A leading Oil & Gas company in the region is seeking an experienced Country Operations Manager to lead and oversee its UAE operations within the drilling fluids and drilling services sector. The role carries full responsibility for business performance, operational delivery, commercial growth, customer relationships, team leadership, and compliance with safety and quality standards.
The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, support long-term business growth, and ensure high service standards across technical, commercial, and operational functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage overall country operations to achieve business, operational, and financial objectives.
- Develop and execute annual business plans, growth strategies, and operational forecasts.
- Drive revenue growth and profitability through effective commercial and operational management.
- Oversee sales, technical service delivery, contracts, and customer relationship management
- Support strategic business expansion and identify new market opportunities within the energy sector.
- Review and support commercial tenders, technical proposals, and contract negotiations.
- Ensure efficient coordination across operations, logistics, procurement, supply chain, and support functions.
- Lead and mentor department managers and operational teams to achieve performance targets.
- Establish operational priorities, allocate resources, and monitor departmental performance.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with QHSE standards, company policies, and industry regulations.
- Promote a strong safety culture and environmental responsibility across all operations.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to operational efficiency, service quality, and cost optimization.
- Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance review processes.
- Ensure quality management systems and operational procedures are effectively maintained.
- Support workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
- Provide leadership during audits, inspections, and management review activities.
- Ensure effective governance and accountability across operational and commercial activities.
Requirements, Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
- MBA or Master's degree will be an advantage
- Minimum 15 years of experience within the oil & gas or drilling fluids industry
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior management or operational leadership role
- Strong technical understanding of drilling fluids, completion fluids, solids control, and waste management operations
- Proven experience managing country operations, business units, or large-scale operational functions
- Experience handling commercial tenders, contracts, and business development activities
- Strong financial and operational management capabilities, including budgeting and resource planning
- Demonstrated leadership, people management, and team development skills
- Strong strategic planning and decision-making abilities
- Experience managing cross-functional operations including logistics, procurement, supply chain, and technical services
- Strong understanding of QHSE systems, compliance requirements, and operational risk management
- Ability to manage customer relationships and stakeholder engagement at senior levels
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced operational environments
- Proficiency in English required
