Motaz Ismail

Results-driven Operations Manager with 10+ years of progressive experience leading large-scale manufacturing and production operations across Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Proven track record of directing 150+ person teams, reducing operational costs and waste, improving production efficiency and output, minimizing equipment downtime, and achieving on-time delivery excellence. Skilled in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies with an MS in Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management.

Committed to building high-performance teams and operational excellence aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

Operations Manager at Al-Awwal Group (2021-12 – Present)

• Direct end-to-end operations for a 150+ person workforce, overseeing production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to consistently achieve on-time delivery targets across all product lines.
• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing team of 150+ operators, supervisors, and technicians; introduced structured training programs that measurably improved workforce productivity and reduced onboarding time.
• Championed Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma continuous improvement programs, driving significant reductions in operational waste and boosting overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) across production lines.
• Established and enforced rigorous quality control systems aligned with industry standards; reduced production defect rates through proactive root cause analysis and implementation of corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Managed multi-million SAR production budget; identified and executed cost-reduction initiatives through optimized labor deployment, material utilization, and process efficiency improvements.
• Orchestrated cross-functional coordination between sales, procurement, and logistics to maintain uninterrupted production flow; managed a network of key suppliers, improving delivery reliability and reducing lead times.
• Maintained a strong HSE culture across a 150+ person operation; conducted regular safety audits with zero major incidents, ensuring full compliance with Saudi labor and environmental regulations.
• Delivered data-driven KPI dashboards (efficiency, yield, downtime, quality) to senior leadership, enabling faster decision-making and sustained performance improvements quarter-over-quarter.
• Led new product introductions from development to full-scale production, reducing ramp-up time and ensuring smooth technology integration with minimal disruption to existing operations.
• Directed strategic cross-functional projects including facility upgrades, capacity expansion, and process reengineering initiatives delivered on time and within budget.

Senior Production Manager at M.H.A.B Group (2018-12 – 2021-12)

• Redesigned production scheduling and workflow processes, significantly improving resource utilization and on-time output while reducing idle time and bottlenecks on the production floor.
• Spearheaded continuous improvement programs using Lean and Six Sigma tools, achieving measurable reductions in production waste and cost per unit while improving throughput and product quality.
• Overhauled quality assurance processes including inspection systems and CAPA protocols, resulting in a consistent reduction in defect rates and improved compliance with customer specifications.
• Supervised and mentored multi-disciplinary production teams and junior engineers; built a culture of accountability and continuous learning that improved team performance and reduced staff turnover.
• Implemented a proactive preventive maintenance program that reduced unplanned equipment downtime, extended machinery lifespan, and improved overall production line availability.
• Controlled production costs by optimizing raw material consumption, labor scheduling, and machine utilization, consistently delivering within budget while increasing output efficiency.
• Enforced strict HSE compliance across all production areas; conducted regular safety audits and delivered corrective actions that maintained a safe, regulation-compliant working environment.
• Developed comprehensive SOPs and performance documentation that standardized processes across teams, reducing variability and serving as the foundation for ongoing training programs.
• Strengthened supplier relationships through rigorous performance evaluation, reducing material lead times and improving supply reliability to support uninterrupted production schedules.
• Introduced automation technologies including automated monitoring systems that enhanced production efficiency, reduced manual errors, and positioned the facility for scalable future growth.

Production Engineer at Green Biomed Company (2016-02 – 2018-05)

• Collaborated with senior engineers on production planning and demand analysis, contributing to optimized scheduling that reduced material waste and improved machine utilization rates.
• Monitored daily production activities in a regulated biomedical environment, ensuring strict adherence to quality standards and safety protocols with zero tolerance for process deviations.
• Diagnosed and resolved machinery and process issues, reducing recurring equipment faults and contributing to improved production line uptime during the role.
• Performed quality inspections and maintained accurate records; actively contributed to quality improvement initiatives that reduced non-conformances in the production cycle.
• Supported preventive maintenance schedules, helping maintain consistent equipment readiness and contributing to measurable reductions in unplanned downtime.
• Gathered and analyzed production performance data (uptime, output, efficiency), producing reports that supported data-driven decision-making by senior engineers and management.
• Actively participated in Lean and Six Sigma improvement projects, identifying process bottlenecks and supporting reengineering efforts that improved workflow efficiency across the facility.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with operators, maintenance, QC, logistics, and procurement teams to resolve production challenges and maintain a smooth, efficient operational flow.
• Championed HSE compliance on the shop floor by identifying hazards, supporting safety audits, and promoting a safety-first culture that contributed to a clean safety record throughout tenure.

Master of Science (MS) in Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management – Lebanese American University (2022-09 – 2024-06)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management – Beirut Arab University (2013-09 – 2018-06)