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 partnered with clients across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, supporting critical infrastructure that powers communities and sustains economies.

The Qurayyah IPP Expansion is a significant project by ACWA Power in Saudi Arabia, developed in partnership with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Ltd. This project includes a 3,010 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant, contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by enhancing energy security, improving electricity generation efficiency, and reducing reliance on liquid fuels.

The Role of Operations Manager

Acwa is seeking an Operations Manager for a full-time position in Al Qurayyat, Eastern region. This role reports directly to the Plant General Manager. The primary purpose of this position is to lead the operations department of the plant, managing all operations and laboratory-related activities. The Operations Manager will ensure compliance with contractual requirements and defined quality, quantity, cost, and HSE standards, aiming for effective achievement of production targets and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the Operations departmental strategy in alignment with the overall Plant’s strategy.
• Report regularly to the Plant General Manager / Country Manager on operational activities, challenges, and mitigations.
• Contribute to the operations department’s budget preparation and monitor financial performance.
• Lead monthly and daily scheduling of plant shift operations to meet production targets.
• Manage all aspects of power generation and/or water production, focusing on 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 safety protective device tests on critical equipment.
• Plan and facilitate planned preventative and corrective maintenance programs with the Maintenance department.
• Oversee plant chemistry and laboratory activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, security, and environmental policies and procedures.
• 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 within the department and assist during audits.
• Develop and ensure implementation of Operation’s department work instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to operational change initiatives.
• Manage the effective achievement of team objectives through performance management and development.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage operations within a power generation and/or water production plant.
• Strong understanding of quality, quantity, cost, and HSE standards.
• Experience in budget management and financial performance monitoring.
• Proficiency in operations planning, scheduling, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of maintenance and outage support processes.
• Familiarity with plant chemistry and laboratory management.
• Experience in implementing Integrated Management Systems (IMS).

Working 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. Externally, the role requires building rapport with PC, off-takers, relevant contractors, and OEMs.