Production Manager

Careers International; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Production Manager to spearhead the setup of a cutting-edge hybrid production unit in Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role involves overseeing the entire production process, from facility establishment to team management and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring over 8 years of experience in production management, particularly within the printing and signage sectors. With a focus on quality, efficiency, and compliance, you will lead a skilled team while optimizing workflows and driving continuous improvement initiatives. If you are passionate about production excellence and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in production management, especially in printing and fabrication.
• Strong leadership, team management, and bilingual proficiency in English & Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment of a new hybrid production unit for digital printing.
• Optimize production workflows and manage a skilled production team.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and safety protocols.

Skills

Production Planning & Operations Management

Team Leadership & Training

Lean Manufacturing & Process Optimization

Budgeting & Cost Control

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Strong Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

Time Management & Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

ERP or production management software

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead the setup and management of our hybrid production unit in Saudi Arabia. This role is critical in establishing and optimizing a state-of-the-art facility specializing in digital printing, box fabrication, signage production, and wide-format printing.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and managerial background with 8+ years of industry experience, including at least 5+ years in Saudi Arabia. They must possess deep expertise in production workflows, process optimization, and operational efficiency, ensuring high-quality output while maintaining a lean and high-performing team. This role requires end-to-end ownership of manpower, machinery, and material management, covering everything from facility setup, hiring, team training, procurement, SOP development, estimation, and overall production excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Unit Setup & Management
   • Lead the end-to-end establishment of a new hybrid production unit (Digital Print, Box Fabrication, Signage & Wide Format Printing).
   • Define and execute the layout, workflow, and infrastructure of the facility to ensure operational efficiency.
   • Work closely with leadership to align production capabilities with business objectives.
2. Manpower Planning & Team Development
   • Hire, train, and manage a lean but highly skilled production team.
   • Establish clear KPIs and performance standards for production staff.
   • Conduct ongoing training programs to ensure team efficiency and skill development.
3. Process & Operational Excellence
   • Develop and implement robust SOPs and quality control processes across all production activities.
   • Optimize production timelines, resource allocation, and job estimation to ensure cost-effective and timely output.
   • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve turnaround time.
4. Machinery, Equipment & Material Management
   • Oversee the selection, procurement, installation, and maintenance of production equipment.
   • Ensure optimal utilization of machines and materials to maximize productivity.
   • Implement preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.
5. Cost Control & Estimation
   • Develop accurate estimation models for various production jobs, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining profitability.
   • Monitor and control production costs, identifying areas for cost optimization.
   • Work with finance and procurement teams to negotiate supplier contracts and manage inventory efficiently.
6. Compliance & Safety
   • Ensure compliance with local regulations, industry standards, and safety protocols.
   • Develop and enforce safety procedures to maintain a secure work environment.
   • Handle legal and regulatory requirements related to production operations in KSA.
7. Cross-Department Collaboration
   • Work closely with sales, client servicing, and senior management to align production capabilities with customer requirements.
   • Provide technical expertise and support to the business development team for proposal and pricing strategies.
   • Establish a seamless coordination system between design, pre-production, and final output teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8+ years of experience in production management within the printing, signage, fabrication, or packaging industry.
• 5+ years of experience in KSA, with deep understanding of local regulations, supply chain, and workforce dynamics.
• Strong knowledge of digital printing, signage production, box fabrication, and wide-format printing technologies.
• Proven experience in setting up and managing production units from scratch.
• Expertise in process development, lean manufacturing, cost control, and quality assurance.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to train and mentor staff.
• Bilingual proficiency in English & Arabic (spoken and written).

Preferred:

• Experience with ERP or production management software.
• Familiarity with supply chain management in the KSA market.
• Background in working with high-end, premium production materials and techniques.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Production Planning & Operations Management
• Team Leadership & Training
• Lean Manufacturing & Process Optimization
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Procurement & Supplier Negotiation
• Strong Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
• Time Management & Multitasking