Manufacturing Plant Senior Project director (Industrial) (M/F)

Role Definition

We are looking for a Project Director based in the Middle East to oversee the planning, development, and execution of a greenfield submarine cable manufacturing facility from inception to completion. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of the MiddleEast and international submarine cable market and a deep understanding of complex manufacturing processes, project management, and coordination with various stakeholders, including engineers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, investors and customers.

Plant Erection Project Director

Summary:

The individual will lead and manage all aspects of submarine factory projects, from initial business case, planning and design to execution, commissioning, and handover. The role demands knowledge of financial KPIs related to business case, experience in investments and deal structuring, and technical background in manufacturing processes, experience in managing large-scale industrial projects, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex and high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Project Planning and Design:

• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments to identify potential challenges and ensure the project’s viability.

• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timeline, budget, and resource allocation, tailored to the specific needs of submarine manufacturing.

• Develop and execute post go-live business plan, including technical and commercial manpower, products qualifications plan,

• Collaborate with consultants and engineering teams to design factory layouts, production lines, and facilities that meet production requirements and safety standards.

• promote project to internal and external stakeholders.

2) Stakeholder Management:

• Engage with key stakeholders, including consultants, experts, government agencies, contractors, and suppliers, to obtain the necessary government approvals, permits, incentives, and ensure alignment with project goals.

• Propose and execute possible partnership/funding models with know-how, equity partners and government funding and incentive programs

• Prepare and present regular project updates, reports, and documentation to the company’s executive committee and board of directors.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the project team, senior management, clients, ministries, government programs and regulatory authorities.

3) Execution and Monitoring:

• Use the current company resources to oversee the procurement and installation of manufacturing equipment, materials, and infrastructure.

• Manage day-to-day operations during the construction and setup of the factory, ensuring adherence to project plans and schedules.

• Monitor project progress, resolve issues, and implement changes as necessary to keep the project on track.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental laws throughout the project lifecycle.

4) Team Leadership and Coordination:

• Assemble a project team form current company resources and external resources as needed.

• Lead a multidisciplinary team, including engineers, construction managers, production planners, and quality control specialists.

• Delegate tasks, set performance expectations, and provide ongoing support and guidance to the project team.

• Foster collaboration and communication among all project participants to ensure cohesive project execution.

5) Risk Management:

• Identify and assess potential risks related to construction, equipment installation, supply chain disruptions, and safety concerns.

• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize project delays, cost overruns, and operational hazards.

• Establish contingency plans for unexpected challenges, such as technical failures or changes in regulatory requirements.

6) Quality Assurance and Control:

• Ensure that all work meets the project’s technical, quality, and safety standards.

• Conduct regular inspections, audits, and quality checks to verify compliance with specifications.

• Address and resolve any quality issues promptly to avoid delays in project timelines.

7) Financial Management:

• Manage the project budget, controlling costs and ensuring expenditures align with approved budgets.

• Negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to secure favorable terms and manage procurement efficiently.

• Utilize current company resources and authority systems to Approve invoices, manage payments, and ensure financial transparency throughout the project.

8) Project Completion and Handover:

• Oversee the final testing, commissioning, and validation of the manufacturing facility.

• Ensure all project deliverables are completed to specification and handed over to the client or operations team as per agreed terms.

• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify lessons learned and areas for future improvement.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Management, Project Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.

• Professional certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is preferred.

• Extensive experience in managing large-scale industrial or manufacturing projects, particularly in the cable industry.

• Experience in establishing plants in the cable manufacturing field

• Strong technical knowledge of submarine manufacturing processes, facilities management, and related technologies.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.

• Ability to work under pressure in a high-stakes, regulated environment, and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Proficiency in project management software and tools.