Chief Operating Officer (COO) Water treatment industry

About the Role

Rgheeb is collaborating with a prominent company in the water solutions and desalination sector to recruit a Chief Operating Officer (COO). This full-time executive role involves overseeing end-to-end operations across manufacturing, water treatment solutions, and operations & maintenance (O&M) activities. The COO will be responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing processes, and leading performance improvement initiatives across all business units. Working closely with the CEO and executive team, the COO will contribute to shaping and executing the company’s strategic direction, enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening market position, and ensuring sustainable financial performance.

Strategic Leadership and Market Development

• Design and implement a multi-year corporate strategy leveraging Saudi Arabia’s water security needs and incentives for localized manufacturing.
• Develop and secure partnerships within the Municipal (NWC/SWCC), Industrial (Aramco/Ma’aden), and Commercial sectors.
• Manage P&L, drive revenue growth, enhance EBITDA, and oversee CAPEX for facility improvements.

Manufacturing and Engineering Oversight

• Manage fabrication and assembly processes for advanced desalination and treatment technologies, including Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi-Effect Distillation (MED), Multi-Stage Flash (MSF), and Sewage Treatment Plants (STP).
• Lead the manufacturing and distribution of specialized water treatment chemicals, optimizing supply chains for raw materials and ensuring the effectiveness of formulations such as antiscalants, biocides, and coagulants.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable technologies, including solar-powered desalination and high-efficiency membrane systems.

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Management

• Ensure commissioned plants consistently meet or surpass contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to water quality, uptime, and energy efficiency.
• Implement advanced asset management and preventive maintenance programs to maximize infrastructure lifespan and reduce operational risks.
• Lead "Local Content" initiatives to ensure compliance with or exceeding In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) and National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) standards through workforce development and local procurement.

Compliance, HSE, and Quality Assurance

• Act as the ultimate authority on compliance with the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) and other Saudi regulatory requirements.
• Foster a "Zero Harm" mindset by enforcing stringent Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protocols across all plant locations and chemical laboratories.
• Uphold the highest standards of ISO certification and international engineering quality for all manufactured products and chemical outputs.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Serve as the key point of contact for government agencies, private developers, and major industrial partners.
• Negotiate and oversee global collaborations with equipment vendors and chemical suppliers to secure advantageous trading terms and exclusive distribution agreements.
• Manage a diverse team of engineers and professionals, cultivating a high-performance culture grounded in technical expertise and accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the water treatment, desalination, or industrial utilities sector, with over 10 years of proven experience in managing complex operations, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering results in a highly technical and regulated environment.