Operation Manager

Role Overview

Operations Manager at ACWA Power, located in Al Qassim, Qudra, KSA. Reports to the Plant General Manager / Plant Manager within the Plant – Operations Department.

Role Purpose

Ensure effective management and control of plant operations, including chemical plant operations, maintenance coordination, and laboratory activities, in accordance with established and contractual requirements, schedules, quality standards, cost, and time objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Manage and supervise Operations staff and plant operating activities, including planned shutdowns and start-ups, in accordance with established work plans and schedules while ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.
• Ensure operational activities are performed efficiently and in accordance with production schedules and established standards.
• Initiate required changes to operating methods, schedules, and procedures to meet plant operational requirements, subject to Plant Manager approval.

Budget & Cost Control

• Prepare the plant operating budget and maintain effective cost-control measures.

Planning & Coordination

• Conduct regular meetings to review work progress, schedules, operational issues, priorities, and required actions.
• Coordinate and participate in emergency mock drills.

Technical & Design

• Participate in and contribute to decisions regarding new design criteria, technical specifications, and operating methods related to the plant.

Reporting & Data Management

• Maintain an effective reporting system that provides sufficient data to ensure operations remain within specified limits, schedules, and technical parameters.
• Provide periodic reports to management and communicate technical issues, changes, or modifications affecting plant operations and schedules.
• Report Integrated Management System (IMS) performance to management periodically.

Human Resources & Development

• Ensure effective allocation and development of human resources to maximize operational efficiency.
• Identify competency gaps among subordinate personnel and implement appropriate training and development actions.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for reporting employees.
• Ensure identified on-the-job training requirements are systematically delivered.

Environmental, Health & Safety Management

• Ensure Environmental Aspect-Impact Assessments and Hazard Risk Assessments are conducted, controlled, and regularly updated.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements within the scope of Operations activities.
• Ensure appropriate PPE and other required safety equipment are provided to personnel working within the plant.
• Ensure proper waste management practices are followed.
• Manage HSE emergencies.
• Monitor and control contractor and subcontractor activities within the plant in accordance with IMS requirements.
• Ensure the Permit to Work (PTW) procedure is effectively implemented.

Integrated Management System

• Identify, establish, and monitor Integrated Management System (IMS) objectives, targets, and programs.
• Provide the necessary resources for effective implementation and sustainability of the IMS.
• Ensure achievement of IMS objectives and targets.
• Ensure root causes of identified non-conformances and deviations are investigated and appropriate corrective and preventive actions are implemented.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required.
• Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, preferably with specialization in Power Plant Engineering, is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 13–16 years of experience in Power, Desalination, and/or Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants.
• Experience in similar plants within the Middle East is preferable.

Skills & Competencies

• Awareness of Quality, Occupational Health & Safety, and Environmental Management System principles.
• Knowledge of applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Hazard Risk Assessment.
• Aspect-Impact Assessment.
• Strong investigation and root-cause analysis skills.
• Knowledge of spillage containment.
• Knowledge of waste identification, classification, and disposal.
• Strong knowledge of Power, Desalination, and/or RO Plant operational activities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Strong decision-making and analytical skills.
• Teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• SAP working knowledge is preferred.
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 awareness or working knowledge is preferred.

Additional Information

• Ability to work in an operational plant environment, including exposure to moving mechanical equipment and outdoor weather conditions.
• May occasionally be exposed to elevated work areas, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and electrical hazards.
• Work environment may include moderate to very high noise levels.
• Ready to work in a remote location.