Director of Operations

ONLY CANDIDATES WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE SOFT DRINKS INDUSTRY NEED APPLY

About Aljameel Group & Kinza

Aljameel Group is a leading Saudi company with diversified operations across food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, and nationwide distribution. In 2022, we proudly launched Kinza, a fast-growing soft drinks brand that has quickly become #2 in market share in Saudi Arabia, with strong success across the GCC and key export markets.

Kinza offers a unique mix of authentic flavours, premium quality, and affordability proudly made in Saudi Arabia and aligned with Vision 2030 by promoting local industry, innovation, and sustainable practices. As we expand across the Middle East and prepare for IPO listing, we offer exceptional career opportunities for passionate professionals who want to shape the future of a homegrown brand with global ambition.

Position Summary:

The Operations Director will oversee the entire production, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and HSE functions of Kinza's beverage manufacturing plant. The role ensures operational excellence, cost efficiency, and product quality in alignment with company goals, sustainability standards, and Saudi Vision 2030. The Operations Director will play a pivotal role in preparing the factory for global expansion, managing the integration of two new production lines by 2025, and supporting Kinza's long-term strategic ambitions including IPO readiness and franchise scalability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership
   • Develop and implement operational strategies to meet production, quality, and safety goals.
   • Lead factory readiness for additional production lines by mid-2025 and ensure smooth commissioning.
   • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, maintenance, and logistics.
   • Collaborate closely with the MD and senior leadership on strategic projects including expansion, franchising, and IPO preparation.
2. Production Management
   • Oversee day-to-day operations of all production lines, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.
   • Ensure production targets are met in line with demand forecasts, while maintaining high efficiency and minimizing waste.
   • Implement Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies to improve line efficiency and reduce cost per case.
   • Monitor and improve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), production yield, and scrap rates.
3. Supply Chain, Warehousing & Logistics
   • Work with the Supply Chain Manager to ensure raw material availability, inventory accuracy, and efficient warehouse operations.
   • Optimize inbound and outbound logistics, including coordination with Kinza's sister trading company and export logistics.
   • Ensure production is aligned with accurate sales and operations planning (S&OP) cycles and demand forecasts.
4. Engineering & Maintenance
   • Ensure robust preventive maintenance schedules are in place for all machinery including high-speed can filling lines.
   • Lead long-term capex planning, including upgrades, energy efficiency projects, and technology modernization.
   • Support utility management (HVAC, water, compressed air, etc.) and infrastructure readiness for future growth.
5. Quality Assurance & Compliance
   • Collaborate with the QA/QC team to uphold Kinza's FSSC 22000 and SFDA A+ ratings and other regulatory requirements.
   • Ensure quality systems and SOPs are followed on every production line and in raw material handling.
   • Support franchise and export readiness by standardizing processes and ensuring consistent product quality across all outputs.
6. HSE & Sustainability
   • Champion a zero-incident safety culture through strict adherence to HSE protocols and regulatory requirements.
   • Oversee environmental compliance with Modon, SFDA, and the National Center for Environmental Compliance.
   • Promote sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction, energy savings, and water reuse.
7. People Leadership & Development
   • Lead and inspire a team of over 200 operations staff, including line supervisors, technicians, warehouse staff, and support functions.
   • Mentor plant leadership and build internal capabilities to support future expansion and franchise knowledge transfer.
   • Work with HR on recruitment, training, performance management, and workforce planning to support 15% annual growth.
8. KPI Management & Reporting
   • Define, monitor, and report on key KPIs including production volumes, efficiency, costs, wastage, quality defects, and downtime.
   • Use data from SAP S/4HANA and factory systems to make decisions based on real-time visibility and trends.
   • Present monthly performance reviews to the Managing Director and support the preparation of board-level reporting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Industrial Management, or a related technical field (Masters/MBA is a plus).
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in FMCG or beverage manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing high-speed bottling/canning lines.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, ISO/FSSC 22000 and safety standards.
• Experience in SAP S/4HANA or similar ERP system is preferred.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership & team building
• Strategic thinking & execution
• Strong decision-making and analytical capability
• Operational excellence mindset
• Communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Passion for innovation, quality, and sustainability

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Achievement of monthly production targets
• Reduction in cost per case
• OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
• Waste and scrap reduction percentages
• On-time preventive maintenance completion
• Quality rejection rate (internal and customer)
• HSE incidents and compliance levels