Salah M. Al-saffar, Senior Projects Leader

Salah M. Al-saffar

Senior Projects Leader

EQUATE Petrochemical Co.

Location
Kuwait
Education
Master's degree, TRIUM Global (EMBA) Master of Business Administration
Experience
25 years, 3 Months

Share My Profile

Block User


Work Experience

Total years of experience :25 years, 3 Months

Senior Projects Leader at EQUATE Petrochemical Co.
  • Kuwait
  • My current job since May 2011

Assumed control over numerous complex projects, working swiftly to re-align project standards and guidelines and return multimillion dollar projects to original mandate. Overall, financially closed over 50+ projects until 2017.

- Drove a $2.17M packaging upgrade to raise bag production from 1, 200 to 2, 000 per hour with minimum production loss.

a. Performed SWOT and risk management analysis to eradicate production downtime on six separate packaging lines.
b. Successfully upgraded to 2, 000 bags/hr with zero production losses saving $1.8M on original project calculation.

- Championed the business critical $37M polyethylene debottleneck project to increase production capacity.

a. Split into 3 segments (upgrade packaging line, add 2 silos and ISO-pentane tank), issued the business case, feasibility study, tender, project scope and master plan to upgrade packaging line, allocated other elements to peers.
b. Expanded production from 44 tons/hr to 50 tons/hr and warehouse capacity from 114 units/hr to 150 units/hr, supported with installation of additional silos and conversion of hexane tank into ISO-pentane tank.

- Designated as turnaround manager for the polypropylene unit experiencing challenges with limited resources and lack of direction, inconsistency in project completion and business processes.

a. Planned and executed a demanding turnaround touching all facets of business operations within a tight shutdown window with zero safety incidents using the internal contractor to save 20% of shutdown costs.

Portfolio Manager & Partner at Bloom Financial Brokerage Services LLC
  • Kuwait
  • January 2008 to May 2011

Bloom Financial Brokerage Services Llc - Kuwait (2 direct + 5 indirect reports | $100K OpEx | $15K CapEx | $500K P&L)
Founded the business after uncovering a niche, managing a portfolio of US equities on the S&P 100, DOW Jones, NASDAQ, NYSE, and AME supported with new products, ideas and strategies to advance the firm’s offering and competitive edge.

- Embraced risk to launch an investment brokerage as the global recession took hold and investments slid across all markets, swiftly raising an initial $100K USD with two partners securing an additional $100K.

a. Obtained brokerage license and built the infrastructure supported by an ambitious strategic plan for investment instruments in the equity and money markets, driving original $200K investment rapidly up to $400K new profit.

- Navigated complexity and partner conflicts to mutually agree on a reduced management fee at 10% despite exemplary investment performance.

a. Cleared objections and adversity to remain a key player delivering 30% ROI on several IPO investments.

- Retained relationships with partners to explore further investment opportunities while returning to corporate leadership.

DIRECTOR OF PROJECTS CONTROL + ACTING DESIGN MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR , CORPORATE PROJECTS MANAGER at KGL Group - KGL Ports International + KUD
  • Kuwait
  • July 2007 to September 2009

Projects to Credit:
• Ras Al Khaima port in UAE
• Lattakia Port in Syria
• Damietta port in Egypt
• Kuwait Metro Master Plan

Rectified a lack of work processes, no guidelines and no standards, fortified accountability, and optimized performance, handpicked to lead numerous high profile, high value infrastructure projects across the Middle East & Africa.

- Appointed by the CEO of Saqer Port in RAK to resurrect a floundering renovation project complicated by a set three-month deadline for port reopening with the project six months behind.
a. Evaluated the project with no knowledge of marine engineering or project management, combatting scepticism and resistance to rapidly realign the project and employee/contractor commitment.
b. Completed the project within the demanding timeline to allow for scheduled opening, receiving numerous accolades from the CEO and other stakeholders, granted the opportunity to lead several other high profile projects.

- Relocated to Egypt to manage the multi-faceted Damietta New Container Terminal project, steering through intense complexity, red tape and delicate negotiations with multiple officials and stakeholders.

- Drafted and delivered a master plan to the Kuwait Metro Company for the Prime Minister of Kuwait, advancing to submitting the entire project plan to the Ministry of Planning and Development.

Senior Operations Engineer at Eastern United Petroleum Services
  • Kuwait - Al Ahmadi
  • September 2005 to June 2007

Accredited for outstanding innovation and engineering in proving the calibre of logging and perforating services for the start-up were on par or better than larger established industry competitors in the energy sector, allowing the company to rapidly grow. Functioned in multiple capacities establishing numerous processes and practices still utilized a decade later.

General Technical Professional - BD at Halliburton Overseas Limited
  • Kuwait
  • February 1999 to August 2005

Haliburton Overseas Limited - Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and USA

Recognized as the first Kuwait hire in the logging and perforating unit in 42 years; shifted perception to embrace local workers, selecting and coaching other local hires, with entire management team now operating with minimal ex-pat leadership.

Education

Master's degree, TRIUM Global (EMBA) Master of Business Administration
  • at TRIUM Global EMBA by LSE, NYU, & HEC
  • September 2016

The TRIUM Global Executive MBA is one of the world’s leading degree programs for global leaders jointly issued by New York University Stern School of Business, London School of Economics and Political Science, and HEC Paris School of Management.

Bachelor's degree, Electrical Engineering
  • at Kuwait University
  • July 1998

Faculty of Engineering Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering

Specialties & Skills

Project Management
Portfolio Optimization
HSE Practices
Project Finance
Business Acumen
Portfolio Management
Project Finance
Resource Management
Quality Control
Communication & Interpersonal Networking, Conflict Resolution, Group Dynamics, Synergy
Analytical Ability, Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving, Time Management
Performance Management
Executive Leadership
Organisational Development
Corporate Finance
Risk Management
International Business Protocol
Change Management
Project Management
Budget | P&L
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Languages

Arabic
Expert
English
Expert
Spanish
Intermediate

Memberships

IEEE
  • Subscriber
  • February 1994
PADI
  • Rescue Diver
  • July 2002
PMI
  • Member
  • August 2011
CFA Institute
  • Member
  • June 2012