Plant General Manager

Plant General Manager – Red Sea Project

Location: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Project: Red Sea Project – Power & Water Operations
Function: Operations & Maintenance

Job Summary

ACWA Operations is seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant General Manager to lead the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) activities of our Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective plant operations across power generation and water production facilities while meeting contractual obligations, operational performance targets, and financial objectives.

This strategic leadership role requires strong technical expertise, commercial awareness, and proven experience in managing large-scale power and water facilities.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1.Strategic Leadership & Plant Management

• Develop and implement plant strategies aligned with organizational objectives and operational excellence standards.
• Provide overall leadership to Operations, Maintenance, and supporting functions.
• Drive plant performance, operational reliability, resource optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Report operational performance, risks, and strategic initiatives to senior management and stakeholders.

2. Operations & Maintenance Excellence

• Lead plant O&M activities to ensure maximum availability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee production planning, preventive and corrective maintenance, and major plant activities.
• Provide technical direction in resolving complex operational challenges and conducting root cause investigations.
• Ensure compliance with contractual performance obligations and production targets.

3. Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop and manage annual plant operating budgets, ensuring cost optimization and financial discipline.
• Monitor financial performance, profitability, operating costs, and productivity targets.
• Ensure effective contract management and compliance with agreements involving the Project Company, contractors, and service providers.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.

4. Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE)

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSSE regulations, policies, and standards.
• Oversee risk management, operational safety, and environmental compliance across plant activities.
• Ensure implementation of Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and readiness for internal and external audits.

5. Stakeholder & Contract Management

• Maintain strong relationships with the Project Company, shareholders, Board representatives, OEMs, contractors, and local authorities.
• Ensure timely and accurate contractual reporting and effective resolution of critical stakeholder matters.
• Oversee contractor performance, procurement requirements, and supply chain activities to support uninterrupted plant operations.

6. People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across Operations, Maintenance, and support functions.
• Establish performance objectives, workforce plans, and talent development initiatives.
• Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, accountability, and employee engagement.

7. Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure effective utilization of SAP for maintenance, planning, procurement, and operational processes.
• Lead initiatives to enhance plant efficiency, asset reliability, and operational performance.
• Promote the adoption of industry best practices and technological improvements.

Job Specifications

Educational Qualifications

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience in power generation and water desalination plant operations, including plant management responsibilities.
• Proven leadership experience in managing large-scale industrial facilities and multidisciplinary O&M teams.
• Strong experience in plant performance management, budgeting, contractual compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operational environments while maintaining high safety and reliability standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of power generation and water desalination operations.
• Strong techno-commercial understanding of O&M contracts, financial performance, and contractual obligations.
• Strategic leadership, business planning, and operational decision-making.
• Plant reliability, asset management, and performance optimization.
• Strong financial management and cost-control capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven people management, coaching, and talent development capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of SAP, Integrated Management Systems, and HSSE standards.

Work Conditions

• Based at the Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia.
• Plant-based leadership role requiring close coordination with operational teams, senior management, and external stakeholders.
• Responsible for overseeing continuous plant operations and ensuring operational readiness.

Join ACWA Operations

Take on a strategic leadership opportunity at one of Saudi Arabia's major power and water projects.

We are looking for a leader who can drive operational excellence, strengthen plant reliability, develop high-performing teams, and deliver sustainable business results.

Apply now and be part of ACWA Operations at the Red Sea Project.