General Manager

Job description

Context

The Sharjah Waste to Energy Plant located in Al Saj’ah, Sharjah transforms non recyclable waste into electricity. It processes approximately 300,000 tonnes of waste each year and produces around 30 megawatts of clean energy, supplying power to thousands of homes. The facility helps reduce landfill dependency, lower emissions, and advance Sharjah’s sustainability objectives. Sharjah Waste to Energy Plant Maintenance Company (SWTEPM) is responsible for the plant’s operation and maintenance.

SWTEPM is a joint venture between Veolia, BEEAH, and Tadweer. We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the O&M company SWTEPM. The successful candidate will oversee plant operations, performance, safety, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.

Main Accountabilities

The General Manager leads overall operations, strategic planning, and performance optimization of the plant. They manage the budget, ensure regulatory compliance, oversee staff, and maintain stakeholder relationships. They are responsible for maximising energy production from waste, implementing safety protocols, driving sustainability initiatives, and ensuring the plant's profitability and environmental standards are met.

The General Manager is accountable for overall plant performance, strategic goal achievement, profitability, stakeholder management, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Detailed Job Description

Oversee daily plant operations, safety measures, and maintenance activities to ensure smooth functioning. Develop and implement efficiency strategies to meet production goals while minimising costs. Establish policies, procedures, and production schedules to streamline plant operations. Conduct performance reviews and motivate staff to achieve production targets. Verify job requests and coordinate activities of directly reporting managers.

Foster organisational culture, values, and reputation among staff, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. Execute General Manager’s responsibilities in accordance with legal and ethical standards. Manage daily plant meetings and oversee contract management for operations, safety, and maintenance. Handle plant reports for SWTEPM’s client and prepare budget estimates. Oversee ISO certification follow-up and ensure customer satisfaction while protecting company interests.

Review activity analyses and comply with environmental, health, and safety requirements. Conduct work activities meeting quality expectations without posing risks to health, safety, or environment. Direct overall O&M Company activities and approve contracts, orders, and purchase requests. Present quarterly results to the board and manage legal and accounting aspects of the O&M company. Uphold safe work environment, avoid operational risks, and maintain objectivity, consistency, and confidentiality.

Stop Work Authority

Authorized to immediately halt any work activity that poses unacceptable safety, environmental, or asset risks without fear of retaliation. Perform additional duties that may be assigned, aligned with the role's level and organisational needs. Adhere to all IMS, Finance and Compliance policies and procedures throughout daily operations.

Objectives

Optimise plant operations to maximise efficiency, productivity, and profitability while ensuring safety and compliance. Develop and implement strategic plans to meet production goals and minimise operational costs. Foster a positive organisational culture and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including the client, staff and other regulators. Ensure adherence to quality standards, environmental regulations, and health and safety protocols across all operations.

Manage budgets, contracts, and financial reporting to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including ISO certification and efficiency enhancements. Oversee staff performance, providing leadership and motivation to achieve company objectives. Represent the company's interests, maintaining its reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction in all activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Plant efficiency: Measure waste processing capacity and energy production output against established targets.

Cost management

Track operational costs and budget adherence, aiming for cost reduction without compromising quality.

Safety performance

Monitor incident rates, near-misses, and compliance with safety protocols and regulations.

Environmental compliance

Assess adherence to environmental standards and successful completion of regulatory audits.

Employee productivity

Evaluate staff performance, turnover rates, and achievement of individual and team goals.

Customer satisfaction

Measure client feedback, contract renewals, and resolution of customer issues.

Maintenance effectiveness

Track equipment uptime, scheduled maintenance completion, and reduction in unplanned downtime.

Financial performance

Monitor revenue growth, profitability margins, and return on investment for plant operations.

Qualifications

Required education

Relevant engineering degree.

Required experiences

Previous experience in a waste management or thermal energy production facility in a managerial role. Minimum 5-10 years in waste management or thermal energy production facilities. Previous experience in operational leadership roles. Experience with environmental compliance and safety regulations. Project management experience, including budget control. Experience in team leadership and personnel management. Proficiency in data analysis and performance reporting.

Understanding of energy production processes and technologies.

Required skills

Ability to move around the workplace, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs, as the job often involves overseeing various areas of operation Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for using computers, handling documents, and potentially operating equipment. Capability to work long hours, especially during emergencies.

Capacity to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or in meetings. Ability to work in various environments, which could include offices, warehouses, or production floors, potentially with exposure to different temperatures, waste smells or noise levels