Manager Facilities

Overview

Weatherford have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Project Manager – Facilities to join the team in Abu Dhabi.

Job Purpose:

The Project Manager – Facilities is responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of a major facility move within the Oil & Gas and Manufacturing and Repair sector, involving the transfer of high-value, complex machinery and skilled personnel across both domestic and international locations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining operational continuity, compliance, and stakeholder alignment, ensuring a safe and efficient transition aligned with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Governance

• Develop and execute a robust relocation strategy, incorporating detailed project plans, risk assessments, resource allocations, and phased execution schedules.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for new facility sites, both in-country and internationally.
• Establish a project governance structure, reporting framework, and stakeholder communication plan.

Complex Machinery Relocation

• Oversee the decommissioning, transport, reinstallation, and commissioning of industrial, process, or specialized equipment (e.g., compressors, pumps, CNC machines, test benches).
• Manage coordination with OEMs, mechanical and electrical engineers, rigging and transport vendors to ensure precision handling and minimal equipment downtime.
• Validate infrastructure readiness (load-bearing floors, ventilation, fire systems, power supply) at the new facility to meet operational, safety, and regulatory standards.

Personnel & Workforce Relocation

• Collaborate with HR, operations, and mobility teams to develop detailed employee relocation plans, including international visas, housing, and transition support.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, expatriate requirements, and internal policies.
• Facilitate onboarding, cultural orientation, and site readiness for transferred staff.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement

• Act as the central point of coordination between internal departments (Engineering, HSE, IT, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance) and third-party vendors (logistics, civil contractors, real estate consultants).
• Negotiate and manage service-level agreements (SLAs) with relocation and transport vendors.
• Lead cross-functional project reviews and communicate progress and issues to executive sponsors and functional leads.

Execution & Transition

• Lead the physical move of equipment, materials, and personnel in line with operational shutdown/startup windows to reduce downtime.
• Develop contingency and recovery plans to handle unexpected disruptions.
• Ensure all work complies with HSE standards, ISO/API requirements, and relevant global regulatory frameworks (e.g., customs clearance, hazardous materials transport).

Post-Move Activities

• Manage revalidation, testing, and certification of equipment at the new facility.
• Conduct post-move audits and feedback sessions to identify lessons learned.
• Monitor stabilization progress and address any ongoing issues related to personnel or machinery performance.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Project Management, Operations, or related field.
• Project Management Certification (PMP, PRINCE2) strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of project management experience, with at least 5 years in industrial facility moves or major capital projects within the Oil & Gas or Manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience relocating large, mission-critical equipment internationally and coordinating personnel logistics across borders.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, API Q1/Q2, OSHA, and international trade and transport regulations.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Project Leadership – Proven ability to lead complex, multi-phase relocation projects in regulated environments.
• Technical & Industry Knowledge – Understanding of oilfield equipment, mechanical systems, production workflows, and utility requirements.
• Cross-Border Coordination – Experience working across multiple geographies, understanding local compliance and cultural factors.
• Communication & Influence – Skilled in engaging with executive stakeholders, technical teams, and third-party vendors.
• Risk & Change Management – Strong ability to identify risks and manage resistance during transitions involving workforce and operational disruption.
• Attention to Detail – Precision in planning logistics for heavy machinery and sensitive manufacturing environments, and all other plant construction activities.
• Deep familiarity with plant consolidation, closures, transfers and stand-ups in cross-border facility movement. Including familiarity with local construction processes, phasing, and permitting.
• Must have strong, results-driven Project Manager skillset with proven experience leading facility closures via stage-gate project management methodologies.
• Travel requirements: Willingness to travel up to 20–30% within the Middle East based on project location and execution timelines, including international assignments and site readiness assessments.