Operations Team Leader I

About the company

NES is the world’s leading engineering staffing provider, operating across Oil & Gas, Power, Life Sciences, and infrastructure sectors.

• 80+ offices across 45 countries
• 24,000+ contractors globally and 10,000+ in the Middle East
• Strong regional presence and long-term client partnerships

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

Your tasks

Responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of a 150MW power plant supplying electricity to field facilities and the Iraqi national grid. Acts as the Contract Accountable Manager (CAM) for the O&M contractor, overseeing plant performance, maintenance activities, HSSE compliance, and contract delivery. Manages interfaces with existing field facilities, development projects, the Iraqi power grid operator, the Ministry of Electricity (MoE), and other stakeholders, while supporting the transition of plant operations to the Iraqi national organization through training and development programs. Verbal and written communication in English is mandatory.

• Lead and champion HSSEQ performance, ensuring a strong safety culture and compliance with operational standards.
• Serve as the Contract Accountable Manager (CAM) for the O&M contract, ensuring contractor performance meets agreed KPIs for plant reliability, availability, and integrity.
• Oversee the training, development, and capability assurance of the Iraqi national Operations & Maintenance team, managing the transition from the O&M contractor to national operators.
• Coordinate key stakeholders to support the ongoing development and optimization of the power plant, wider power network, and related infrastructure.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, field operations, development projects, and government entities, while promoting One Team behaviors.
• Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the 150MW power plant supplying field facilities and the Iraqi national grid.

Requirements

An engineering degree and/or significant proven operational experience demonstrating a strong technical background. Excellent leadership and communication skills. Team player with ability to bring alignment and a “One Team” culture.

What we offer

• Long-term project stability (many contractors exceed 10 years)
• Exposure to a major global operator
• Opportunity to work alongside industry-leading professionals

Other

Operations team leader I *Job title: Power plant operations manager Department: Operations People responsibility: Responsible for managing a team Location: Basra Work pattern: 28 days on / 28 days off Nationality:** Local national hire only