Vice President,Operations

Company OverviewSapphire is a joint venture based in the Special Integrated Logistics Zone (SILZ) in Riyadh, focused on manufacturing advanced industrial robots and supporting the next generation of automation and smart manufacturing in the Kingdom.Role SummaryThe Vice President, Operations will lead Sapphire’s integrated section across Operations, Technical Support & Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain and Logistics. The role will be instrumental in transitioning Sapphire from project completion and operational readiness into commercial production, controlled ramp-up and sustained manufacturing operations. The Vice President will be accountable for building a safe, reliable, efficient and scalable operating environment while developing the organization, systems, capabilities and operational disciplines required for long-term manufacturing excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the integrated Operations, covering manufacturing operations, technical support and maintenance, quality, supply chain, warehousing and logistics.Drive the transition from project completion and operational readiness to commercial production, including operational handover, production-line readiness, commissioning interfaces, testing, pilot production, process validation and controlled ramp-up.Establish and manage manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, equipment reliability and operational efficiency, supported by clear KPIs and performance-management routines.Develop and continuously improve the Operations management system, including policies, procedures, SOPs, work instructions, quality controls, maintenance practices, operating routines and change-control processes.Establish robust asset reliability and maintenance capabilities, including preventive and predictive maintenance, critical spare-parts planning, OEM/service-provider support and equipment lifecycle management.Lead production planning, materials and inventory management, warehousing, logistics and supply-chain execution to support production requirements and reliable customer delivery.Establish strong quality-management and operational-excellence practices, including product and process quality, testing, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, Lean principles and continuous improvement.Lead Operations functional readiness and adoption of ERP, MES, WMS, QMS, CMMS and other digital manufacturing tools, ensuring effective business processes, data quality, transactional discipline and management reporting.Build the Operations organization and workforce through effective manpower planning, recruitment, onboarding, technical training, competency development, qualification and knowledge transfer, with particular focus on building sustainable manufacturing capability.Ensure Operations fulfills applicable contractual, governance, regulatory and compliance obligations, including requirements related to production, equipment and product testing, materials and inventory, maintenance, training, documentation and delivery readiness.Develop and execute Operations strategic initiatives, functional objectives and KPIs, conduct structured performance reviews, manage operational risks and provide clear executive reporting to the CEO.Manage Operations OPEX and CAPEX, including annual planning, forecasting, cost control, resource optimization and identification of sustainable efficiency opportunities without compromising safety, quality or operational reliability.Own operational safety performance and ensure safe manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse and logistics activities in close coordination with EHSS and other relevant functions.Work closely with the CEO and cross-functional leadership, as well as shareholders, technical partners, OEMs, suppliers and other key stakeholders, to resolve dependencies and enable successful operational execution.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Control Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Operations, Supply Chain or an MBA is an advantage.Minimum 15 years of relevant manufacturing and operations experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles with responsibility for multi-functional operational teams.Strong experience in manufacturing excellence, with particular exposure to automation. Focused experience in discrete manufacturing—ideally within industrial automation, electronics, advanced equipment, automotive, or another high-technology manufacturing environment—is a major advantage.Demonstrated experience in greenfield manufacturing, operational readiness, production-line commissioning, facility or equipment handover, start-up or production ramp-up.Strong working knowledge across manufacturing, maintenance and asset reliability, quality, supply chain, warehousing and operational excellence.Demonstrated ability to build and scale organizations, operating processes and workforce capabilities in a fast-paced or start-up environment.Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing OPEX, CAPEX, budgets, forecasts and operational cost performance.Experience with ERP and digital manufacturing systems, such as MES, WMS, QMS and CMMS.Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and structured problem-solving methodologies; relevant professional certifications are an advantage.Core CompetenciesStrategic thinking combined with hands-on operational leadershipManufacturing start-up, scale-up and transformation capabilityStrong execution discipline and results orientationOperational problem-solving and sound decision-makingStrong people leadership, coaching and capability developmentEffective stakeholder management in complex and multicultural environmentsCommercial and financial awarenessStrong cross-functional collaboration and communicationHigh adaptability and resilience in dynamic environmentsUncompromising commitment to safety, quality, reliability and operational excellence