Operation Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Operations Manager will lead the Operations department of the plant, managing all operations and laboratory-related activities in accordance with contractual requirements and defined quality, cost, and HSE standards. The primary objective is to ensure the effective achievement of production targets while maintaining operational efficiency.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Strategy & Plans
  • Develop the Operations-departmental strategy in line with the overall Plant’s strategy for vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing departmental strategies.
  • Regularly report to the Plant General Manager / Country Manager on operational activities, challenges, and issues faced, including mitigations taken, to keep them informed and updated on the division’s activities.
• Budget Management
  • Contribute to the preparation of the operation department’s budget and manage financial performance against the budget, identifying unsatisfactory performance promptly.
  • Participate in monthly budget variance analysis to ensure gaps are reviewed, analysed, and addressed in a timely manner.
• Operations Planning
  • Cascade the Plant’s operational strategy to develop production plans, leading the effective monthly and daily scheduling of plant shift operations in line with approved strategies and business demands.
• Operations Management
  • Lead and manage all aspects of power generation and/or water production within the plant to ensure efficient operations with a strong focus on safety and quality.
  • Collaborate with all related parties to troubleshoot and resolve escalated operational issues to achieve production objectives while minimizing liquidity damages.
  • Review daily operations reports and submit periodic reports to management, covering technical problems and updates on work plans or schedules.
  • Lead operational management meetings to ensure clarity on production standards and current operations programs.
  • Analyze long-term equipment and operating performance characteristics, providing technical recommendations for improved reliability and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with International Safety Standards through regular testing of safety protective devices on critical equipment.
• Maintenance and Outage Support
  • Plan and facilitate implementation of preventative and corrective maintenance programmes with the Maintenance department to minimize downtime.
  • Support safe execution of planned outages and provide assistance during equipment shutdown and restart to meet EHS, scope, cost, and timeline objectives.
• Plant Chemistry and Laboratory Management
  • Oversee the setting of production parameters and adjust production conditions to ensure quality and efficiency.
  • Monitor laboratory activities, ensuring testing compliance with regulatory requirements, procedures, schedules, budgeted costs, and quality standards.
• Health, Safety, Security & Environment
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, security, and environmental management policies, providing a safe working environment and ensuring legislative compliance.
  • Lead response to HSSE incidents and ensure emergency communication protocols are followed.
  • Together with the HSE department, provide safety training and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place throughout the plant, including accident investigation and preventive measures.
• Inventory and Services Management
  • Oversee performance of contracts and contractor arrangements impacting plant operations for quality and cost-effective service delivery.
  • Manage effective inventory of consumables, chemicals, and equipment, ensuring timely replenishment of stocks.
• Integrated Management System Implementation
  • Implement IMS objectives and programs within the department, assisting during IMS audits to implement corrective actions and update relevant policies and procedures.
• Policies, Processes, Systems & Procedures
  • Develop and implement work instructions, policies, procedures, and controls to meet legislative requirements while delivering quality, cost-effective services.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to change initiatives, programs, and projects that align with industry best practices.
• People Management
  • Manage team objectives through setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing personnel, and providing feedback to maximize performance and motivation.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal: Collaborate with internal teams within the Function and across the organization.
• External: Engage with external stakeholders, including governmental agencies and contractors.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Minimum Experience:
  • 12-15 years of experience in progressively complex production plants, with strong experience in power and water desalination sectors.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership, planning, and organizational abilities.
  • Analytical thinking and operational knowledge of water desalination and power generation plants.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and motivation skills.
  • Mentoring, coaching, and people management skills.
  • Ability to manage emergency situations.