The Director – Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, design oversight, and operational excellence of all instrumentation and control systems across water treatment facilities. This role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient automation of water treatment processes through advanced control systems, smart instrumentation, and SCADA technologies. The Director leads multidisciplinary teams and liaises with cross-functional stakeholders to support expansion, upgrade, and compliance initiatives.
Strategic Leadership:
Define and execute I&C strategies to support short- and long-term goals of water treatment operations and capital projects.
Design & Engineering Oversight:
Review and approve technical designs for SCADA systems, PLCs, DCS, field instrumentation, and control panels across new and existing treatment plants.
Operations Excellence:
Ensure robust monitoring, automation, and optimization of processes including coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and chemical dosing.
Project Execution:
Oversee I&C aspects of capital improvement, expansion, and rehabilitation projects, from conceptual design through commissioning.
Innovation & Digital Integration:
Drive adoption of smart sensors, IoT-enabled monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and AI-based control algorithms.
Compliance & Quality:
Ensure compliance with international standards (ISA, IEC, ISO), local regulatory requirements, and utility-specific performance benchmarks.
Budgeting & Resource Planning:
Develop departmental budgets, forecast resource needs, and ensure efficient utilization of staff, equipment, and technology.
Team Leadership:
Build and lead high-performing engineering teams, fostering technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with executive leadership, engineering consultants, EPC contractors, and regulatory agencies to deliver high-impact projects and services.
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Instrumentation, Electrical, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline
15+ years of progressive experience in I&C engineering, with 5+ years in a director or senior management role in water or industrial utilities
Expertise in SCADA, PLC, DCS, and smart instrumentation technologies
Experience with large-scale water treatment plant operations, upgrades, and automation
PMP, ISA, or equivalent certifications are a strong advantage
Executive-level decision-making and leadership
Technical mastery in instrumentation, controls, and automation systems
Strong planning, budgeting, and team management capabilities
Excellent stakeholder communication and vendor negotiation skills
Understanding of utility safety, compliance, and environmental standards