Project Lead

About GulfNet Solution: Founded in 1997, GulfNet Solutions Company Limited is known under the brand, GNS. Headquartered in Ad Dammam, GNS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Brothers (AZAQ). We specialize in providing consultation, solutions, services and manpower throughout the GCC in information security, mobility, cloud computing, big data, governance, risk management and compliance.Job SummaryThe Project Lead is responsible for leading the end-to-end execution of industrial automation and digital transformation projects, ensuring successful delivery from project initiation through commissioning and handover. The role requires strong technical expertise, project leadership, customer engagement, and coordination across engineering, procurement, and site execution teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and safety standards.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the complete project lifecycle, including project planning, detailed engineering, procurement support, implementation, commissioning, testing, training, and project close-out.Manage multiple automation and digitalization projects while ensuring schedule, budget, quality, and customer satisfaction objectives are achieved.Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, subcontractors, OEMs, and suppliers throughout project execution.Translate customer operational requirements into technical deliverables and ensure alignment between customer expectations and execution teams.Review and approve engineering deliverables, including system architecture, control philosophy, P&IDs, network architecture, I/O lists, FAT/SAT procedures, and technical documentation.Technical leadership for Industrial Automation and Digital Solutions, including PLC, SCADA, DCS, RTU, Instrumentation, Industrial Networks, IIoT, Connectivity Solutions, MES, and related technologies execution.Plan and supervise site surveys, installation activities, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), commissioning, and customer training.Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and proactively manage technical and commercial issues.Ensure compliance with company standards, customer specifications, cybersecurity requirements, and applicable international standards.Support sales and pre-sales teams during project handover, technical clarifications, change orders, and customer meetings when required.Prepare and monitor project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera and provide regular progress reports to management.Manage project resources efficiently to achieve project profitability and contractual commitments.Foster strong customer relationships and identify opportunities for additional services, upgrades, modernization, and lifecycle support.Technical SkillsStrong understanding of industrial automation solutions for Water & Wastewater, Utilities, Infrastructure, and Process Industries, with awareness of operational processes in both light and heavy industries.Ability to understand customer business challenges, define problem statements, and translate business requirements into practical engineering solutions.Solid knowledge of PLC, SCADA, DCS, RTU, HMI, Instrumentation, Industrial Networks, Drives, Control Systems, and field devices.Good understanding of Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies, including IIoT, Connectivity Solutions, MES, Historian, Asset Performance Management (APM), AI Analytics, Cloud Platforms, and OT Cybersecurity.Knowledge of MV/LV electrical systems and their applications in industrial environments.Strong understanding of instrumentation, electro-mechanical systems, and process control.Ability to review engineering drawings, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, technical specifications, and project documentation.Experience in project planning and scheduling using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and team coordination skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management tools.Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Control, or Automation Engineering.Minimum 4–6 years of experience in industrial automation and digital solutions, including at least 3 years in a project leadership role.Proven experience delivering / Managing projects involving SCADA, PLC, RTU, Instrumentation, IIoT, or Digital Transformation for utilities or industrial customers.PMP certification is preferred.Experience with leading automation platforms such as Schneider Electric, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, ABB, Honeywell, or AVEVA is an advantage.