Head of Operations (EPC - Heavy Industrial Projects)

Position Summary

The Head of Operations will be responsible for leading and managing end-to-end EPC project execution across multiple industrial, infrastructure, energy, or heavy engineering projects. The role will oversee project planning, engineering coordination, procurement, construction management, commissioning, resource allocation, contract management, cost control, quality assurance, and HSE compliance, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to client specifications.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve organizational growth and project delivery objectives.
• Drive operational excellence across all ongoing and upcoming EPC projects.
• Establish project governance frameworks, performance metrics, and execution standards.
• Support business development teams during bid evaluation, project feasibility assessments, and contract negotiations.

Project Execution & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end execution of EPC projects from engineering through commissioning and handover.
• Monitor project schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource utilization.
• Ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining quality and profitability targets.
• Drive corrective and preventive measures to address project risks and delays.
• Review project progress through regular management reviews and steering committees.

Engineering & Design Coordination

• Oversee engineering deliverables and ensure alignment with project schedules.
• Coordinate with design, engineering, procurement, and site execution teams.
• Ensure compliance with client specifications, technical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate value engineering and optimization initiatives.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Direct procurement strategies for critical equipment, materials, and subcontracting services.
• Ensure timely procurement and logistics support for project execution.
• Monitor vendor performance, contract compliance, and supply chain risks.
• Optimize procurement costs while maintaining quality and delivery commitments.

Construction Management

• Oversee construction activities across multiple project sites.
• Ensure effective deployment of manpower, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Monitor productivity, construction quality, and site performance.
• Resolve construction challenges and stakeholder issues effectively.

Contract & Commercial Management

• Manage EPC contracts, subcontract agreements, claims, and variation orders.
• Drive commercial performance, revenue realization, and margin improvement.
• Mitigate contractual risks and maintain client satisfaction.
• Support dispute resolution and contract closure activities.

Financial Management

• Own project P&L accountability.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and resource plans.
• Monitor project cash flow, cost performance, and profitability.
• Ensure achievement of operational and financial KPIs.

HSE & Quality Compliance

• Promote a zero-harm safety culture across all project sites.
• Ensure compliance with HSE policies, statutory regulations, and international standards.
• Lead quality assurance and quality control programs across projects.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and corrective action plans.

Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with clients, consultants, regulatory authorities, contractors, and suppliers.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for major project issues.
• Deliver periodic project performance reports to leadership and clients.

Team Leadership

• Lead multidisciplinary teams comprising engineering, procurement, construction, planning, commercial, and quality functions.
• Build and mentor high-performing project leadership teams.
• Develop succession plans and talent development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Master's Degree/MBA in Operations, Project Management, or Business Administration preferred.

Certifications (Preferred)

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• PRINCE2
• Lean Six Sigma
• NEBOSH / IOSH
• Certified EPC/Project Management Programs

Experience

• 20 to 25 years of experience in EPC, Industrial Construction, Infrastructure, Energy, Oil & Gas, Power, Metals, Mining, or Heavy Engineering sectors.
• Minimum 8 to10 years in senior leadership roles managing large-scale EPC projects.
• Experience handling projects valued at 500 Cr to 5,000+ Cr.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Required Competencies
Technical Skills

• EPC Project Management
• Construction Management
• Contract Administration (FIDIC/EPC Contracts)
• Cost Control & Budget Management
• Procurement & Supply Chain
• Risk Management
• Project Planning & Scheduling (Primavera/MS Project)
• Commissioning & Handover Management
• HSE Management Systems
• Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Leadership Skills

• Strategic Planning
• Stakeholder Management
• Commercial Acumen
• Decision Making
• Negotiation Skills
• Team Leadership
• Change Management
• Conflict Resolution

Preferred Industry Background

• Oil & Gas EPC
• Power Plants
• Steel Plants
• Cement Plants
• Mining & Metals
• Infrastructure Megaprojects

Ideal Candidate Profile
A seasoned EPC leader with extensive experience in managing large-scale industrial projects, driving operational excellence, ensuring profitable project delivery, and leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning functions. Proven ability to handle complex stakeholder environments and deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.