Operations Manager

About the Role

ENGIE Saudi Arabia is seeking an Operations Manager for a full-time position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role involves managing all operational activities to ensure safe and efficient plant operation through a team of site-based shift engineers and operators. The Operations Manager will be responsible for developing short- and long-term operational strategies and building a capable team to support these strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in accordance with utility practices, dispatch instructions, company procedures, OEM guidelines, and all legal, environmental, and contractual requirements.
• Manage the O&M agreement with the Owner, the Contractual Services Agreement with Suez Services Saudi, and the PPA with the Offtaker.
• Ensure the plant meets targets for safety, availability, reliability, efficiency, generation, and budget.
• Establish and implement appropriate procedures and computerized maintenance management processes, including the permit-to-work system.
• Coordinate operations activities with finance, administration, maintenance, and HSE departments.
• Define, manage, and monitor the operations budget in alignment with the overall company budget.
• Ensure procedures are in place for monitoring, recording, and reporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) required by ECRA, conducting internal audits, and coordinating annual external audits.
• Assume performance engineer duties related to ECRA activities in their absence.

Work Environment and Context

This role is based at the Dhuruma power plant (PP11), 125 km West of Riyadh. The Dhuruma O&M company Ltd operates a combined cycle power facility with 1729 MW capacity. The Operations Manager leads the Operation Department, setting departmental objectives, delivering targets, and executing company strategy. The role involves working in a controlled hazardous environment (OSHA scale 5), where risks are managed through procedures, supervision, safety devices, and HSE Teams. Non-observance of safety protocols could lead to serious accidents.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 10 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to act and find solutions to departmental problems while keeping the General Manager informed.
• Strong communication skills for internal collaboration with General Manager, Operation, Maintenance, Administration, Finance and Accounting, HR, and HSE departments.
• Effective external communication with the Owner (Dhuruma Electricity Company), Suez Services Saudi, Saudi Electricity Company (Off-Taker), Saudi Authorities, and other contractual counterparties, contractors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

Team Structure and Authority

The Operations Manager will have approximately 6 direct reports, including a Deputy Operations Manager, Performance Engineer, Chemist, and Shift Charge Engineers, and approximately 30 direct/indirect reports, including Power Plant Operators. The role operates within approved budgetary limits and includes authority to approve expenses incurred by subordinates in accordance with established policies. The Operations Manager is accountable for the operations budget.

Cybersecurity and General Responsibilities

The job holder is responsible for protecting company assets and confidential information, adhering to cybersecurity policies and procedures, and implementing required activities to safeguard against unauthorized access or sabotage. General responsibilities include adhering to Dhuruma O&M Company Policies and Procedures, behaving responsibly, embodying company values, and undertaking other duties as required.