Director - Operation

About Red Sea Global and Botanica

Botanica is a subsidiary of Red Sea Global, focusing on sustainable greenery integration across Red Sea Global's destinations, blending new plant species with local flora to promote ecological balance. Covering over one million square meters, Botanica has cultivated over five million plants since 2020, aiming for 30 million by 2030 at The Red Sea and Amaala projects. The team prides itself on ecological leadership and local community involvement, setting new global standards for sustainable development.

Why Work With Us

• Contribute to large-scale sustainability projects that reshape landscapes and protect biodiversity.
• Collaborate with industry specialists in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
• Participate in an internationally recognized leader in sustainable tourism and development.
• Engage in projects situated in spectacular natural surroundings.

Job Purpose

Lead overall operations of the 180-hectare Botanica site, including field work, plant care, water and irrigation management, soil production, logistics, and facility and fleet maintenance. Ensure healthy plant conditions, timely completion of orders, and safe, efficient site functioning across all departments.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain nursery areas organized and prepared, covering planting zones, shading, and mother stock.
• Conduct regular nursery stock maintenance such as weeding, pruning, spacing, and cleaning; monitor plant health daily.
• Implement plant protection under integrated pest management and biosecurity programs.
• Design, operate, and maintain irrigation systems and pumps, setting schedules by zones and seasonality.
• Monitor water quality and consumption, optimize use of treated and desalinated water, and maintain backup plans for water supply interruptions, especially in peak heat.
• Coordinate soil mix production using raw materials with procurement, ensuring consistent quality and fulfilling internal and external needs.
• Manage receipt of plants and materials, coordinate quarantine inspections, and oversee timely order dispatch including transport and documentation.
• Operate facilities maintenance programs, manage fleet availability and workshops, and keep accurate asset records.
• Control nursery operations budget encompassing labor, water, energy, fuel, and maintenance expenses.
• Manage workforce, equipment, and transport resources, supporting production and landscape teams as needed.
• Report key performance indicators monthly, identify operational risks early, and propose corrective measures.
• Lead section managers, supervisors, and staff by defining training standards and ensuring compliance.
• Oversee high-risk tasks such as machinery operation, chemical handling, lifting, driving, and heat stress management in accordance with HSSE guidelines.
• Fulfill departmental head responsibilities according to organizational policies.
• Enforce adherence to company and group policies, delegation of authority, and standard operating procedures to maintain controlled and auditable workflows.
• Champion compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and compliance management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 37301) to ensure employee well-being, regulatory adherence, high-quality outputs, and environmental stewardship.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives targeting process efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced client service.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Horticulture, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering.
• At least 15 years of experience in nursery, agricultural, landscape, or facility operations, including minimum 7 years leading large field teams of 200 or more employees.
• Demonstrated expertise in irrigation and water management under arid conditions, as well as logistics and maintenance of fleets and facilities, preferably within Saudi Arabia or Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of irrigation system design, pump station operations, and water conservation techniques.
• Familiarity with logistics planning, dispatch coordination, and inventory control.
• Experience with maintenance scheduling and asset management using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Strong capabilities in cost management and health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) leadership.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic language skills are advantageous.

Job Context and Expectations

• The nursery supports multiple business functions, providing essential water, soil, transport, and equipment resources.
• Operational failures can rapidly cause significant losses, requiring preventative measures and redundancy in systems to mitigate risks.
• The position requires proactive risk identification and risk mitigation before issues escalate.

Technical Competencies

• Expertise in field and site maintenance operations.
• Advanced knowledge of irrigation system design and management.
• Proficient in preventive equipment and facility maintenance.
• Skilled in soil mix preparation and media consistency control.
• Advanced inventory and logistics coordination abilities.
• Strong operational performance monitoring and reporting skills.
• Advanced health, safety, and environmental compliance management.
• Intermediate knowledge of integrated pest and disease control application.