Director of Operations – Egypt (Cairo)

Beyond Vision is a fast-growing Portuguese technology company developing hardware solutions for defence, public sector and industrial customers. As part of our international growth, we are strengthening our presence in Egypt and are looking for a Director of Operations to lead our operations in Cairo. The Role Based in Cairo, the Director of Operations will lead the industrialisation and start-up of Beyond Vision's new manufacturing unit in Egypt, and will then be responsible for all our production operations in the country. A key part of the role is the transfer of know-how from our Portuguese operations, so that the Egyptian unit works to the same processes, quality and safety standards. Initial phase in Portugal: you will start with approximately 3 months at our facilities in Alverca, Portugal. During this period you will get to know our existing processes in depth, prepare the set-up of the Egyptian manufacturing unit in line with them, and start building the bridge with the local team in Egypt. Living in Egypt: If not already based in Cairo, you will then relocate there, for a minimum of two years, to lead the start-up of the manufacturing unit and all the processes it involves, supported by a local team. Throughout the assignment, you will work closely with our headquarters in Portugal and act as the key bridge between the Portuguese and Egyptian teams, customers and partners, understanding and connecting both business cultures. Key Responsibilities Industrialisation and plant start-up: lead the set-up and start-up of the manufacturing unit in Egypt, including layout, equipment, production processes, quality control, supply of materials, health & safety and ramp-up to full production. Know-how transfer: ensure the transfer of technical and operational know-how from Portugal to Egypt, adapting and standardising processes, work instructions and quality standards. Preparation in Portugal: during the first months in Alverca, map existing processes and define, together with the Portuguese teams, the set-up plan for the Egyptian unit. Operational leadership: once the unit is running, lead and manage all day-to-day operations in Egypt, with clear production, quality, cost and delivery KPIs. Team leadership: recruit, train and develop the local team, building a culture of performance, safety, quality and accountability. Bridge with Portugal: act as the main point of contact between the Egypt operation and headquarters, making sure communication, priorities and standards stay aligned. Stakeholder relations: build strong relationships with local customers, government entities, partners and suppliers. Compliance and governance: ensure operations comply with local laws and regulations, export control requirements and Beyond Vision's internal policies, with the support of the local administrative team. Budget and performance: manage the start-up and operational budgets and report regularly to headquarters. What We Are Looking For Proven experience as a senior operations leader (Director of Operations, Plant Manager, Industrial Director or similar) in manufacturing, engineering, defence, aerospace or other industrial environments. A track record leading industrialisation projects and the start-up of new manufacturing units or production lines, from set-up to ramp-up. Proven experience in transferring know-how and replicating processes between sites or countries. Solid knowledge of production processes, quality systems and health & safety. Experience leading teams and operations in an international context, ideally in Egypt or the MENA region. Strong cross-cultural skills: the ability to understand and work effectively with both Portuguese and Egyptian cultures and ways of working. Strong organisational, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a hands-on approach. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Fluent English is mandatory. Portuguese and/or Arabic are a strong advantage. Availability to spend approximately 3 months in Alverca, Portugal, and, if not already based in Cairo, to relocate there for a minimum period of 2 years. What We Offer A key leadership role in Beyond Vision's international expansion, leading a manufacturing start-up from day one. Annual performance bonus. Support during the initial phase in Portugal (travel and accommodation in Alverca). Full relocation and assignment support in Egypt for you and your family, including: visa and work permit support; housing support; international health insurance for you and your family; schooling support for children; relocation costs and annual flights home. Company car. Show more Show less