Water Quality Manager

Overview

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the worlds most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!

Role Overview

To enhance water quality management within the Water Transmission, Storage & Distribution (WTS&D) Department. The Water Quality Manager will lead initiatives related to water quality sampling, monitoring, testing, and compliance with KSA & NEOM Water Standards. This role involves collaboration with internal teams, external contractors, and stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality water supply and regulatory compliance. This includes providing support to Water Recycling and District Cooling Teams.

Also will work closely with operations teams, conducting field assessments, developing quality control processes, and ensuring safety and environmental standards are met. They will also provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff to support knowledge transfer and professional development.

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

Water Quality

• Run Water Quality team in the Operations & Maintenance department, including water monitoring planning and laboratory contract administration for operational and regulatory testing.
• Maintain Water Quality Manuals, Procedures, and Practices.
• Maintain Drinking Water Quality Management and Recycled Water Management Guidelines.
• Maintain and oversee Water Quality Monitoring Plan.
• Visit and inspect sites of concern, such as potential sources of pollution or contamination.
• Implement and manage quality assurance, audit, and quality control procedures.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on water quality data.
• Maintain and verify Laboratory Information Monitoring Systems.
• Support site and plant operational teams with water quality and sampling activities.
• Maintain ENOWA Water Safety Plan and support Risk Assessment and Risk Management activities.
• Manage all water quality complaints and lead investigations into incidents.
• Liaise with customers and regulatory authorities.
• Design and implement emergency and incident response procedures.

Operations

Water Quality Monitoring

• Conduct regular sampling and analysis of water across various points in the network.
• Compare sample analysis against online monitoring equipment.
• Use water management software to monitor and manage quality parameters, ensuring data accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Onsite Support and Supervision

• Supervise field teams engaged in water quality-related activities, including sampling, chemical treatments, and monitoring equipment installation.
• Oversee contractors involved in water network operations, ensuring their activities align with quality protocols.

Incident Management

• Lead initial assessments of water quality incidents, coordinating containment actions and preventive measures.
• Document incident investigations, collaborate on resolution plans, and track follow-up actions to mitigate recurrence.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental protocols in all water quality operations.
• Develop and update safety standards and emergency response procedures related to water quality.
• Conduct training sessions and drills for internal and external teams on emergency protocols.
• Maintain detailed inspection and compliance records and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect best practices.
• Implement process improvements based on data analysis, enhancing water quality management.

Project Delivery Coordination

• Work closely with project managers and contractors to integrate water quality considerations into the project lifecycle.
• Ensure contractors align with NEOM's water quality standards.
• Collaborate with internal commissioning teams, providing guidance to ensure new assets meet NEOM water quality standards.
• Manage all exception items during project closeout, ensuring outstanding water quality issues are resolved before handover.
• Act as the liaison between water quality teams, contractors, and external consultants to ensure alignment on quality standards.

Testing & Commissioning

Testing Procedures

• Support testing of water quality parameters, including chemical, microbial, and physical assessments.
• Develop and implement testing protocols for new assets, ensuring they meet specifications before operation.

Commissioning Activities

• Collaborate with commissioning teams to ensure all water quality assets meet standards before full deployment.
• Conduct final quality checks and verifications, compiling results and recommendations for improvement.

Reporting and Documentation

• Document all testing and commissioning results, creating a formal record of water quality metrics for regulatory and operational purposes.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure water quality assurance for operations, customers, and regulators.
• Notify NEOM Public Health of any water quality issues and drive corrective actions with operators.
• Assess compliance with regulatory standards and potential risks to consumers.
• Verify data accuracy for regulatory submissions and exception reporting.
• Contribute to asset design guidelines for improving water quality and safety.
• Identify and implement procedures compliant with ISO22000 requirements for drinking and bottled water.

Culture and Values

• Embrace NEOM's culture and Values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about
• Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM's Code of Conduct.
• Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM's Values and Code of Conduct.
• Adhere to NEOM's Policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with rules.

Experience, Knowledge, And Skills

• 7+ years experience in a senior Water Quality management position within a large water utility.
• An experienced and credible Water Quality Manager with knowledge from source to tap and sink to drain (reuse).
• Ability to interpret regulatory standards and develop policies and processes that implement drinking water regulations and standards.
• Strong knowledge of water treatment processes and network activities, and their possible effects on water quality.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or higher in an appropriate science-based discipline (Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Microbiology).