Ilayaraja Vellaichamy

Strategic and performance-driven engineering leader with over 22 years of global experience in managing operations, project execution, and business performance across the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Industrial Infrastructure sectors. Demonstrated success in leading multi-million-dollar EPC, shutdown, turnaround, and maintenance projects, with operational oversight of portfolios exceeding USD 300 million annually. Specialized in Maintenance, Shutdowns, and Turnarounds, with deep expertise in operations execution, planning, and resource optimization.

Proven expertise in full-cycle project delivery—spanning design coordination, procurement, construction, fabrication, commissioning, and commercial management. Adept at leading large multicultural teams, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving strategic growth while ensuring HSE, quality, and compliance standards are consistently met. In prior roles as Division Manager, Operations Head, and Project Manager, have worked with major clients including Aramco, SABIC, ADNOC, Qatar Energy, ISRO, HPCL, IOCL, and the State Company for Oil Projects (SCOP).

Highly skilled in Primavera, SAP, and MS Project, with a deep understanding of international codes. Possesses strong commercial acumen with full P&L responsibility, contract negotiations, and business development. Respected for delivering results under pressure, building high-performance teams, and aligning operations with long-term business goals.

Open to challenging leadership roles in the GCC with immediate availability.

Division Manager at SENDAN INTERNATIONAL (2023-03 – Present)

SENDAN is a leading Saudi-based industrial services company with 12 specialized divisions. Responsible for heading the Maintenance Services Division, which focuses on delivering large-scale industrial maintenance, shutdown, and turnaround projects across key sectors.

• Led the Maintenance Services Division, driving business growth through strategic proposals, cost estimation, client negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Executed projects end-to-end, managing the full lifecycle from planning and mobilization to execution, monitoring, and completion of all activities.
• Successfully managed and delivered 35+ simultaneous projects, including major turnarounds, shutdowns, and long-term maintenance contracts.
• Oversaw an annual turnover of SAR 500 million, with consistent on-time, within-budget, and high-quality delivery.
• Directed a workforce of over 6,000 personnel, ensuring productivity, safety, and compliance across all sites.
• Reviewed and approved commercial proposals, coordinated pre-bid meetings, and finalized contracts through direct client negotiations.
• Major project locations included industrial hubs such as Al Jubail and Yanbu, serving leading clients like Aramco, SABIC, and other key players.
• Maintained strong client relationships with Aramco, SABIC, and other leading industrial entities, contributing to sustained business growth and client retention.

Operations Manager (Operations and Maintenance) at GEMS (Global Environmental Management Service) / REVIVA Waste Management Company (2019-05 – 2023-02)

REVIVA Waste Management Company, formerly known as GEMS, is a specialized industrial maintenance and environmental services provider. It operates as a subsidiary of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. Held full operational responsibility for the Yanbu Branch, overseeing all project activities and business functions.

• Managed and executed diverse EPIC, Maintenance, Shutdown, and Turnaround projects across Yanbu's major industrial complexes.
• Delivered services to key clients including Aramco, SABIC, and other prominent players under long-form maintenance contracts.
• Led multi-disciplinary divisions: Maintenance, Shutdown & Turnaround Division; Equipment Division; Industrial Cleaning Division; Waste Management Division.
• Directed end-to-end project execution: planning, resource mobilization, HSE compliance, stakeholder coordination, and financial control.
• Successfully delivered multi-million-dollar projects with operational control of portfolios exceeding SAR 800 million annually.
• Ensured operational excellence, contract compliance, and client satisfaction across all divisions.
• Maintained high standards in safety and environmental performance in line with industry and regulatory expectations.

Project Manager at BOROUGE-2&3 Turnaround / M/s Descon Engineering and M/s Emdad Services (2018-01 – 2019-03)

Executed Mechanical Static Equipment Turnarounds and Activities. Successfully executed turnaround, shutdown, and maintenance projects for mechanical static equipment in petrochemical and industrial process plants. Projects involved end-to-end responsibility across all phases including engineering, planning, procurement, execution, and closeout. Scope of Work Included comprehensive maintenance and turnaround activities for piping systems (process and utility) and storage tanks.