Project Lead - Industrial Automation and Digital Transformation

About GulfNet Solutions

Established in 1997, GulfNet Solutions Company Limited (GNS) is a reputable organization headquartered in Ad Dammam, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Brothers (AZAQ). GNS delivers expert consultancy, tailored solutions, manpower, and services across the GCC region, specializing in information security, mobility, cloud computing, big data, governance, risk management, and compliance.

Role Overview

The Project Lead will oversee the entire lifecycle of industrial automation and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring the projects are executed successfully—from inception through commissioning and final handover. This role demands substantial technical expertise, leadership, client coordination, and collaboration with engineering, procurement, and site execution teams to ensure projects meet timeline, budget, and quality standards with safety compliance.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct all phases of project delivery, including planning, engineering details, procurement assistance, implementation, testing, commissioning, personnel training, and closure.
• Handle multiple concurrent automation and digitalization projects, maintaining adherence to schedule, budget constraints, quality standards, and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams, subcontractors, OEMs, and suppliers during project execution activities.
• Interpret client operational needs into technical requirements and ensure proper alignment between customer expectations and execution efforts.
• Evaluate and endorse engineering documents such as system architectures, control philosophies, P&IDs, network designs, I/O listings, acceptance test procedures, and technical manuals.
• Provide technical leadership encompassing Industrial Automation and Digital Solutions technologies: PLC, SCADA, DCS, RTU, Instrumentation, Industrial Networks, IIoT, connectivity, MES, and associated systems.
• Organize and oversee site surveys, installations, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), commissioning, and end-user training sessions.
• Identify potential project risks, formulate mitigation strategies, and proactively address technical and commercial challenges.
• Ensure strict compliance with organizational standards, client specifications, cybersecurity policies, and relevant international regulations.
• Support sales and presales units during project transfers, technical clarifications, scope changes, and client interactions as necessary.
• Develop and maintain project timelines with tools such as Microsoft Project and Primavera, regularly updating management with progress reports.
• Optimize resource allocation to guarantee profitable projects and adherence to contractual commitments.
• Build and sustain strong customer relationships, exploring opportunities for added services, system upgrades, modernization projects, and ongoing lifecycle support.

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of industrial automation tailored to Water & Wastewater, Utilities, Infrastructure, and Process industries, including insights into operational procedures across light and heavy sectors.
• Capability to analyze business challenges, articulate problem statements, and convert client requirements into actionable engineering solutions.
• Sound understanding of PLC, SCADA, DCS, RTU, HMI, Instrumentation, Industrial Networking, Drive systems, control mechanisms, and field devices.
• Familiarity with Digital Transformation trends and Industry 4.0 technologies such as IIoT, connectivity solutions, MES platforms, data historians, Asset Performance Management (APM), AI-powered analytics, cloud services, and operational technology cybersecurity.
• Knowledge of medium and low voltage electrical systems relevant to industrial settings.
• Competency in instrumentation, electro-mechanical integrations, and process control frameworks.
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, including Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), single-line electrical schematics, technical specs, and related documentation.
• Proficiency in project planning and scheduling software like Microsoft Project and Primavera.
• Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership qualities along with effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and teamwork coordination capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and project management applications.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic, at written and spoken levels.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Control, or Automation Engineering disciplines.
• At least 4 to 6 years of professional experience in industrial automation and digital solution environments with a minimum of 3 years dedicated to project leadership roles.
• Documented success managing projects involving SCADA, PLC, RTU, Instrumentation, IIoT, or digital transformation solutions for utility or industrial sectors.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is advantageous.
• Experience using major automation platforms such as Schneider Electric, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, ABB, Honeywell, or AVEVA is beneficial.