We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer / General Manager (Operations) for an investment and industrial development company based in Saudi Arabia.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Operations Management
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing (preferably sanitary ware / ceramics)
• Proven track record in factory setup, commissioning, and scaling operations
• Strong experience with SCADA, MES, or smart factory technologies
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills
• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Fluency in English is required; Arabic is a strong advantage

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Factory Setup

• Lead end-to-end factory setup, from commissioning through to full production scale
• Oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment (CNC, kilns, glazing, injection systems)
• Establish operational frameworks, workflows, and production systems

Production & Performance Management

• Manage daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and output targets are met
• Develop and execute production schedules aligned with demand and capacity
• Monitor KPIs including OEE, downtime, throughput, and yield, driving continuous improvement
• Optimize resource allocation to ensure cost-effective production

Technology & Process Optimisation

• Implement lean manufacturing principles and Industry 4.0 technologies
• Deploy and manage SCADA/MES systems and smart factory solutions
• Identify and introduce new technologies to improve efficiency and output

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory bodies (MODON, SASO, MEWA, SIDF)
• Implement and maintain robust QA/QC frameworks aligned with global standards
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental policies across operations

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing technical and operational teams
• Drive Saudization initiatives in line with local regulations
• Oversee performance management across production, engineering, and maintenance teams

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Management

• Collaborate with international partners on product specifications and technology transfer
• Work closely with engineering, HR, finance, and supply chain to ensure seamless operations
• Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders to mitigate risks and avoid production delays

Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Manage operational budgets, cost controls, and financial performance
• Support feasibility studies and funding requirements in coordination with SIDF advisors
• Align operational strategy with overall business objectives and growth plans

About the Role:

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer / General Manager who will take full ownership of establishing, leading, and scaling a state-of-the-art sanitary ware and faucet manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. This is a build-and-run role responsible for taking the factory from commissioning through to full-scale production, ensuring operational excellence, cost efficiency, and alignment with global quality standards. You will play a critical role in driving manufacturing strategy, implementing advanced technologies (Industry 4.0), and building high-performing teams in line with Saudization requirements. The role requires close collaboration with international stakeholders to ensure seamless technology transfer and adherence to global benchmarks.