We invite applications for a Senior Operations Manager in the GCC region. Our client is a Leading Global “Blue Chip” Dairy Manufacturer and offers a generous remuneration package.
The Senior Operations Manager plays a strategic role in directing and coordinating all shifts of the production site, ensuring the alignment of site and MENA production & commercial performance objectives with Arla’s strategic goals. This role involves establishing and promoting the Performance System (APS), optimizing production processes, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with QEHS and legal regulations.
Main tasks of the position (In terms of process & People):
- Lead and support line leaders and functional specialists in operations departments to drive service levels, product quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
- Identify and challenge processes and practices to uncover opportunities for strategic continuous improvement (CI).
- Organize resources and activities to ensure strategic deliverables through optimal organization and production processes.
- Align the overall vision, mission, strategy, and values of the company, such as Good Growth DNA, Good Values, and Good Leadership, with local operational plans.
- Ensure compliance with the company’s standards, policies, and applicable laws and QEHS procedures.
- Develop and anchor a lean culture within the department.
- Collaborate with support functions such as Maintenance, QEHS, Planning, Finance, and other MENA stakeholders in the supply chain, as well as commercial categories.
- Own ongoing training and champion quality goals and improvements at the site level.
- Set performance standards and strategic goals as per the Performance System, such as OEE, SPC, etc., measure, control, take corrective action, and report results.
- Monitor and control production performance, propose action plans, and ensure alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
- Work within the financial framework set by corporate finance.
- Take a leading role in employee relations within the function.
- Manage stakeholder relationships with the Head of MENA Supply Chain, Site leadership team, and other MENA excellence centers.
- Contribute to productivity projects, CAPEX projects, sustainability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and a zero-loss mindset.
Who are the key stakeholders?
The Senior Operations Manager will report to the Head of MENA Supply Chain and collaborate closely with the site leadership team, End to End Planning & customer logistics team, QEHS, and other key stakeholders within the MENA excellence team, as well as local stakeholders.
Focus areas:
Specific focus areas:
- Strategic QEHS management
- Service levels
- Product quality
- Operational efficiency
- Financial performance
- Continuous improvement
- Sustainability road map
Key success/performance measures:
Achievement of strategic business plan objectives in line with the Performance System (APS)
Decision authority:
Departmental Structure:
The Senior Operations Manager will be part of the management team and have decision-making authority within the operations department.
Financial/Non-financial:
Responsible for managing the operations department budget and driving non-financial aspects such as lean practices, continuous improvement, and quality goals.
Leadership:
The Senior Operations Manager will provide strategic leadership to line leaders and operational specialists, coaching and developing the team based on the principles of Good Growth DNA, Good Values, and Good Leadership.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Production Engineering, Dairy Technology, Operations Management, Engineering, or Food Science preferred.
- 7-10 years of managerial experience within FMCG, food production, with dairy experience highly valued.
- Strong strategic optimization skills for systems and processes.
- Previous experience in TPM, Lean Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
- Ability to build and lead teams, with a focus on talent development.
- Strong interpersonal skills, team orientation, and problem-solving abilities.
- Global mindset that enables handling change and leading change initiatives.
- Capability to oversee a 24/7-hour organization.