Operational Advisor – KSA Polymer Manufacturing Project (Part time- Future Transition to Full-time) in Hampshire, Portsmouth

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned polymer industry operations leader to join our team as an Operational Advisor for a new world-class polymer manufacturing project in Saudi Arabia, focused initially on polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyDADMAC production.

This individual will bring deep experience from Europe’s established polymer industry — ideally having established, commissioned, and successfully operated polymer manufacturing plants — and will guide our project through its strategic, technical, and operational stages.

The role will begin as a part-time advisory position, with modest monthly compensation and periodic site visits to Saudi Arabia. As the project advances into construction, commissioning, and operations, this role is expected to evolve into a full-time executive leadership position (e.g., COO / Plant Director) based in Saudi Arabia.

Key Responsibilities

Advisory Phase (Part-Time; ~first 12–18 months):

• Provide strategic input into the design, engineering, and EPC contractor selection process.
• Review and validate technical studies, process design packages, and plant specifications.
• Share best practices from established polymer operations in Europe regarding plant layout, production processes, and safety standards.
• Advise on raw material sourcing, utilities requirements, and logistics planning for feedstock and finished products.
• Support in stakeholder engagement, including government bodies, regulators, and potential off-take partners.
• Guide the development of O&M strategy, including staffing, training, and HSE frameworks.

Pre-Commissioning & Ramp-Up Phase (Increasing Involvement):

• Oversee construction monitoring and pre-commissioning testing from an operational lens.
• Train and mentor the Saudi-based operational team, ensuring knowledge transfer.
• Define standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance protocols, and maintenance schedules.
• Support the recruitment of key plant-level managers and engineers.

Full-Time Leadership Role (Commissioning & Operations):

• Lead the operational launch of the plant, ensuring smooth commissioning and ramp-up.
• Manage end-to-end plant operations, including production, quality, supply chain, and maintenance.
• Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and capacity utilization.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health & safety regulations (local and international).
• Build a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainability.

Qualifications & Experience

• 20–30 years of experience in the polymer manufacturing industry, ideally PAM, polyDADMAC, or similar water treatment / specialty polymers.
• Proven track record of setting up, commissioning, and managing polymer manufacturing facilities at scale.
• Strong technical expertise in polymerization processes, plant design, and production management.
• Experience working with EPC contractors, technology licensors, and equipment suppliers.
• Familiarity with European operational, environmental, and safety standards; ability to adapt these to the GCC context.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and build teams from scratch.
• Excellent communication skills; capable of engaging with senior stakeholders, regulators, and government authorities.

Engagement Model & Compensation

We are open for a mutually convenient arrangement with the right candidate, but below is an indicative description of the envisioned consulting arrangement over the project lifecycle.

Phase 1 – Advisory (part-time):

• Monthly retainer (flexible, based on weekly commitment and project requirements).
• 3–5 days per month commitment (remote + site visits every few months).

Phase 2 – Pre-commissioning / ramp-up:

• Increased involvement (possibly 20–50% time).
• Compensation adjusted accordingly

Phase 3 – Full-time role (Commissioning & Operations):

• Relocation to Saudi Arabia.
• Competitive executive package (base salary, housing/relocation, benefits, and performance bonus).

Other Considerations

• Initial engagement via consulting/advisory contract to maintain flexibility.
• Clear transition plan to full-time role once plant construction is advanced.
• Termination flexibility: Agreement ceases if the project is suspended or abandoned.
• Potential incentive schemes tied to successful commissioning and achievement of commercial production milestones.