Operations & Maintenance Manager – Water, Wastewater & Desalination

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Operations & Maintenance Manager to lead water, wastewater and desalination projects across Saudi Arabia. The role is based in Riyadh and will oversee multiple plant sites, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage O&M activities for water and wastewater treatment plants, desalination plants, pumping stations and related networks.
• Develop and implement preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance plans.
• Ensure continuous, safe and efficient operation of plants, equipment and utility networks.
• Monitor performance, maintenance schedules, breakdown response times and asset reliability.
• Supervise project teams including engineers, supervisors, technicians, operators and maintenance staff.
• Track contractual KPIs, SLAs, operational targets and client requirements.
• Review operating data to ensure compliance with technical specifications and standards.
• Manage emergency maintenance, contingency and recovery plans.
• Control manpower, spare parts, consumables, chemicals, tools and equipment.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors and internal departments.
• Monitor project budgets and control O&M costs.
• Prepare performance reports, maintenance plans, dashboards and technical recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in maintenance of water, wastewater and desalination facilities.
• Proven experience managing O&M projects in the water sector.
• Strong technical understanding of desalination and wastewater treatment processes.
• Previous work experience in Saudi Arabia is highly preferred.
• Registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers is preferred.
• Valid Saudi driving licence is preferred.

Required skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Computerized maintenance and reporting systems