicals, power generation, or heavy industry.Proven track record leading or overseeing a technical and commercial proposals function, with direct involvement in bid preparation, cost estimation, and client negotiations for LV and MV equipment services.Hands-on experience with the full lifecycle of LV/MV electrical equipment services — from bid preparation through design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and hand-over.Proven track record in technical procurement of high-value electrotechnical equipment including switchgear, transformers, MCCs, VFDs, UPS, and protection systems.Experience working in the GCC region and familiarity with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, or SEC engineering standards is strongly preferred.Technical SkillsDeep expertise in HV/MV/LV power systems design, protection and control, and earthing/grounding.Proficiency with power system analysis tools (ETAP, SKM, or equivalent).Working knowledge of electrical area classification, hazardous area equipment (ATEX/IECEx), and intrinsic safety.Proficiency with engineering design tools: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SmartPlant, or equivalent.Experience with estimating and proposal tools for LV/MV scopes; ability to develop detailed BOQs, cost models, and commercial structures for complex electrical bids.Leadership & Soft SkillsDemonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional, multicultural engineering teams.Strong negotiation, vendor management, and stakeholder communication skills.Strategic thinker with solid commercial awareness and project financial acumen.Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic language skills are an asset.