Operations Manager (Chemical Industry)

Ansol Gulf; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Ansol Gulf seeks an experienced Operations Site Manager to oversee tank farm and sulphonation plant operations in Dubai. You will lead engineers, operators and technicians, drive safety culture, and ensure reliable production and storage with strong stakeholder engagement.

The role requires deep knowledge of chemical/petrochemical operations, regulatory compliance, and budget management. You will champion ISO standards, incident investigations and emergency planning while developing technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (Master’s degree or MBA a plus).
• 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.
• Prior experience with bulk liquid terminals, and/or manufacturing processes is highly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of JAFZA EHS regulations, Dubai Civil Defence requirements, and free zone authority approval processes.
• Proven budgeting, forecasting, and P&L accountability for a plant/site.
• Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Familiarity with API, NFPA, ISO 9001, 14001, 45001.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Willingness to be on standby outside normal hours in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end operations of tank farm and sulphonation plant to ensure safe, reliable production and storage.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, set objectives, and drive accountability.
• Ensure compliance with EHS policies and regulatory requirements; maintain licenses and inspections.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance and asset integrity programs.
• Ensure product quality across receipt, storage, blending and dispatch; oversee QC processes.
• Review and approve procurement for spares, consumables and services; manage vendor relations.
• Prepare and manage the operating and capital budgets; control operational costs.
• Act as primary site liaison for management, customers and authorities; prepare performance reports.

Skills

Leadership

EHS Management

Maintenance & Asset Integrity

Budgeting & Forecasting

Stakeholder Management

ISO Standards

Regulatory Compliance

Emergency Response

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

MBA or Master’s degree

Job description

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

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (Master's degree or MBA is a plus).


• 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.


• Prior experience with bulk liquid terminals, and/or manufacturing processes is highly preferred.


• Strong working knowledge of JAFZA EHS regulations, Dubai Civil Defence requirements, and free zone authority approval processes.


• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L accountability for a plant/site.


• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams.


• Familiarity with international standards such as API, NFPA, ISO 9001, 14001, 45001.


• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.


• Willingness to be on standby outside normal working hours and on holidays in emergency situations.