Operations Manager

Aqualia, a leading company in the water sector, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of a major water and wastewater utility business, ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of services while meeting all contractual, regulatory and performance requirements.The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing operations across desalination, water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution networks and industrial effluent management facilities, while driving operational excellence, asset performance and continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, review, and manage strategic and annual operational plans, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.Continuously review and improve operational and laboratory processes and procedures.Formulate operational schedules and coordinate staff deployment to ensure effective and efficient use of resources, materials, and chemicals.Collaborate with the Assets Department to develop and implement maintenance strategies that optimize asset performance, extend asset life, and support cost-effective repair and replacement activities.Manage maintenance resources, tools, and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient asset base.Establish robust procedures for collecting metering and process performance data.Provide regular operational performance reports in line with Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements.Delegate tasks and accountabilities to supervisory and management staff.Supervise, monitor, and evaluate staff performance and develop multi-process training and assessment programmes to enhance staff skills and competencies.Ensure operational activities comply with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements imposed by OMSA.Optimize staffing requirements through shared resources across facilities and multi-skilled workforce planning.Ensure operational and laboratory equipment is calibrated and that consumable and chemical stock levels are properly monitored and maintained.Review and enhance laboratory tasks, sampling, and analysis procedures.Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are maintained, updated, and implemented across all assets.Oversee the preparation and maintenance of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.Drive energy conservation and reduction in power consumption across operational assets.Monitor and ensure compliance with environmental standards and permits.Review and improve processes and policies in support of JV obligations.Develop and maintain contingency and emergency response plans for operational risks, including marine-related events such as Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs), jellyfish incidents and other disruptions affecting seawater operations.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's or Master's Degree in Instrumentation, Water, Process or Operation.Minimum 10 years of experience as an Operations Manager or in a senior operational leadership role within multi-utility water and wastewater operations.Experience in seawater desalination, marine water treatment, treated effluent management, wastewater collection and treatment, and distribution networks.Experience in installation, commissioning, and operation of water and wastewater facilities.Strong business and operational engineering background, with experience with ISO 55000 principles and maintenance management regimes.Previous Middle East experience managing both local and expatriate workforces.If you are interested in participating in the recruitment process, please attach your CV.