OR Manager (Operational Readiness Manager)

Maaden; رأس الخير; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Maaden is seeking an OR Manager (Operational Readiness Manager) to lead readiness initiatives for major industrial projects in Ras Al Khair, Eastern Province. You will ensure people, processes, systems and facilities are prepared for commissioning, start-up and handover, working with Operations, Projects, HR and contractor teams.

You will drive workforce planning, develop and monitor OR deliverables, and oversee procedures, governance and reporting to enable smooth transition to steady-state

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial operations, project readiness, commissioning, or startup activities.
• 3+ years in a managerial/leadership role.
• Experience in Operational Readiness (OR) programs.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Lead operational readiness activities for the Core ORT Team.
• Own and track the master OR deliverables register across assigned work packages.
• Coordinate readiness planning between OR, Business Unit operations, and project/PDE teams.
• Drive workforce planning, recruitment support, and training readiness ahead of commissioning.
• Monitor and report OR milestone progress, risks, and mitigation plans to the Director – ORT.
• Support development and rollout of operating procedures, systems, and readiness checklists.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

MAADEN, established in 1997, is one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. We are leading the development of the mining industry as the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building a world-class, unique, and fully integrated mining value chain.

We are pleased to share an exciting career opportunity with Ma'aden. This role offers the chance to contribute to our ambitious growth plans and play a key role in shaping the future of the mining industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Role Profile

Job Title: OR Manager (Operational Readiness Manager)

Business Unit/Function: MAADEN Aluminum

Department: Operational Readiness Team (ORT) – Core Team

Job Location: Ras Al Khair, Eastern KSA

Working hours: 8 hours

Job post duration: starting 20 September 2026 - end date 4 October 2026

Job Purpose

The OR Manager (Operational Readiness Manager) will lead Operational Readiness initiatives for major industrial projects, ensuring that people, processes, systems, and facilities are fully prepared for successful commissioning, start-up, and operational handover.

The role will work closely with Operations, Projects, HR, and contractor teams to achieve readiness milestones, support a smooth transition from project execution to operations, and drive long-term operational success.

Technical or Job-Related Requirements

• Lead operational readiness activities for the Core ORT Team
• Own and track the master OR deliverables register across assigned work packages
• Coordinate readiness planning between OR, Business Unit operations, and project/PDE teams
• Drive workforce planning, recruitment support, and training readiness ahead of commissioning
• Monitor and report OR milestone progress, risks, and mitigation plans to the Director – ORT
• Support development and rollout of operating procedures, systems, and readiness checklists
• Manage handover from project execution teams to steady-state operations
• Supervise OR engineers/coordinators within the Core Team and coordinate dotted-line functions
• Uphold OR governance, preserving OR's independent decision-making under the Business Unit
• Support budget planning and cost center management for OR Core activities
• Participate in project stage-gate reviews and readiness assessments
• Ensure compliance with Maaden HSE, quality, and operational standards
• Build and maintain relationships with Operations, HR, PDE, and EPC contractor stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement of OR processes, tools, and reporting mechanisms

Must-Have Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience in industrial operations, project readiness, commissioning, or startup activities
• 3+ years in a managerial/leadership role
• Experience in Operational Readiness (OR) programs
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent English (written and spoken)

Preferred:

• PMP Certification (or equivalent)
• Master's Degree or MBA
• Experience leading large-scale brownfield/greenfield industrial projects