Operations Manager

About Acwa Operations

Acwa Operations, formerly NOMAC, is the operations and maintenance arm of Acwa. The company focuses on ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of power generation and water desalination assets throughout their lifecycle. Since 2005, Acwa Operations has supported critical infrastructure across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, providing essential services to communities and economies.

This role is for the Qassim 1 Independent Power Project, an 1,800 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine IPP located in Al Qasim, Saudi Arabia. This project is developed by ACWA Power, with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC). Shareholders include ACWA Power, Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) with a 40% share, and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. LTD (HAACO) with a 20% share.

The Role of Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for the effective management and control of plant operating functions, including all chemical plant operations, maintenance, and laboratory activities. This full-time position reports directly to the Plant General Manager and ensures adherence to established and contractual requirements, schedules, quality, cost, and time objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the Operations departmental strategy in alignment with the overall Plant’s strategy.
• Report regularly to the Plant General Manager on operational activities, challenges, and mitigations.
• Contribute to the operations department’s budget preparation and monitor financial performance.
• Lead the effective monthly and daily scheduling of plant shift operations to meet production targets.
• Manage all aspects of power generation and/or water production, focusing on efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve escalated operational issues to achieve production objectives.
• Review daily operations reports and submit periodic reports to management.
• Lead operational management meetings to ensure clarity on production standards and programs.
• Provide technical recommendations to improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure successful and regular testing of safety protective devices on critical equipment.
• Plan and facilitate planned preventative and corrective maintenance programs with the Maintenance department.
• Support the safe execution of planned outages for major operating facilities/equipment.
• Oversee the setting of production parameters and adjust conditions to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Monitor laboratory activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, security, and environmental management policies.
• Report and respond to HSSE incidents using established communication channels.
• Ensure safety rules are explained, protective equipment is worn, and accidents are investigated.
• Monitor ERT team availability and evaluate performance during drills.
• Oversee the performance of contracts and contractor arrangements impacting plant operations.
• Lead inventory management for operations-related consumables, chemicals, and equipment.
• Implement IMS objectives and programs and assist during IMS audits.
• Develop and ensure implementation of Operation’s department work instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Identify improvement opportunities and contribute to operational change initiatives.
• Manage team objectives, performance, and development to maximize overall performance.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required.

Internal and External Relationships

The Operations Manager will work closely with Senior Management, the Maintenance Manager and team, Procurement Officer, HSSE Officer, P&C team, Finance Team, and Storekeeper internally. External relationships include the PC, off-taker, relevant contractors, and OEMs.