Job description

About the job Operations Manager - HDPE/PE100 Pipeline Systems

Operations Manager – HDPE / PE100 Tight-Fit Lining

Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Region: MENA
Reporting To: Vice President – Operations
Travel: Up to 40% across KSA & MENA

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Operations Manager – HDPE / PE100 Tight-Fit Lining to establish, lead, and scale a new Polyethylene (PE) Lining Division across the MENA region.

This is a build-and-lead opportunity for an engineering and operations leader with deep expertise in HDPE/PE100 pipeline systems, tight-fit PE lining, pipeline rehabilitation, liner insertion, fusion technologies, and oil & gas/water flowline applications.

The successful candidate will own the division from technical development, equipment qualification and team building through tendering, project mobilization, field execution, commercial performance, quality, HSE, and regional growth.

Key Responsibilities

Division Establishment & Leadership

• Build and lead the HDPE/PE100 Tight-Fit Lining Division from the ground up.
• Develop regional operating strategies, technical standards, SOPs, execution methodologies, and competency frameworks.
• Recruit, develop, and lead Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Field Supervisors, Fusion Technicians, and project teams.
• Establish the technical and operational capability required to execute projects across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
• Develop and qualify tight-fit PE lining systems, reduction/reversion and insertion technologies, end terminations, flanges, connectors, fittings, and tie-in methodologies.
• Build strategic relationships with oil & gas operators, EPC contractors, engineering consultants, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and specialist subcontractors.

Technical & Engineering Management

• Lead the engineering and technical design of PE100/HDPE liner systems, including liner sizing, SDR, pressure ratings, material selection, and pressure/temperature derating.
• Develop and approve technical specifications, design calculations, ITPs, installation procedures, qualification documents, and quality plans.
• Provide technical leadership on buckling/collapse, annular pressure, thermal effects, creep, slow crack growth, liner performance, and long-term integrity.
• Establish and qualify installation procedures and testing methodologies aligned with client and international standards.

Operations & Field Execution

• Oversee new-build pipeline liner insertion and rehabilitation of existing steel pipelines.
• Manage HDPE lining applications for hydrocarbon, produced water, and water flowlines.
• Lead field execution involving liner insertion, reduction/reversion, butt fusion, electrofusion, end termination, fittings, flanges, and final tie-ins.
• Ensure adherence to approved welding/fusion procedures, parameters, inspection requirements, and client acceptance criteria.
• Provide rapid technical troubleshooting and support for complex field conditions.

Equipment, Technology & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, procure, commission, test, and qualify specialized PE lining, reduction, insertion, fusion, and installation equipment.
• Lead equipment trials, validation, performance testing, and operational qualification.
• Develop and manage approved supplier and technology-partner networks.
• Ensure equipment availability, asset utilization, maintenance, and operational readiness.

Commercial, Tendering & Financial Management

• Own the division's revenue, gross margin, forecasting, budgeting, resource planning, and asset utilization.
• Support tenders, technical proposals, cost estimation, feasibility studies, risk assessments, and execution strategies.
• Participate in client presentations, technical discussions, and commercial negotiations.
• Assess upcoming market opportunities and define the required equipment, manpower, certifications, procedures, and technical capabilities to secure and execute future projects.

HSE, Quality & Compliance

• Establish a strong HSE, quality, operational discipline, and continuous improvement culture.
• Ensure compliance with company HSE requirements, project quality plans, client specifications, and applicable industry standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of Saudi Aramco engineering standards (SAES), Shell DEP, ADNOC specifications, and relevant international pipeline/HDPE standards.
• Drive quality assurance across fusion, liner installation, testing, inspection, documentation, and final acceptance.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Pipeline Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 15–20+ years of progressive experience in pipeline operations, project management, engineering, or operational leadership.
• Mandatory hands-on and leadership experience in HDPE / PE100 pipeline systems and tight-fit PE lining technologies.
• Proven experience with tight-fit PE liners, pipeline rehabilitation, liner insertion/reduction, and PE lining of existing steel pipelines.
• Strong technical exposure to oil & gas, produced water, water pipelines, flowlines, and industrial pipeline infrastructure.
• Extensive knowledge of HDPE/PE100, SDR, pressure ratings, butt fusion, electrofusion, liner design, installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience establishing or scaling new pipeline/lining operations, equipment capabilities, technical procedures, and field teams is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Aramco/SAES, Shell DEP, ADNOC and international operator requirements.
• Previous MENA experience, particularly Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, or Bahrain, is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting EPC contractors, operators, engineering consultants, tenders, technical proposals, estimation, and commercial negotiations.
• Strong commercial, operational, leadership, stakeholder-management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively across KSA and MENA and work in industrial/remote field environments.
  Apply now!

Preferred candidate

Years of experience

5+ years

Degree

Bachelor's degree / higher diploma