Plant Operations Manager

Job Title: Operations / Plant Manager

Location: Riyadh

Salary: Up to SAR 30,000

Job Code: 230/001/031

Industry: Closed Cell Insulation Manufacturing

Job Brief:

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations/Plant Manager who has successfully managed greenfield manufacturing projects within the last three years. This role requires a hands-on leader capable of setting up the factory from the ground up, coordinating with local authorities, finalizing the facility, and eventually leading full-scale operations.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Project Setup & Facility Development

• Work with local authorities to evaluate and secure suitable factory options (land lease for construction, ready-built factory for rent, or purchase).
• Lead negotiations and ensure compliance with local legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate with consultants, contractors, and government bodies during factory establishment.
• Coordinate with the production team to transfer layouts, workflows, and technical know-how.

2. Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance of machinery and production lines.
• Establish production processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols.
• Ensure quality assurance systems are aligned with company standards.
• Develop and implement cost-efficient production and supply chain strategies.

3. Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing local operations team.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Liaise with the headquarters to align strategic goals and performance metrics.

4. Growth & Expansion

• Monitor market demand, capacity utilization, and identify opportunities for future expansion.
• Ensure sustainable operations, balancing cost, productivity, and quality.
• Drive operational excellence to support sales growth.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Industrial/Chemical preferred). A master’s degree is an advantage.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in greenfield project setup.
• Proven track record of working with the government authorities for industrial permits, land/facility acquisition, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment installation, and plant commissioning.
• Experience in insulation, construction materials, or related manufacturing industries preferred.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency strongly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.