Lead Specialist, Operational Excellence

Maaden Brief:

Maaden, established in 1997, is one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. We are leading the development of the mining industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building a world-class, unique, and fully integrated mining value chain."

We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for the below mentioned position. This role offers a chance to contribute to our ambitious growth and play a key part in shaping the future of mining in the Kingdom.

Job Title: Lead Specialist, Operational Excellence

Job location: Turaif

Working hours: 8 hours

Job post duration: starting 18 September 2025 - end date: 2 October 2025

Type of work : Full time

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:

The Lead Specialist, Operational Excellence will be a key driver in establishing and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization, with a primary focus on the Phosphate Business Unit . This role is critical for identifying, developing, and leading high-impact improvement initiatives that generate significant financial returns, align with strategic business objectives, and embed robust Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) principles. The Lead Specialist will mentor junior team members, champion best practices, and drive the adoption of advanced analytical methodologies to achieve superior productivity, quality, and cost reduction.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Alignment & Target Setting:

• Lead the development and alignment of annual operational excellence targets with business unit and finance leadership, ensuring direct linkage to organizational strategic goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable improvement initiatives for the Phosphate BU.

Performance Analysis & Opportunity Identification:

• Conduct in-depth analysis of complex production performance data, identifying critical deviations, root causes, and high-value improvement opportunities.
• Proactively identify and champion strategic improvement opportunities through advanced data analytics, process mapping, and collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) across departments

Initiative Leadership & Execution:

• Lead and manage the end-to-end execution of complex operational excellence initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to scope, and achievement of targeted outcomes.
• Oversee the development of comprehensive business cases for proposed initiatives, including detailed financial projections, risk assessments, and resource requirements.
• Provide expert guidance and support to project teams, overcoming roadblocks and ensuring successful implementation.

Performance Management & Reporting:

• Collaborate with the performance team to define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational excellence initiatives.
• Design and implement robust processes and systems to measure, monitor, and report on the effectiveness and sustainability of continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner closely with finance to rigorously validate and verify realized cost savings and value generated from initiatives.

Capability Building & Culture Championing:

• Act as a change agent, promoting a strong culture of performance excellence, continuous improvement, and operational discipline throughout the Phosphate BU.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers and team members in operational excellence methodologies and tools (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance the organization's operational excellence capabilities.

Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Manage complex stakeholder relationships, ensuring effective communication and alignment across Project Management Offices (PMOs), finance, business unit leadership, and executive management.
• Prepare and present high-level reports and recommendations to senior leadership regarding operational excellence progress, challenges, and strategic direction.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial preferred), Business, or a related Science field.

Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt) highly desirable.

Minimum Experience: 12+ years of progressive experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or manufacturing in a complex industrial setting, with a significant portion in heavy manufacturing industry preferably in Petro-chemicals, mining & minerals

Demonstrated experience in leading significant, cross-functional improvement projects with measurable financial impact.

Proven experience in mentoring or leading project teams.

Ma’aden High-Performance Competencies:

Technical Skills:

• Exceptional Project Management skills, including advanced proficiency in project planning, execution, monitoring, and control.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, capital management, and advanced cost-benefit analysis.
• Expertise in planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights (advanced excel, advanced PowerBI. Python is a plus)
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TOC).