GA CIS Operations Leader (m/f)

Job Description Summary

Grid Automation Operations Leader

The Grid Automation Operations Leader is responsible for the operational leadership, project execution governance, and team management of the Grid Automation business, with a strong focus on Substation Automation, Protection, Control, and SCADA solutions. This role ensures effective delivery of projects, development of operational infrastructure, resource planning, financial visibility, and cross-functional coordination to support business growth and customer satisfaction.

The role combines operations management, project oversight, technical leadership, and people management. The successful candidate will lead the Substation Automation and Protection team in the design, implementation, validation, and delivery of technical solutions while also establishing robust project management processes and interfaces with finance, HR, legal/compliance, and regional operations.

This position plays a key role in driving business performance through transparent KPI reporting, accurate forecasting, strong collaboration with commercial teams, customer engagement, and continuous development of local engineering and operational capabilities.

• Lead the operational execution of the Grid Automation business, ensuring effective project delivery, resource utilization, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Establish and maintain the operational infrastructure required for project management, including effective interfaces with:
  • Finance
  • HR
  • Compliance and legal
  • Regional operations management
• Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and resource allocation to ensure successful execution and achievement of business goals.
• Implement and improve project management processes, tools, governance, and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure transparent reporting of key business and operational KPIs, including:
  • Sales
  • Gross margin
  • Billing
  • Forecasts
• Support business planning and provide accurate operational and business forecasts.

• Lead and manage the Substation Automation and Protection team in the design, implementation, and delivery of technical solutions.
• Plan engineering and other operational resources proactively in line with business growth and project pipeline.
• Build, develop, and evolve the local Grid Automation front-office team to support current and future business needs.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to team members.
• Support professional development, technical growth, and capability building across the team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Lead the team in the design and implementation of technical solutions related to:
  • Protection
  • Control
  • Substation Automation
• Develop, review, and approve technical solutions to ensure compliance with project specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards.
• Ensure the technical quality, consistency, and completeness of engineering deliverables.
• Coordinate and guide engineering teams across design, configuration, validation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Support and supervise validation activities and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) to ensure solutions meet design requirements and quality expectations.
• Proactively manage technical risks and support resolution of technical issues during project execution.
• Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory, and company requirements in all technical solutions and operational processes.

• Cooperate closely with the commercial organization and other Grid businesses to maximize business growth and strengthen market position.
• Build customer intimacy and contribute to strengthening customer trust in the company's local expertise and execution capabilities.
• Serve as a senior point of contact for customers, consultants, and contractors on technical and operational matters related to Grid Automation solutions.
• Lead technical discussions, customer reviews, clarification meetings, and solution presentations.
• Support tendering and sales activities by reviewing specifications, defining compliant technical solutions, identifying execution risks, and contributing to proposal development.
• Promote strong collaboration between operations, engineering, service, and commercial teams.

• Administrative and Compliance Responsibilities
• Oversee administrative responsibilities related to office management, EHS, and team management.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes, legal requirements, and company policies.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure EHS requirements are embedded in project execution and office operations.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field.

• Minimum 7 years of operational management experience in Protection & Control / Grid Automation business.

• Previous experience in team management and leadership of engineering or operations teams.

• Fluent in Russian
• Fluent in English
• Kazakh is a strong plus
• Additional language skills are an advantage.

• Strong expertise in field service processes.
• Strong expertise in Protection, Control, and SCADA design, configuration, and commissioning.
• Deep knowledge of protection and control products, their functions, and applications is a strong advantage.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Strong technical depth combined with project delivery capability and leadership skills.
• Ability to take ownership of complex operational and technical scope.
• Ability to coordinate teams, manage customer interfaces, and ensure successful delivery from design through FAT, commissioning, and handover.
• Strong capability to represent the protection and control discipline confidently with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, decision-making ability, and problem-solving skills in dynamic project environments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and planning capability with attention to detail.
• Ability to work across functions and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to mentoring, coaching, and team capability development.

• Provide clear operational and technical leadership for the Grid Automation business.
• Ensure strong execution discipline across projects, operations, and team management.
• Drive technical quality and consistency in all assigned engineering and project deliverables.
• Build and maintain an effective organizational structure to support business growth.
• Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Strengthen collaboration with commercial, service, engineering, and regional teams.
• Promote customer trust through reliable execution, local expertise, and high-quality delivery.