Director - Direct Reduction Plant (DRP)

About the role

A leading integrated steel manufacturer in the UAE is looking for a Director to lead its Direct Reduction Plant (DRP) operations. You will be accountable for DRP production, material handling, maintenance and safety, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery in support of the company's production objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, secure approval for and implement the annual DRP operating plan, policies and procedures, and advise all levels of the business on DRP matters to optimise production capability
• Lead DRP production, maintenance and support teams, setting objectives, managing performance and coaching and developing staff; define the optimum organisation structure for the DRP department
• Recruit, train, appraise and develop DRP employees and supervisors
• Direct resource planning and allocation, oversee DRP processes, controls and work instructions, and personally resolve critical technical and production issues to minimise downtime
• Lead the technical development of plant equipment and processes
• Maintain a robust quality management system and product quality control, including nuclear-grade quality assurance (NQA) compliance
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors and external agencies
• Implement a systematic maintenance approach that maximises plant availability, and establish systems capturing maintenance cost per equipment to drive predictive and preventive maintenance
• Prepare and manage annual budgets and operating plans, identify cost-reduction opportunities, recommend the DRP capital expenditure plan and lead asset condition and compliance reviews
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure EHS compliance across employees and contractors

Required profile

• University degree in Engineering, ideally with specialised training in Operations Management
• 10-15 years in manufacturing and management within the steel industry
• Minimum 5 years in a senior managerial position in manufacturing
• Minimum 5 years in primary production within a Direct Reduction Plant
• Fluent English; Arabic preferred