Role Overview
We are seeking a seasoned polymer industry operations leader to join our team as an Operational Advisor for a new world-class polymer manufacturing project in Saudi Arabia, focused initially on polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyDADMAC production.
This individual will bring deep experience from Europe’s established polymer industry — ideally having established, commissioned, and successfully operated polymer manufacturing plants — and will guide our project through its strategic, technical, and operational stages.
The role will begin as a part-time advisory position, with modest monthly compensation and periodic site visits to Saudi Arabia. As the project advances into construction, commissioning, and operations, this role is expected to evolve into a full-time executive leadership position (e.g., COO / Plant Director) based in Saudi Arabia.
Key Responsibilities
Advisory Phase (Part-Time; ~first 12–18 months):
* Provide strategic input into the design, engineering, and EPC contractor selection process.
* Review and validate technical studies, process design packages, and plant specifications.
* Share best practices from established polymer operations in Europe regarding plant layout, production processes, and safety standards.
* Advise on raw material sourcing, utilities requirements, and logistics planning for feedstock and finished products.
* Support in stakeholder engagement, including government bodies, regulators, and potential off-take partners.
* Guide the development of O&M strategy, including staffing, training, and HSE frameworks.
Pre-Commissioning & Ramp-Up Phase (Increasing Involvement):
* Oversee construction monitoring and pre-commissioning testing from an operational lens.
* Train and mentor the Saudi-based operational team, ensuring knowledge transfer.
* Define standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance protocols, and maintenance schedules.
* Support the recruitment of key plant-level managers and engineers.
1.
Full-Time Leadership Role (Commissioning & Operations):
* Lead the operational launch of the plant, ensuring smooth commissioning and ramp-up.
* Manage end-to-end plant operations, including production, quality, supply chain, and maintenance.
* Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and capacity utilization.
* Ensure compliance with environmental, health & safety regulations (local and international).
* Build a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainability.
Qualifications & Experience
* 20–30 years of experience in the polymer manufacturing industry, ideally PAM, polyDADMAC, or similar water treatment / specialty polymers.
* Proven track record of setting up, commissioning, and managing polymer manufacturing facilities at scale.
* Strong technical expertise in polymerization processes, plant design, and production management.
* Experience working with EPC contractors, technology licensors, and equipment suppliers.
* Familiarity with European operational, environmental, and safety standards; ability to adapt these to the GCC context.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and build teams from scratch.
* Excellent communication skills; capable of engaging with senior stakeholders, regulators, and government authorities.
Engagement Model & Compensation
We are open for a mutually convenient arrangement with the right candidate, but below is an indicative description of the envisioned consulting arrangement over the project lifecycle.
Phase 1 – Advisory (part-time):
* Monthly retainer (flexible, based on weekly commitment and project requirements).
* 3–5 days per month commitment (remote + site visits every few months).
Phase 2 – Pre-commissioning / ramp-up:
* Increased involvement (possibly 20–50% time).
* Compensation adjusted accordingly
Phase 3 – Full-time role (Commissioning & Operations):
* Relocation to Saudi Arabia.
* Competitive executive package (base salary, housing/relocation, benefits, and performance bonus).
Other Considerations
* Initial engagement via consulting/advisory contract to maintain flexibility.
* Clear transition plan to full-time role once plant construction is advanced.
* Termination flexibility: Agreement ceases if the project is suspended or abandoned.
* Potential incentive schemes tied to successful commissioning and achievement of commercial production milestones.