Director of Plant Operations

Director Operations - Security Printing – AED 45K – 50K (Family status + Bonus)Our client, one of the leading names in the Security Printing Industry is looking to hire a Director of Operations – UAE.Note: Only candidate with security printing industry background will be shortlisted for this position. Min 15+ years of experience is required for shortlisting.Job PurposeThe Director Operations – Security Printing is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end operations of the Security Printing site, ensuring the secure, efficient, and compliant delivery of all production activities.The role oversees Production Planning & Control, Technical Smart Card Solutions, Production Operations, and the Quality Management System, ensuring alignment with business objectives, contractual commitments, and regulatory requirements including applicable ISO and GMP standards.The role holds full operational and financial accountability for the site, driving operational excellence, productivity, quality, and continuous improvement, while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of security printing processes. The Director also provides strategic and technical leadership to support capacity expansion and new security printing initiatives across the Group.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Printing Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Quality or operational excellence certifications such as ISO Lead Auditor, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or GMP-related certifications is preferred.Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, or security printing environments.At least 8–10 years in leadership roles, managing large operational teams and complex production environments.Proven experience in managing end-to-end manufacturing operations, including production planning, production management, quality systems, and operational performance improvement.Experience working within highly regulated environments with strong exposure to ISO standards, quality management systems, and compliance frameworks.Demonstrated experience in budget management, cost control, and operational performance management within a large-scale production facilityKey AccountabilitiesLead and manage the overall operations of the Security Printing site, ensuring the efficient, secure, and timely delivery of all production activities in line with organizational objectives and contractual commitments.Oversee Production Planning & Control, Technical Smart Card Solutions, Production Operations, and the Quality Management System, ensuring seamless coordination across functions to achieve optimal operational performance.Ensure strict adherence to security protocols, regulatory requirements, and international standards, including ISO and GMP frameworks, safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of all security printing processes.Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing productivity, operational efficiency, product quality, and technology utilization across the site.Manage the site’s financial performance with full P&L accountability, including operational budgeting, cost optimization, resource allocation, and delivery of agreed financial targets.Provide strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary workforce, fostering a high-performance culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and operational discipline.Ensure effective capacity planning and production optimization, aligning operational capabilities with business demand, project timelines, and contractual delivery requirements.Support the Group’s strategic expansion initiatives, providing operational and technical expertise for new security printing capabilities and projects, including international expansion efforts.Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners, including regulatory authorities, government entities, and technology providers, to ensure operational alignment and compliance.Champion innovation and the adoption of advanced secure printing technologies, strengthening the organization’s capabilities in security printing and smart card solutions.Job-Specific SkillsStrong expertise in security printing operations and secure document production processes.Advanced knowledge of production planning, manufacturing operations, and process optimization within high-volume production environments.Solid understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and compliance with ISO, GMP, and security printing standards.Proven capability in operational performance management, including productivity improvement, cost optimization, and capacity planning.Knowledge of smart card and secure printing technologies, including personalization and security features.Strong ability to manage complex manufacturing environments with strict security, traceability, and confidentiality requirements.Experience in driving cont