Chief Operating Officer - Manufacturing

An established industrial manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead its operations, profitability and next phase of growth across the GCC. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring significant experience within pipe, steel or heavy industrial manufacturing, with responsibility spanning operations, P&L performance, commercial decision-making, manufacturing efficiency and strategic expansion. An established industrial manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead its overall operations, profitability and strategic growth initiatives. Based in the UAE, the role will oversee a specialized, project-driven manufacturing operation supporting the Oil & Gas and EPC sectors, with responsibility for translating the company's growth strategy into strong operational and financial performance. Key Responsibilities • Lead end-to-end business and manufacturing operations, with accountability for operational performance, profitability and sustainable growth. • Oversee production, engineering, quality, supply chain, HSE and associated operational functions. • Drive manufacturing efficiency, capacity utilization, productivity, quality and on-time project delivery. • Take ownership of operating budgets, manufacturing overheads, costing and margin performance. • Evaluate commercial opportunities from both an operational and financial perspective, ensuring projects are commercially viable and deliverable. • Work closely with commercial teams on quotations, project feasibility, capacity commitments and customer requirements. • Develop and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen profitability. • Lead supply chain and procurement strategy, including critical materials, supplier relationships, inventory and working capital. • Oversee capital investment and manufacturing capacity expansion initiatives. • Establish appropriate KPIs, systems, processes and operating structures to support business growth. • Build and develop a high-performing operations team while creating a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement. • Maintain strong relationships with Oil & Gas customers, EPC contractors and other key stakeholders. • Support expansion into new markets, capabilities and complementary business lines. Candidate Requirements • Approximately 15-20 years of relevant professional experience, with significant experience in senior manufacturing and business leadership positions. • Strong background within a manufacturing environment is essential. • Direct experience within pipe manufacturing, pipe bending, pipe fabrication or related operations is highly preferred. • Candidates from broader steel, metal or heavy industrial manufacturing environments may also be considered. • Strong understanding of manufacturing overheads, costing, margins and operational profitability. • Demonstrable P&L responsibility and strong financial and commercial acumen. • Experience managing complex, project-based or made-to-order manufacturing operations. • Strong exposure to Oil & Gas clients and EPC contractors. • Experience operating across GCC markets. • Exposure to African and/or European markets would be advantageous. • Strong leadership capability with the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels. • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline preferred. Location & Travel The position is based in Dubai, UAE, with regular travel required to manufacturing operations in India and the wider region. Package AED 30,000-40,000 per month, depending on experience. Desired Skills and Experience Key Skills / Experience: Manufacturing Operations, P&L Management, Pipe Manufacturing, Pipe Fabrication, Steel Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, EPC, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Costing, Techno-Commercial Management, Supply Chain, Production Management, Lean Manufacturing, Capex, Profitability, Business Operations, ASME/API Standards Show more Show less

Approximately 15-20 years of relevant professional experience, with significant experience in senior manufacturing and business leadership positions. Strong background within a manufacturing environment is essential. Direct experience within pipe manufacturing, pipe bending, pipe fabrication or related operations is highly preferred. Candidates from broader steel, metal or heavy industrial manufacturing environments may also be considered. Strong understanding of manufacturing overheads, costing, margins and operational profitability. Demonstrable P&L responsibility and strong financial and commercial acumen. Experience managing complex, project-based or made-to-order manufacturing operations. Strong exposure to Oil & Gas clients and EPC contractors. Experience operating across GCC markets. Exposure to African and/or European markets would be advantageous.

Lead end-to-end business and manufacturing operations, with accountability for operational performance, profitability and sustainable growth. Oversee production, engineering, quality, supply chain, HSE and associated operational functions. Drive manufacturing efficiency, capacity utilization, productivity, quality and on-time project delivery. Take ownership of operating budgets, manufacturing overheads, costing and margin performance. Evaluate commercial opportunities from both an operational and financial perspective, ensuring projects are commercially viable and deliverable. Work closely with commercial teams on quotations, project feasibility, capacity commitments and customer requirements. Develop and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen profitability. Lead supply chain and procurement strategy, including critical materials, supplier relationships, inventory and working capital. Oversee capital investment and manufacturing capacity expansion initiatives. Establish appropriate KPIs, systems, processes and operating structures to support business growth. Build and develop a high-performing operations team while creating a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement. Maintain strong relationships with Oil & Gas customers, EPC contractors and other key stakeholders. Support expansion into new markets, capabilities and complementary business lines.