Director of Manufacturing Operations Riyadh

* This role requires relocation to Riyadh, KSA*

We’re partnering with a fast‑scaling deep tech startup building next‑generation AI infrastructure that combines cutting‑edge hardware and software to deliver high‑performance AI compute solutions.

This position will lead and build the entire manufacturing operation for a fast‑growing AI infrastructure company developing next‑generation compute hardware.

This is a true greenfield leadership opportunity, responsible for creating the manufacturing strategy, building the team, establishing production capabilities, and delivering high‑performance hardware systems  role reports directly to the CEO and will play a critical part in the company’s executive leadership team.

• Define and execute the end‑to‑end manufacturing strategy, from early‑stage production through scaled commercial deployment
• Lead factory setup activities, including site selection, facility design, capital planning, and equipment sourcing
• Build and manage the manufacturing organisation across production engineering, supply chain, quality assurance, and operations
• Own operational metrics, including yield, throughput, delivery performance, unit economics, and quality targets
• Manage the manufacturing budget and overall operational performance
• Work closely with customers on production schedules, delivery expectations, and capacity planning
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including senior leadership responsibility for factory or production environments
• Direct experience in manufacturing servers, networking equipment, or high‑density compute hardware. Background at a tier one OEM (Supermicro, Dell, HPE, Lenovo) or major contract manufacturer (Foxconn, Flex, Jabil, Wistron, Inventec) strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success launching new manufacturing lines, facilities, or regional production operations
• Familiarity with liquid cooling technologies, high‑density systems, or advanced compute infrastructure preferred
• Experience supporting regulated industries, government clients, or mission‑critical infrastructure environments is advantageous
• Hands‑on operator with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, build‑from‑scratch environment where teams and processes are still being established