Ghassan Softah

Experience

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  SAUDI AIRLINES

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2006

  Maintenance Engineer, Technical Affairs
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  Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA)

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2023

  Managing 186 scattered facilities and 400+ employees across remote sites, I drove operational efficiency and workforce commitment through a results-oriented leadership approach. By leveraging technology and strategic restructuring, I optimized budgets, overtime allocations, and manpower distribution, ensuring balanced workloads and shift efficiency. I launched professional development initiatives and one-on-one coaching, fostering a high-performance culture. Addressing logistical challenges, I upgraded storage systems to minimize resource waste. Additionally, I deployed energy management programs, reducing OPEX and enhancing sustainability. Through streamlined operations and disciplined execution, I transformed remote workforce management into a model of productivity and long-term resilience.• Led operations across 14 departments, overseeing 425 employees and 18 contractors in the Western region, driving operational excellence and strategic alignment• Developed and executed a 5-year engineering strategy, integrating digital transformation and automation to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows• Optimized performance across key metrics, improving contract management, quality assurance, health and safety standards, and customer satisfaction• Spearheaded five sustainability initiatives in collaboration with Tarsheed, enhancing water, electricity, and irrigation systems across 108 facilities• Secured CBAHI and JCI accreditations by ensuring compliance with national and international healthcare standards, strengthening institutional credibility Show less As PMO Head, I navigated complex engineering projects, overseeing scoping, scheduling, budgeting, and QA/QC to ensure seamless execution. I strengthened stakeholder engagement by resolving challenges, streamlining communication, and aligning expectations with local and international partners, including multiple municipalities, Civil Defense, and Saudi Water Company. By planning two steps ahead, I implemented risk management strategies, mitigating deviations and ensuring continuity. Leveraging technology for project tracking, I optimized workflows and celebrated key milestones. Managing multi-cultural collaboration, I facilitated cross-functional alignment, ensuring C-suite-level project governance, strategic execution, and operational excellence in Saudi Arabia’s evolving business landscape.• Delivered 60+ Giga and Mega projects aligned with Vision 2030 sustainability goals, securing LEED Platinum, Gold, and Silver certifications.• Advised cross-functional teams, driving the successful execution of high-impact projects through strategic oversight and collaboration.• Led end-to-end project management, optimizing budgets, scopes, and schedules to ensure timely, cost-efficient, and high-quality delivery• Strengthened stakeholder engagement, partnering with government agencies, contractors, and consultants to align with client and regulatory requirements• Played a key role in major healthcare initiatives, including the planning and commissioning of King Salman Medical City, King Abdullah Children’s Hospital, and COVID-19-mobilized hospitals. Show less

  • Director, Facility Management

    Jan 2019 - Jan 2023

  • Director, Project Management Office

    Jan 2014 - Jan 2019

  • Projects Manager, PMO

    Jan 2011 - Jan 2014

  • Design Engineer, PMO

    Jan 2009 - Jan 2011

  • Utility & Maintenance Engineer

    Jan 2006 - Jan 2009
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  Umm Al-Qura University

  Jan 2023 - now

  Advisory Board Member, College of Engineering

  Aligning education with industry demands requires agility and strategic foresight. Modernizing curricula reinforced the need for continuous adaptation to keep engineering programs relevant. Accreditation underscored the value of global standards and quality assurance, while industry partnerships highlighted how collaboration fuels innovation, research, and talent development. The key lesson: education isn’t just about teaching—it’s about shaping a workforce ready to lead in a fast-evolving world.• Modernized engineering curricula, aligning programs with industry trends and workforce demands to drive strategic educational transformation• Secured ABET accreditation for the College of Engineering, elevating academic standards, program quality, and global competitiveness• Forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders, advancing innovation, research, and technology development to bridge academia and industry Show less

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  Confidential Government

  Jan 2023 - now

  Head of PMO

  As part of a startup launch, I played a pivotal role in clarifying the company’s vision and outlining the critical activities needed for establishment. From handling legal contracts, registration, and ZAKAT to conducting market entry viability studies, I identified key players and stakeholders, shaping a strategic roadmap and financial model. I collaborated with multiple stakeholders to develop policies, procedures, and governance structures, while structuring administrative departments alongside external consultants. Navigating complex communication challenges, I fostered buy-in, prioritized initiatives, and cascaded strategies into actionable plans. This experience reinforced my ability to manage ambiguity, cultural diversity, and stakeholder alignment to achieve strategic organizational goals.• Established and launched a new maritime company, leading market entry strategy, financial modeling, and a 90-day operational roadmap, achieving successful market penetration• Aligned corporate strategy with national economic goals, defining Vision, Mission, and Values to drive sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia• Strengthened competitive positioning by benchmarking global best practices, enhancing operational efficiency, and optimizing financial performance• Implemented robust governance and risk management frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance, informed decision-making, and long-term stability• Secured multi-million-dollar contracts by driving business development, expanding market presence, and forging strategic partnerships in the maritime sector• Optimized financial management through strategic OPEX and CAPEX planning, cost control measures, and efficient resource allocation• Elevated organizational performance by establishing KPI-driven frameworks, leveraging data analytics, and ensuring continuous operational improvement Show less

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  Saudi Council of Engineers | الهيئة السعودية للمهندسين

  Jan 2024 - now

  Vice President, Mechanical Engineering Chapter

  Driving national strategies requires alignment, collaboration, and vision. To that end, I focused on strengthening stakeholder engagement, leveraging clear concepts and structured roadmaps that are essential for delivering impactful, sustainable initiatives. Workforce diversification efforts, through qualification enhancement and skills development, reinforced the importance of knowledge sharing and inclusive talent development in building a resilient pipeline of future industry leaders. The key insight: strategic planning is most effective when it fosters engagement, innovation, and long-term growth, ensuring alignment with broader economic and national objectives.• Developed a three-year national strategy and roadmap, strengthening stakeholder engagement and delivering high-impact projects aligned with Vision 2030• Led initiatives to diversify the workforce and enhance knowledge sharing, creating a dynamic talent pipeline for engineers and future industry leaders Show less