Factory Director

· Position Summary · The Factory Director is responsible for leading and managing all manufacturing operations at the factory and achieving targeted operational results in terms of safety, quality, productivity, cost and delivery. · The role provides overall leadership across production, operational quality, maintenance and engineering, occupational health and safety, utilities and facilities, and continuous improvement. The Factory Director is also responsible for developing operational capabilities, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting expansion and future growth initiatives. ·

Key Responsibilities Lead and manage manufacturing operations to ensure the achievement of the company's operational, production and financial objectives. Directly oversee production, operational quality, maintenance and engineering, occupational health and safety, utilities and support services, and continuous improvement, ensuring effective coordination across all functions. Develop and implement annual and monthly operating plans, aligning production plans with demand, supply and delivery schedules. Ensure the production plan is achieved in terms of volume, specifications and agreed deadlines, taking corrective action whenever deviations occur. Optimize the utilization of labor, machinery, raw materials, packaging materials and other resources while minimizing waste and losses. Lead and review the factory's key performance indicators, including OEE, production plan adherence, unplanned downtime, waste, productivity, manufacturing cost, quality and safety. Lead continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing programs, including cost-reduction, productivity improvement and operational excellence initiatives. Ensure compliance with product specifications and quality systems, and monitor non-conformities and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Ensure equipment reliability and operational continuity through preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance programs, while monitoring MTBF and MTTR. Approve the annual maintenance plan and critical spare-parts requirements and ensure implementation within the approved budget. Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental requirements; investigate incidents and risks and implement appropriate preventive measures. Manage manufacturing costs, monitor variances and work toward achieving cost, profitability and operating budget targets. Coordinate with Supply Chain and Planning to ensure material availability and align production with demand and market requirements. Oversee energy, utilities and support services, and improve the efficiency of energy, water and other resource consumption per ton of production. Evaluate expansion opportunities, new production lines and process development initiatives, including the preparation of technical requirements and operational feasibility studies. Lead CAPEX projects, engineering development, automation and digital transformation initiatives related to the factory, ensuring delivery within the approved time, budget and scope. Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the requirements of regulatory, inspection and certification authorities. Develop the factory's organizational structure, identify manpower requirements, and establish succession, training, development and second-line management plans. Review and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and factory policies, ensuring their effective implementation and compliance. Prepare regular management reports for senior management covering performance against targets, deviations, risks, corrective actions and improvement plans. Represent the factory before government and regulatory authorities, certification bodies, customers and suppliers in matters related to manufacturing operations. Manage operational risks and business continuity and emergency response plans. Approve and monitor the performance indicators of the heads of the factory's various departments and align them with the factory's objectives. Perform any other operational or development responsibilities related to the factory as assigned by the General Manager, within the approved scope of authority.

Requirements

Education Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, or another relevant industrial discipline. A postgraduate qualification or MBA is preferred. Professional Experience Minimum 12–15 years of industrial/manufacturing experience. At least 5 years in a Factory Manager, Plant Manager or Operations Manager position. Strong preference for candidates with experience in FMCG, detergents or chemical manufacturing. Computer Skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience with ERP/SAP systems. Ability to use and analyze operational performance reports, data and dashboards. Languages Arabic: Fluent reading, writing and speaking. English: Fluent reading, writing and speaking. Required Competencies Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and make effective decisions under pressure. Strong operational planning and production, cost and quality data analysis capabilities. Strong knowledge of OEE, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Root Cause Analysis. Experience managing operating budgets, CAPEX projects, cost-reduction initiatives and operational development projects. Strong problem-solving, risk-management and change-management skills. Ability to develop people, build organizational capabilities and establish a strong second line of management. Effective communication and stakeholder-management skills across internal departments, suppliers, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders. Ability to build a strong culture of safety, quality, accountability and results.