General Manager/ Plant Head

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven General Manager / Plant Head to lead the establishment and operationalization of a cutting-edge Advanced Precision Machining and Remanufacturing Facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role will be responsible for the full-scale development, qualification, and commercialization of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, in strict alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) initiatives. The facility will specialize in high-integrity machining and remanufacturing of critical components for the Oil & Gas – Upstream sector, including drilling tools, wellhead equipment, pressure control systems, valves, and rotating/static machinery, adhering to stringent API-driven standards and customer qualification requirements.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will assume full P&L accountability and end-to-end responsibility for the facility’s success, from greenfield development to full-scale operations. Core responsibilities include:

• Business & Financial Leadership:
  • Own and deliver the facility’s Profit & Loss (P&L) targets, including revenue, EBITDA, cash flow, and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), as approved by the Steering Committee.
  • Develop and execute annual operating plans and a three-year scale-up roadmap to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
  • Drive cost optimization, productivity enhancements, and margin expansion through lean initiatives and operational efficiencies.
  • Manage capital deployment, capacity ramp-up, and machine utilization to align with market demand and strategic objectives.
• Greenfield Execution & Operational Readiness:
  • Lead the commissioning, layout finalization, equipment installation, and operational readiness of the facility.
  • Oversee the ramp-up process from initial machine setup to achieving full planned capacity.
  • Establish structured Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ERP systems, and performance dashboards to ensure operational excellence.
  • Build scalable processes to support phased expansion into upstream remanufacturing services.
• Operational & Technical Leadership:
  • Lead advanced CNC machining operations, including milling, turning, and grinding, for high-integrity upstream components.
  • Oversee the machining and remanufacturing of critical oilfield components, ensuring compliance with API standards and customer specifications.
  • Manage the qualification and validation of special processes such as heat treatment, surface treatments (HVOF, laser cladding), Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), welding, and API-compliant procedures.
  • Champion Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives to maximize asset utilization and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Quality, Certification & Compliance:
  • Lead the facility’s certification journey, including API Q1, API Monograms, and ISO certifications.
  • Ensure strict adherence to API Q1 systems and upstream compliance frameworks, including customer audit requirements.
  • Foster a zero-defect culture with a strong focus on First Pass Yield discipline.
  • Guarantee compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards and Saudi regulatory mandates.
• Customer & Market Interface:
  • Serve as the primary operational interface for upstream customers and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms.
  • Lead technical discussions, audits, and qualification visits to build credibility within the upstream ecosystem.
  • Collaborate with JV leadership to support business development initiatives and market expansion strategies.
• Talent & Localization Leadership:
  • Recruit and develop a high-performance leadership team to drive operational excellence.
  • Build a skilled workforce in alignment with Saudi localization requirements and IKTVA mandates.
  • Implement training, capability-building, and succession planning programs to ensure long-term sustainability.
  • Cultivate a performance-driven, accountable culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 18 years in precision machining, special processes, and manufacturing leadership, with at least 10 years dedicated to Oil & Gas Upstream manufacturing or remanufacturing environments.
• Technical Expertise: Deep familiarity with API standards, EPC-driven qualification cycles, and high-integrity machining processes.
• Leadership: Proven track record in greenfield project execution, operational turnaround, and P&L management in industrial manufacturing settings.
• Compliance & Certifications: Strong working knowledge of API Q1 systems, ISO standards, and HSE regulations.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership abilities, with a commitment to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead the establishment of a world-class manufacturing facility in one of the most dynamic industrial hubs in the Middle East. As the General Manager / Plant Head, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Oil & Gas Upstream sector in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the nation’s economic diversification and technological advancement under Saudi Vision 2030. You will work alongside a collaborative leadership team, benefit from a competitive compensation package, and enjoy the satisfaction of building a legacy in a high-impact industry.