Operations Manager

Job Summary ACWA Operations is seeking experienced Operations Managers for upcoming opportunities across power generation and water desalination plants in Saudi Arabia. The role is responsible for leading plant operations and laboratory activities to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production while achieving operational targets, maintaining contractual compliance, and optimizing plant performance. Roles & Responsibilities • Lead daily plant operations, production planning, and shift scheduling to achieve operational targets and maximize plant efficiency. • Develop and implement departmental strategies, operational plans, and performance improvement initiatives aligned with plant objectives. • Monitor plant performance, troubleshoot critical operational issues, and recommend solutions to improve equipment reliability and production efficiency. • Coordinate with Maintenance teams on preventive and corrective maintenance, planned outages, shutdowns, and plant start-up activities. • Oversee plant chemistry, laboratory testing, production parameters, and quality standards to ensure regulatory and operational compliance. • Manage departmental budgets, operating costs, contractor performance, and inventory requirements to ensure cost-effective operations. • Ensure compliance with HSE requirements, emergency response procedures, Integrated Management System (IMS), and operational policies. • Lead and develop operations teams, manage performance, and maintain effective relationships with internal departments, contractors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. Job Specifications Minimum Education • Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Minimum Experience • Minimum 12 15 years of experience in progressively complex production plants, with strong experience in the power generation and water desalination sector. Required Skills • Strong technical knowledge of power generation and water desalination plant operations. • Experience in production planning, shift operations, plant performance monitoring, and operational troubleshooting. • Knowledge of plant maintenance coordination, outage management, and emergency response. • Understanding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, contractual obligations, and operational performance requirements. • Strong leadership, planning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, coaching, and team development skills. Minimum Education • Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Minimum Experience • Minimum 12 15 years of experience in progressively complex production plants, with strong experience in the power generation and water desalination sector. Required Skills • Strong technical knowledge of power generation and water desalination plant operations. • Experience in production planning, shift operations, plant performance monitoring, and operational troubleshooting. • Knowledge of plant maintenance coordination, outage management, and emergency response. • Understanding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, contractual obligations, and operational performance requirements. • Strong leadership, planning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, coaching, and team development skills. Work Conditions • Plant-based position in Saudi Arabia. • Availability to support critical operations, planned outages, and emergency situations as required.