The opportunity
Production Manager – HVDC Factory Operations (Saudi Arabia, Dammam)
Position Overview
- As the Production Manager for the HVDC converter valve factory in Saudi Arabia, you will lead and drive safe, reliable, and world-class production operations to support the factory's ramp-up and ongoing manufacturing performance. In this role, you will manage day-to-day production execution, coordinate cross-functional interfaces (quality, maintenance, supply chain, engineering, logistics, and project execution), and ensure production plans are delivered on time, at the required quality level, and in line with cost and efficiency targets.
- You will act as a key leadership interface across shopfloor and global factory functions, enabling standardized execution while ensuring local success through strong operational discipline, coaching, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities1. Production Leadership & Operational Excellence
- Own production execution for assigned areas, ensuring safe operations, stable processes, and high-quality output.
- Lead shift and production teams to achieve daily/weekly production targets aligned with the factory master plan.
- Ensure that production activities are performed according to approved work instructions, quality requirements, and applicable standards.
- Build strong routines for shopfloor management (e.g., production meetings, escalation processes, daily performance reviews).
- Planning & Performance Delivery (Time, Quality, Cost)
- Translate production requirements into executable plans (e.g., work orders, schedules, routing alignment) and ensure capacity readiness.
- Manage production flow, bottlenecks, and priorities to protect delivery commitments and reduce disruptions.
- Drive performance against key targets such as on-time completion, throughput, yield, rework, and cost efficiency.
- Ensure operational readiness for key milestones (ramp-up, new product introduction, model changes, volume increases).
- Quality Assurance in Production
- Ensure production output meets specifications and quality standards through disciplined adherence to quality gates, inspections, and test plans.
- Actively support root-cause analysis for non-conformities and drive effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with cross-functional partners.
- Promote a quality at the source mindset among supervisors and operators.
- Shopfloor Resources & People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and team members, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Ensure appropriate training and competence for production tasks, including compliance with safety and work standards.
- Create a performance-driven team culture—focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Functional Interfaces & Production Readiness
- Collaborate closely with Supply Chain to secure material availability and support production-to-supply readiness.
- Work with Maintenance and Engineering to ensure equipment uptime, readiness, and process stability.
- Coordinate with Logistics and Warehouse teams to guarantee smooth inbound/outbound flows.
- Partner with Project execution and Quality teams for commissioning, trials, and ramp-up activities.
- Continuous Improvement & Lean Mindset
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and strengthen process capability.
- Use structured problem-solving approaches to address recurring issues, improve OEE/availability targets (where applicable), and reduce variation.
- Support operational excellence programs aligned with global factory templates.
- Compliance, Standards & Ethical Execution
- Ensure compliance with corporate policies, safety requirements, and quality standards at all times.
- Support internal audits and readiness for external inspections by ensuring evidence is available and processes are followed.
- How you'll make an impact
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in manufacturing/production management, production leadership, or operations management (industrial environment preferred).
- Proven experience leading shopfloor operations with measurable results in delivery, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.
- Strong knowledge of production systems, manufacturing processes, and production planning/execution principles.
- Demonstrated leadership capability—coaching supervisors, influencing teams, and managing performance constructively.
- Strong understanding of quality management principles (e.g., defect prevention, CAPA, root cause analysis).
- Familiarity with performance management systems and operational KPI tracking (e.g., OTD, yield, scrap, rework, downtime).
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to align cross-functional stakeholders and work in multicultural environments.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken).
Preferred / Advantage (Optional – if you want to include it)
- Experience in ramp-up and/or new factory setup environments.
- Experience with high-complexity industrial manufacturing, technical assemblies, or specialty components.
- Exposure to global manufacturing environments and standardized ways of working.
- Lean/Six Sigma experience or training (or comparable continuous improvement background).
Publication date : 2026-07-14
