Operations Manager – Lubricant & Grease Manufacturing Plant UAE

Sperton Global AS; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Sperton Global AS in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate all plant operations for a lubricant and grease manufacturing facility. You will ensure safe, cost-efficient operations across procurement, stores, logistics, maintenance, utilities and HSE, working closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Finance and Commercial teams.

The ideal candidate has 10–15+ years of manufacturing leadership, a relevant engineering degree, and strong SAP/ERP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or Supply Chain.
• 10–15+ years of manufacturing experience, including plant operations leadership.
• Experience in lubricants, grease, chemicals, petrochemicals or automotive fluids preferred.
• ERP systems experience; SAP Business One is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations and ensure operational readiness.
• Coordinate with Production and Planning teams to support production requirements.
• Ensure timely availability of raw materials, packaging materials, equipment and manpower.
• Manage procurement activities, supplier performance and material availability.
• Oversee Stores & Warehouse operations, inventory accuracy and SAP transactions.
• Coordinate logistics, export container bookings, dispatches and vessel schedules.
• Ensure effective preventive and predictive maintenance of plant equipment.
• Monitor utilities, infrastructure and energy consumption.
• Work with HSE to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Drive SAP Business One discipline and operational dashboards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce procurement, inventory, logistics, maintenance and utility costs.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Job description

Job Title: Operations Manager – Lubricant & Grease Manufacturing Plant
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Department: Operations
Reports To: Managing Director / Senior Management
Experience: 10–15+ years

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate overall plant operations for a lubricant and grease manufacturing facility.

The role will be responsible for ensuring smooth, safe and cost-effective operations across Procurement, Stores & Warehousing, Logistics & Dispatch, Maintenance & Engineering, Utilities and HSE, while working closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Finance and Commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations and ensure operational readiness.
• Coordinate with Production and Planning teams to support production requirements.
• Ensure timely availability of raw materials, packaging materials, equipment and manpower.
• Manage procurement activities, supplier performance and material availability.
• Oversee Stores & Warehouse operations, inventory accuracy and SAP transactions.
• Coordinate logistics, export container bookings, dispatches and vessel schedules.
• Ensure effective preventive and predictive maintenance of plant equipment.
• Monitor utilities, infrastructure and energy consumption.
• Work closely with HSE to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Drive SAP Business One discipline and operational dashboards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce procurement, inventory, logistics, maintenance and utility costs.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field.
• 10–15+ years of manufacturing experience, including meaningful experience in plant operations leadership.
• Experience in lubricants, grease, chemicals, petrochemicals, automotive fluids or process manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Strong exposure to multiple functions such as:
  • Procurement
  • Warehouse
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Engineering
  • Production Support
  • HSE
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP Business One experience is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, supply-chain planning, preventive maintenance and operational cost control.
• Experience in automated or semi-automated manufacturing environments is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong operational and team leadership
• Planning and execution
• Problem-solving and root-cause analysis
• Inventory and supply-chain management
• Cost control
• Technical understanding of plant machinery
• ERP/SAP knowledge
• Vendor and contractor management
• Cross-functional coordination
• Strong communication and escalation skills
• Safety and compliance orientation
• Ability to manage demanding production and dispatch schedules

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate should be capable of managing multiple operational functions and building a planned, system-driven and accountable manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on material availability, equipment reliability, inventory accuracy, timely dispatch, cost control and safety.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Industry: Lubricant & Grease Manufacturing
Function: Plant Operations / Manufacturing Operations