Senior Manufacturing Career in Saudi Arabia: Production Manager / R&D Manager Vacancy at a Leading Construction Chemicals Company
Job Key Information
Company: Construction Chemicals Manufacturing Company
Location: Saudi Arabia
Position: Production Manager / R&D Manager
Contract Type: Full-time
Experience Required: 15–20 years in production at supervisory/managerial level in a large construction chemicals manufacturing company
Application Email: nawafsalman55@gmail.com
Introduction: A Rare Senior Leadership Opportunity in Saudi Arabia's Construction Chemicals Sector
The construction chemicals industry occupies a critical and often underappreciated position in the broader construction and infrastructure ecosystem. Every major building project — from residential towers and commercial complexes to highways, bridges, and industrial facilities — depends on a sophisticated portfolio of chemical products: admixtures that enhance concrete performance, waterproofing systems that protect structures from moisture ingress, adhesives and sealants that bond materials under extreme stress, and surface treatment compounds that extend the service life of finished structures. The professionals who manage the production and research and development functions of construction chemicals manufacturers are, in a very real sense, the engineers behind the engineers — the specialists whose expertise ensures that the chemical products used in construction perform exactly as required, every time, without exception.
Saudi Arabia's construction sector is one of the most active and ambitious in the world. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 transformation agenda has unleashed an extraordinary wave of infrastructure investment — in mega-projects, smart cities, tourism developments, industrial zones, and transportation networks — that is generating sustained and growing demand for high-quality construction chemicals across every segment of the market. For senior professionals in the construction chemicals industry, Saudi Arabia represents one of the most compelling career environments on the planet: a market of genuine scale and ambition, a regulatory environment that supports industrial investment, and a professional community that values technical expertise and leadership capability at the highest levels.
Vora Solvo is pleased to present an exceptional senior leadership opportunity for experienced construction chemicals professionals: a leading manufacturing company operating in Saudi Arabia is currently seeking a highly qualified and self-motivated Production Manager / R&D Manager to join its team. This is a dual-function senior role that combines strategic oversight of the company's production operations with responsibility for its research and development activities — a combination that demands a rare and valuable blend of manufacturing leadership capability, deep technical knowledge of construction chemistry, and the commercial acumen to align product development with market needs and revenue objectives.
The role is targeted exclusively at senior professionals with a minimum of 15 to 20 years of experience in production at supervisory or managerial level within a large construction chemicals manufacturing company. This is not an entry-level or mid-career position; it is a senior leadership role that requires a candidate who has already demonstrated, over many years and in demanding organizational contexts, the full range of technical, operational, and leadership capabilities that the position demands. Candidates who meet this profile and who are ready for a role of genuine strategic significance in one of the region's most dynamic industrial markets are encouraged to read on.
About the Employer
The hiring company is a construction chemicals manufacturer operating in Saudi Arabia, with a product portfolio that spans the key segments of the construction chemicals market — concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, tile adhesives and grouts, repair mortars, flooring systems, and related specialty chemical products. The company serves a diverse client base that includes construction contractors, project developers, government infrastructure agencies, and specialist applicators across the Kingdom, and it competes in a market that demands both technical excellence and commercial agility.
The company's commitment to quality is embedded in its operational culture. It operates under a formal Quality Management System that governs all production, quality control, and R&D activities, and it holds its manufacturing processes and finished products to the highest standards of consistency, safety, and performance. The Production Manager / R&D Manager who joins this organization will be stepping into a role that is central to the maintenance and continuous improvement of this quality culture — a role where the individual's professional standards and technical judgment will have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of every product that leaves the factory.
The company is at a stage of its development where it is actively investing in the expansion of its production capabilities and the broadening of its product portfolio. The Production Manager / R&D Manager will play a key role in driving this expansion — establishing new production lines, developing new chemical formulations, and building the organizational capabilities required to support the company's growth ambitions in the Saudi market and beyond.
Working and Living in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape has been transformed over the past decade by the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 program, which has placed industrial development, economic diversification, and the growth of the manufacturing sector at the heart of its national strategy. The construction chemicals industry has been a direct beneficiary of this transformation, with the extraordinary scale of construction activity across the Kingdom generating sustained demand for high-quality chemical products and driving investment in local manufacturing capacity. For senior manufacturing professionals, Saudi Arabia offers a professional environment of genuine scale and ambition — a market where the projects are large, the technical challenges are real, and the opportunity to make a meaningful professional impact is significant.
Beyond the professional environment, Saudi Arabia offers a quality of life that has improved dramatically in recent years. The Kingdom's social transformation has brought new entertainment, cultural, and leisure options to its cities, and its infrastructure — roads, healthcare, education, and retail — is among the most developed in the region. For professionals who are already based in the Kingdom, this role represents an opportunity to advance their careers at a company that is growing and investing. For those considering a move to Saudi Arabia, the combination of professional opportunity, competitive compensation, and improving quality of life makes the Kingdom an increasingly attractive destination for senior industrial professionals from across the Arab world and beyond.
Position: Production Manager / R&D Manager
Role Overview
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is a senior leadership role that carries dual responsibility for two of the most critical functions in a construction chemicals manufacturing business: the operational management of the production facility and the strategic direction of the company's research and development activities. The successful candidate will be expected to provide authoritative technical and managerial leadership across both domains — ensuring that production operations run efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards, while simultaneously driving the development and commercialization of new chemical products that strengthen the company's competitive position and revenue base.
This is a role that requires a genuinely exceptional professional — someone who combines deep technical knowledge of construction chemistry with proven manufacturing leadership capability, strong commercial awareness, and the personal qualities of initiative, discipline, and collaborative leadership that are essential for success in a demanding senior management role. The company is seeking a self-motivated individual who takes ownership of their responsibilities, sets high standards for themselves and their team, and consistently delivers results that advance the organization's objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System Documentation and Compliance
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is responsible for creating and maintaining the company's Quality Management System documentation across all relevant operational areas — including production, quality control, and research and development. This involves developing comprehensive manuals, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and forms that accurately document every significant process within the QMS scope, ensuring that these documents are clear, accurate, and accessible to all relevant personnel, and maintaining them in a current and controlled state as processes evolve and improve.
QMS documentation is not a bureaucratic exercise; it is the foundation of consistent, high-quality manufacturing performance. Well-designed procedures and work instructions ensure that every operator, at every stage of the production process, knows exactly what is required of them and how to perform their tasks correctly. The Production Manager / R&D Manager must approach QMS documentation with the same rigor and attention to detail that they bring to every other aspect of their role, recognizing that the quality of the documentation directly determines the consistency and reliability of the production output.
New Production Line Establishment
One of the most significant responsibilities of this role is the establishment of new production lines to support the company's product portfolio expansion. This involves identifying and specifying the equipment required for each new production line — mixing vessels, pumping systems, filling and packaging equipment, quality control instrumentation, and associated utilities — sourcing and procuring equipment from appropriate suppliers, overseeing installation and commissioning, developing the operating procedures and quality control protocols for the new line, and managing the ramp-up to full production capacity.
The ability to establish new production lines efficiently and effectively — bringing them to full operational capability on time and within budget, with all quality and safety requirements met from the outset — is a critical competency for this role. Candidates who have experience in factory start-up or new line commissioning will be particularly well-positioned, as this experience provides direct evidence of the technical breadth and project management capability required for this aspect of the role.
New Product Development and Commercial Promotion
The R&D dimension of this role requires the Production Manager / R&D Manager to develop new chemical products that address identified market needs, strengthen the company's competitive position, and generate incremental revenue. This involves conducting systematic market research to understand customer requirements and competitive gaps, designing and executing laboratory development programs to create new formulations that meet the identified requirements, evaluating and optimizing formulations through rigorous laboratory and field testing, and managing the regulatory registration and approval process for new products.
The commercial dimension of product development is as important as the technical dimension. The Production Manager / R&D Manager must work closely with the sales and marketing team to ensure that new products are developed with a clear understanding of the target market, the competitive pricing environment, and the sales and marketing strategy that will be used to bring them to market. The ability to develop products that are not only technically excellent but also commercially viable — products that customers want to buy, at prices that generate adequate margins — is the ultimate measure of R&D success in a manufacturing business.
Customer Requirements Research and Formulation Adaptation
The Production Manager / R&D Manager conducts systematic research to identify and understand the specific requirements of the company's customers — the performance characteristics, application properties, regulatory compliance requirements, and cost constraints that define what customers need from construction chemicals products. This customer intelligence is used to guide both the development of new products and the optimization of existing formulations, ensuring that the company's product portfolio remains closely aligned with the evolving needs of its target markets.
The ability to translate customer requirements into technical formulation specifications — to understand what a customer needs in practical, application-level terms and to design a chemical formulation that delivers those properties reliably and cost-effectively — is a core technical competency for this role. It requires both deep knowledge of construction chemistry and the ability to communicate effectively with customers and sales professionals who may not have a technical background.
Raw Material and Finished Product Storage Management
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is responsible for ensuring that all raw materials and finished products are stored under appropriate conditions — the correct temperature, humidity, and containment requirements for each material — to maintain their quality, safety, and shelf life. This involves developing and implementing storage protocols for all materials in the facility, conducting regular inspections to verify compliance with storage requirements, and taking prompt corrective action when storage conditions deviate from specifications. Proper storage management is a fundamental quality and safety requirement in a chemical manufacturing environment, and the Production Manager / R&D Manager must ensure that it is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
Construction Chemicals Staff Recruitment and Training
Building and developing a high-performing team of construction chemicals professionals is one of the most important leadership responsibilities of the Production Manager / R&D Manager. This involves participating in the recruitment of production and laboratory staff — defining role requirements, evaluating candidates, and making hiring recommendations — and designing and delivering training programs that develop the technical skills, quality awareness, and safety discipline of the team.
Effective team development in a construction chemicals manufacturing environment requires the Production Manager / R&D Manager to be both a technical expert and a skilled people manager — capable of transferring complex technical knowledge to team members with varying levels of education and experience, and of creating a team culture that values precision, continuous improvement, and professional pride. The quality of the team that the Production Manager / R&D Manager builds and develops will ultimately determine the quality and consistency of the company's production output.
Resource Planning and Procurement Coordination
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is responsible for determining the quantities of raw materials, packaging materials, and other production inputs required to support the production plan — taking into account current inventory levels, production schedules, lead times, and minimum order quantities — and communicating these requirements to the procurement team in a timely and accurate manner. Effective resource planning is essential for maintaining production continuity, avoiding costly production stoppages due to material shortages, and managing inventory levels efficiently to minimize working capital requirements.
Workflow Quality Monitoring and Production Performance Management
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is responsible for monitoring the quality of production output at every stage of the manufacturing process — from raw material receipt through in-process quality checks to finished product release — ensuring that every product that leaves the factory meets the company's quality specifications and the relevant regulatory and customer requirements. This involves reviewing and prioritizing daily production activities to maximize throughput and minimize delays, identifying and resolving quality issues promptly, and driving continuous improvement in production efficiency and product quality.
A critical aspect of production quality management in a construction chemicals environment is ensuring that every batch is produced using the correct formulation, the correct version of the formulation, and the correct raw materials — and that the laboratory's mixing procedures and raw material addition sequences are followed precisely. The Production Manager / R&D Manager must establish robust systems and disciplines to ensure that these requirements are met consistently, and must take personal ownership of the quality of every product that bears the company's name.
Internal Auditing and Compliance Assurance
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is responsible for conducting internal audits of the company's production, quality control, and R&D operations to verify compliance with established processes, policies, procedures, and quality standards. Internal auditing is a proactive quality management discipline that identifies gaps, inconsistencies, and improvement opportunities before they manifest as product quality failures or customer complaints. The ability to conduct rigorous, objective, and constructive internal audits — and to follow up effectively to ensure that identified issues are resolved — is an important professional competency for this role.
Profitability Optimization and Cost Reduction
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is expected to set and pursue targets for production profitability — identifying opportunities to reduce production costs without compromising product quality, and implementing cost reduction initiatives that deliver sustainable improvements in the company's manufacturing economics. A key avenue for cost reduction in construction chemicals manufacturing is the substitution of approved alternative raw materials — materials that deliver equivalent performance at lower cost — in existing formulations. The Production Manager / R&D Manager must maintain an active awareness of raw material market developments and alternative sourcing options, and must evaluate and validate alternative materials rigorously before approving their use in production.
Statistical Quality Data Management and Competitive Benchmarking
The Production Manager / R&D Manager is responsible for recording, analyzing, and distributing statistical information relating to quality performance — including batch yield data, quality control test results, non-conformance rates, and customer complaint data. This statistical quality data provides the factual foundation for evidence-based quality management decisions and continuous improvement initiatives. The ability to analyze quality data systematically, to identify patterns and trends that reveal underlying quality issues or improvement opportunities, and to communicate findings clearly to management and operational teams is an important analytical competency for this role.
Competitive benchmarking — the systematic evaluation and matching of competitor products — is an important R&D and commercial intelligence activity that the Production Manager / R&D Manager is expected to lead. By understanding the technical characteristics and performance properties of competitor products, the company can identify gaps in its own portfolio, develop matching or superior formulations, and equip its sales team with the technical knowledge they need to compete effectively in the market.
Requirements and Qualifications
Experience
A minimum of 15 to 20 years of experience in production at supervisory or managerial level in a large construction chemicals manufacturing company is required. This is a non-negotiable requirement that reflects the seniority and scope of the role. Candidates who have spent their careers in other chemical manufacturing sectors — such as paints and coatings, adhesives, or specialty chemicals — may have relevant transferable skills, but the company's preference is for candidates with direct, substantial experience in the construction chemicals industry specifically, where the product chemistry, application requirements, and market dynamics are distinct.
Experience in factory start-up or the commissioning of new production facilities is considered a highly valuable additional qualification. Candidates who have led or participated in the establishment of new manufacturing operations — from greenfield facility development through equipment installation, process qualification, and production ramp-up — will be given priority consideration, as this experience directly addresses one of the key responsibilities of the role.
Technical Knowledge and Process Improvement Capability
A strong and demonstrable technical understanding of construction chemicals manufacturing — including the chemistry of key product categories, the manufacturing processes used to produce them, the quality control methods applied to verify their performance, and the regulatory requirements that govern their production and use — is essential. The Production Manager / R&D Manager must be capable of providing authoritative technical guidance to their team on all aspects of production and R&D, and must be committed to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and product formulations.
Leadership and Supervisory Experience
Proven leadership and supervisory experience is essential. The Production Manager / R&D Manager will be responsible for managing a team of production operators, quality control technicians, and R&D chemists, and must be capable of providing the direction, motivation, development, and accountability that a high-performing manufacturing team requires. The ability to build a positive, disciplined, and continuously improving team culture — one where quality is valued, safety is non-negotiable, and professional development is actively supported — is a critical leadership competency for this role.
Education
A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Construction Chemicals, or a closely related technical field is required. Candidates with advanced degrees — Master's or PhD — in relevant disciplines will be viewed favorably, particularly for the R&D dimension of the role. Professional certifications in quality management — such as ISO 9001 Lead Auditor or Six Sigma — are additional qualifications that will strengthen a candidate's application.
Computer Proficiency and Communication Skills
Advanced computer proficiency is required — including competency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, data analysis, and reporting, and familiarity with ERP or production management software systems. Strong communication skills in both Arabic and English are essential, as the role requires effective communication with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders — from production operators and laboratory technicians through senior management, customers, and international suppliers.
Application Strategy: Presenting a 20-Year Career in Its Best Light
This is a senior role with demanding and specific experience requirements, and the selection process will be rigorous. Your CV must tell the story of a 15-to-20-year career in construction chemicals manufacturing with clarity, specificity, and impact. For each role you have held, document not only your responsibilities but the scale of the operation you managed — the production capacity, the number of people you supervised, the product categories you were responsible for, and the key achievements that demonstrate your professional impact. Quantify wherever possible: production volumes increased, quality defect rates reduced, new products launched, cost savings achieved, new production lines established.
If you have factory start-up experience, ensure that this is prominently highlighted in your CV — it is a specific and valuable qualification that the company has identified as particularly desirable. Describe the scope and scale of the start-up project, your specific role and responsibilities, and the outcome of the project in terms of production capacity, quality performance, and timeline.
Submit your application by email to nawafsalman55@gmail.com. Ensure that your CV is professionally formatted, clearly organized, and free of errors. A well-prepared, targeted application is the first demonstration of the professional standards that the company is looking for in its Production Manager / R&D Manager.
Conclusion: Lead the Chemistry That Builds the Kingdom
The Production Manager / R&D Manager role at this Saudi construction chemicals company is one of the most demanding and rewarding senior manufacturing positions currently available in the Kingdom's industrial sector. It offers an experienced construction chemicals professional the opportunity to apply their full range of technical and leadership capabilities in a role of genuine strategic significance — to lead a manufacturing operation, drive product innovation, build a high-performing team, and contribute directly to the growth and success of a company that is operating at the heart of Saudi Arabia's extraordinary construction boom.
Vora Solvo encourages all qualified senior professionals who meet the demanding experience requirements of this role to submit their applications promptly. Opportunities of this caliber are rare, and the company's selection process will move quickly. If your career in construction chemicals manufacturing has prepared you for a role of this scope and significance, this is the moment to act.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates with a minimum of 15 to 20 years of experience in production management within a large construction chemicals manufacturing company are invited to submit their applications. Prepare a comprehensive, professionally formatted CV that clearly documents your experience, technical expertise, leadership achievements, and educational qualifications.
Send your CV by email to: nawafsalman55@gmail.com
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
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