Plant Operations Head

Engagement details:Job Title: Plant Operations HeadClient: Prominent Regional Corporate Firm - Oil & GasEmployment type: Permanent role

Location: Onsite in Dammam, KSAExperience level: 15-20 yearsAbout the Joint Venture:The JV is being established to build an advanced manufacturing and remanufacturing platform serving the Oil & Gas upstream sector in Saudi Arabia.

The facility will focus on delivering world-class manufacturing, machining, repair, remanufacturing, and engineering solutions for the Oil & Gas, Energy, Industrial, and Heavy Engineering sectors. By combining advanced manufacturing capabilities, engineering excellence, international quality standards, the organization aims to support regional and global customers with reliable, high-quality products and services.The JV is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, IKTVA localization objectives, and the growing demand for in-Kingdom manufacturing capability to support energy customers, OEMs, EPCs, and service companies.

Role Summary

The Plant Operations Head is responsible for the overall leadership, management, andperformance of the manufacturing facility. The role is accountable for achievingoperational excellence across Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, HSE,and administrative functions while ensuring safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customersatisfaction objectives are consistently achievedThe position requires strategic leadership and hands-on operational management toensure plant performance aligns with organizational goals. The Plant Operations Headwill lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimizeresources, develop talent, manage business performance, and ensure compliance withall customers, regulatory, and international standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations LeadershipLead the overall operations of the manufacturing facility.Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives.Ensure production targets, quality standards, and customer delivery commitments are achieved.Drive operational efficiency across all departments.Monitor plant performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.2. Manufacturing ExcellenceOversee all manufacturing, machining, assembly, testing, and support operations.Ensure optimum utilization of manpower, machinery, and production resources.Drive improvements in productivity, capacity utilization, throughput, and operational effectiveness.Identify operational bottlenecks and implement sustainable solutions.Support implementation of modern manufacturing best practices.3. Quality & Compliance ManagementEnsure full compliance with API, ISO, customer, and regulatory requirements.Support and lead customer audits, certification audits, and compliance reviews.Drive a culture of quality ownership throughout the organization.Review quality performance indicators and lead corrective action initiatives.Promote defect prevention and continuous improvement methodologies.4. Supply Chain & Inventory ManagementOversee procurement, planning, logistics, warehousing, and inventory management activities.Ensure uninterrupted material availability to support production requirements.Optimize inventory levels while maintaining operational continuity.Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve supply chain performance.Monitor material costs and inventory accuracy.5. Plant Maintenance & Asset ManagementEnsure reliability and availability of manufacturing equipment and facilities.Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.Support capacity expansion and equipment improvement initiatives.Drive equipment uptime and operational reliability improvements.Manage maintenance budgets effectively.6. Financial & Business PerformanceDevelop and manage operational budgets.Monitor plant profitability and operational costs.Drive productivity and cost reduction initiatives.Support business growth through operational excellence.Ensure efficient utilization of organizational resources.7. Leadership & People DevelopmentBuild and develop high-performing teams.Establish departmental objectives and performance expectations.Conduct workforce planning and succession planning initiatives.Support employee training, development, and competency improvement.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, engagement, and continuous learning.8. Customer & Stakeholder ManagementServe as the primary operational interface for customers and strategic stakeholders.Participate in customer reviews, operational discussions, and business meetings.Support strategic business development initiatives.Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Drive customer satisfaction through operational excellence.9. Continuous ImprovementLead Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives.Implement productivity enhancement projects across departments.Drive OEE, FPY, and cost improvement programs.Promote data-driven decision making.Lead cross-functional improvement projects.10. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Ensure compliance with all HSE policies and statutory requirements.Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.Lead workplace safety initiatives and risk management activities.Ensure incident investigations and corrective actions are completed effectively.Support the company's goal of achieving zero workplace incidents.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.Master's Degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, or Business Administration will be an added advantage.Professional certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operations Excellence, Project Management, or Quality Systems are desirable.15-20 years of experience in Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Precision Machining, Heavy Engineering, Industrial Equipment, or related industries.Minimum 8 years of experience in plant leadership, business unit leadership, or senior operational management roles.Proven experience managing multiple departments within a manufacturing environment.Experience leading large cross-functional teams and driving organizational growth.Strong exposure to customer-facing operations, audits, compliance requirements, and performance management.Technical Competencies: Manufacturing Operations Management, Plant Performance Management, Precision Machining Operations, Production Planning & Control, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control, Maintenance Management, Quality Management Systems, API & ISO Compliance Requirements, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Principles, Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, Business Performance Management, ERP Systems, Budgeting & Cost Control & KPI Management.Behavioural Competencies: Strategic Leadership, Business Acumen, Decision Making, Change Management, Stakeholder Management, Team Development, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, Negotiation Skills, Customer Focus, Accountability & Ownership.