Director of Operations

A leading international company in the fields of medical and safety technology. we are present in over 180 countries around the globe.

About the role:

The Operations Director will oversee key operational functions within the organization, leading initiatives to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure scalability in line with company growth. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance, maintaining quality, and driving efficiency across all areas of responsibility. The Operations Director will manage Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Audits, IT, Facilities Management, Trade Compliance, and Data Privacy, focusing on upholding high operational standards. Working closely with the Managing Director, the Operations Director will align operations with the company’s strategic objectives and ensure seamless coordination across all departments.

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership and Management:

· Inspire and lead a culture of innovation, driving operational improvements and embracing change management.

· Ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration to align departmental objectives with the company’s strategic vision.

· Lead and mentor the Quality Manager, IT Manager, Regulatory Affairs Manager, and other direct reports, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

· Provide strategic direction to department heads, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

· Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation.

· Represent the Operations function in executive meetings, providing insights and recommendations to the Managing Director.

Quality Management:

· Lead and manage the Quality department to ensure products and services meet required standards.

· Develop and implement quality assurance strategies, policies, and procedures.

· Oversee the execution of regular quality control inspections, audits, and corrective actions.

· Ensure compliance with local and international quality standards and regulations.

· Collaborate with the Quality Manager to continuously improve the quality management system.

Regulatory Affairs:

· Manage & Lead the Regulatory Affairs department to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

· Oversee the preparation, submission, and maintenance of regulatory filings and documentation.

· Ensure that all products and services comply with industry standards and governmental regulations.

· Monitor Local & Regional regulatory changes and implement necessary adjustments to company practices.

· Collaborate with the Regulatory Affairs team to address any regulatory issues and mitigate risks.

Internal & Compliance Audits:

· Plan, coordinate, Lead and execute Compliance internal and external audits across all operational areas.

· Ensure timely and accurate audit reporting, and follow up on corrective actions.

· Liaise with external auditors and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth audit processes.

· Implement and monitor audit controls to prevent non-compliance and operational inefficiencies.

· IT Management & Data Privacy: I recommend moving the full responsibility under Nasrat as its perfect timing and keep the Director to assist in leading locally.

· Oversee digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and technology integration

· Ensure the security and integrity of IT systems, including data protection and cybersecurity measures.

· Collaborate with the IT Head to optimize technology resources and drive innovation.

· Oversee IT projects and ensure they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the organization's requirements.

· Drive proactive data privacy measures to safeguard customer and company information, maintaining a competitive edge in compliance and risk management.

· Lead the implementation and management of data privacy policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local and international data protection laws.

· Oversee the safeguarding of personal data across all business operations, ensuring that data processing activities are lawful and transparent.

· Ensure that the organization’s data privacy practices align with global standards, such as GDPR, and local regulations in KSA.

Facilities Management:

· Manage the maintenance and operations of all facilities to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

· Oversee the implementation of facilities management policies, including safety protocols and maintenance schedules.

· Coordinate with service providers and contractors to ensure high standards of facility upkeep.

· Optimize space utilization and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Trade Compliance:

· Ensure that all trade activities comply with local and international laws and regulations.

· Develop and implement trade compliance policies and procedures.

· Monitor and manage import/export activities, ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

· Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to address any compliance issues and mitigate risks.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

Minimum Experience:

8 Yeas experience in Similar Role with UAE & KSA experience ( one at least is Mandatory)

Required Skills:

· Experience across the public and private sectors managing commercial and government contracts. Also in facilities, health, education, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or technology sectors.

· Excellent people management skills

· Certification in Leadership & Management (e.g CMI, ILM or equivalent)

· Certification in Quality Management (e.g., Lean Managament, Six Sigma, ISO, Internal Quality Assurance, Lead Auditor).

· Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, KSA Data Protection Law).

· Certification in Data Privacy (e.g., CIPP, CIPM) is an advantage.

· Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, APM, Prince2, Agile).

• · Fluency in English and Arabic( preferable)