Director of Operational Excellence

About the Role

Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to lead transformational initiatives across Factory Operations and Supply Chain Operations. This full-time role, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is responsible for establishing a continuous improvement culture, developing performance metrics, and integrating digital solutions to achieve zero-loss, high-reliability operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of a unified Operational Excellence strategy across manufacturing plants and the supply chain (warehousing, logistics, planning).
• Design, deploy, and govern "Smart KPIs" for all operational functions, implementing predictive and real-time leading indicators.
• Lead the identification and deployment of digital enablers (MES, WMS, Power BI, IIoT) and Artificial Intelligence solutions.
• Lead the strategic rollout of the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program, driving a Zero-Failure, Zero-Defect, Zero-Accident mindset.
• Establish a robust Process Management System to map, standardize, and optimize end-to-end operational workflows.
• Build and lead a Center of Excellence (CoE) for continuous improvement, including an internal certification program and skills development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in Operations, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior Operational Excellence leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in deploying TPM in a manufacturing environment (preferably automotive, FMCG, or heavy industrial).
• Proven track record of leading digital transformation and AI adoption in operations.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification is required.
• TPM Practitioner or JIPM certification is highly desirable.

Required Competencies

• Change Architect: Ability to redesign workflows and lead human transition, overcoming resistance at various organizational levels.
• Systems Thinker: Connects factory floor reliability to supply chain service levels and P&L outcomes.
• Data-Driven Leader: Proficient with SQL, Power BI/Tableau, and basic AI/ML concepts.
• Coach & Mentor: Focuses on developing people capabilities and fostering operational rigor.

Work Environment

This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and operates on a full-time basis within Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. The Director of Operational Excellence will work collaboratively across various departments, from the shop floor to executive leadership, to drive a culture of continuous improvement.