Head of Operations - Oil & Gas (Upstream)

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Head of Operations to lead the operational execution of a cutting-edge joint venture facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art manufacturing and remanufacturing platform will serve the Oil & Gas upstream sector, specializing in high-precision CNC machining, remanufacturing, welding/fabrication, assembly, and specialized process capabilities for critical upstream applications. The role is pivotal in establishing a world-class, API-certified manufacturing operation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and IKTVA localization objectives, supporting energy customers, OEMs, EPCs, and service companies. Reporting directly to the General Manager or Plant Head, the Head of Operations will be responsible for transforming the JV’s strategic business plan into a high-performing, customer-qualified, cost-efficient, and scalable manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Operations will oversee the entire operational spectrum of the facility, ensuring seamless integration of production, manufacturing engineering, maintenance, procurement, supply chain, stores, planning, and operational excellence. Your core responsibilities will include:

• End-to-End Operations Leadership:
  • Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies to achieve planned output, cost, delivery, productivity, safety, and customer-readiness targets.
  • Translate the JV’s business plan into actionable production, manpower, machine capacity, and supply chain plans.
  • Establish robust daily, weekly, and monthly operating review mechanisms to drive accountability and performance across all operational functions.
  • Foster a performance-oriented manufacturing culture through strong leadership and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Greenfield Plant Setup & Ramp-Up:
  • Lead the operational readiness of the greenfield facility, including plant layout optimization, machine placement, material flow, utilities, stores, and internal logistics.
  • Oversee the installation, commissioning, trial runs, and stabilization of CNC machines, fabrication equipment, and supporting infrastructure.
  • Develop and implement operating systems from the ground up, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, maintenance systems, stores controls, production dashboards, and escalation processes.
  • Ensure compliance with API, ISO, customer audits, and industrial licensing requirements.
  • Drive a phased ramp-up from initial production to full-scale operations in alignment with the JV’s business plan.
• Production & Manufacturing Execution:
  • Own the delivery of production plans across CNC machining, welding/fabrication, assembly, and remanufacturing operations.
  • Optimize the utilization of machines, manpower, tooling, fixtures, and materials to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Drive improvements in cycle time, setup time, machine utilization, throughput, and cost per part.
  • Establish strong shopfloor discipline, production control, shift planning, and output tracking mechanisms.
  • Ensure operational readiness for the machining and remanufacturing of critical upstream oilfield components, including drilling tools, wellhead components, pressure control parts, valves, and repair parts.
• Manufacturing Engineering & Industrialization:
  • Lead manufacturing engineering activities, including process planning, methoding, CNC programming governance, fixture development, tool selection, and cycle time optimization.
  • Support new product introduction, first article development, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews, routing definition, and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
  • Build robust process engineering systems to ensure repeatability, productivity, and quality compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess:

• Minimum of 18 years of progressive experience in operations leadership within the Oil & Gas, heavy engineering, or manufacturing sectors, with a strong preference for upstream applications.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale, API-certified manufacturing environments, particularly in CNC machining, welding/fabrication, and remanufacturing operations.
• Hands-on experience in greenfield plant setup, commissioning, and scale-up of complex manufacturing operations from the ground up.
• Expertise in manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive a performance-oriented culture and foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and cost efficiency.
• Proficiency in production planning, supply chain management, and procurement strategies.
• Familiarity with industrial licensing, API/ISO standards, and customer audit requirements is highly desirable.

Why This Role Matters

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s Oil & Gas upstream sector by establishing a world-class manufacturing and remanufacturing facility. As the Head of Operations, you will play a critical role in driving localization, supporting energy independence, and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals under Saudi Vision 2030. Your leadership will be instrumental in building a sustainable, high-performance operation that meets the evolving demands of the industry while delivering exceptional value to stakeholders.