Operations Manager (Chemical Industry)

Operations & Site Management

• Oversee end-to-end operations of the tank farm and sulphonation plant, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient production and storage activities.
• Ensure optimal utilization of tank capacity, throughput, and plant assets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers, operators, and technicians.
• Set performance objectives, conduct regular appraisals, and drive a culture of accountability and continuous development.
• Plan manpower, shift rosters, and training programs to build technical competency across the team.

EHS & Regulatory Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture; ensure full compliance with EHS policies, procedures, and applicable JAFZA, Dubai Civil Defence, and UAE federal regulations governing chemical storage and handling.
• Maintain and renew all statutory licenses, permits, and approvals required from JAFZA Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, and other relevant bodies for the operation of the tank farm and sulphonation plant.
• Lead incident investigations, risk assessments, HAZOP studies, and emergency response planning in line with JAFZA HSE requirements.
• Serve as the site's primary liaison with JAFZA Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, and other regulatory bodies, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring continuous audit and inspection readiness.
• Act as Emergency Response Team Leader, taking direct command of the site during any emergency, incident, or crisis, and serving as the main point of contact for authorities, senior management, and emergency services during such events.
• Own the site's ISO certification program (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001), ensuring all required processes, procedures, and documentation are in place, kept current, and audit-ready, and taking direct responsibility for successfully passing all certification and surveillance audits.

Maintenance & Asset Integrity

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs for tanks, pipelines, pumps, sulphonation reactors, and associated equipment.
• Ensure asset integrity, calibration, and inspection schedules are strictly followed (API, NFPA, or equivalent standards).

Quality Control

• Ensure product quality standards are met across receipt, storage, blending, and dispatch operations.
• Oversee lab/QC processes and ensure corrective actions are implemented for any non-conformance.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Review and approve purchase requisitions for spares, consumables, and services within delegated authority.
• Evaluate and manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Prepare and manage the annual operating and capital expenditure budget for the site.
• Forecast operational costs, monitor variances, and implement cost-control measures without compromising safety or quality.

Stakeholder & Reporting

• Act as the primary point of contact for the site with senior management, customers, and government authorities.
• Prepare and present operational, safety, and financial performance reports to leadership.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (Master's degree or MBA is a plus).
2. Minimum 15 years of experience in chemical/petrochemical plant or tank terminal operations, with at least 5 years in a plant/terminal management or senior leadership role.
3. Prior experience with bulk liquid terminals, and/or manufacturing processes is highly preferred.
4. Strong working knowledge of JAFZA EHS regulations, Dubai Civil Defence requirements, and free zone authority approval processes.
5. Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L accountability for a plant/site.
6. Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams
7. Familiarity with international standards such as API, NFPA, ISO 9001, 14001, 45001.
8. Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
9. Willingness to be on standby outside normal working hours and on holidays in emergency situations.