Product Operations Manager (w/m/d)

SL Rasch

IHRE AUFGABEN Engineering Design, Systems Integration, and Development * Lead and coordinate the integrated development of mechanical systems, ensuring alignment between mechanical, structural, and electrical/control disciplines. * Define mechanical system concepts, requirements, and performance criteria, coordinating detailed design development through internal teams and external engineering partners. * Define mechanical interface requirements and coordinate with civil and structural engineers regarding loads, tolerances, deflections, connection details, and installation constraints. * Evaluate mechanical designs against performance, safety, maintainability, and constructability requirements. * Review, technically verify, and validate supplier and external partner designs, calculations, and shop drawings for compliance with project requirements, interfaces, and constructability. * Act as the mechanical lead within project teams, providing guidance and technical direction. * Coordinate mechanical activities across internal disciplines and external partners. * Support the gradual build-up of an internal mechanical engineering capability, subject to workload and project pipeline. * Contribute to defining future workflows, role profiles, and interface standards for mechanical engineering. External Engineering & Supplier Coordination * Define mechanical system scopes, interfaces, deliverables, and performance requirements for outsourced engineering partners and suppliers. * Identify, evaluate, and recommend suitable external engineering offices, manufacturers, and technology partners. * Technically steer and coordinate external partners to ensure timely, compliant, and integrated design delivery. * Review, challenge, and verify externally produced calculations, drawings, and specifications. * Ensure all externally developed mechanical content is fully coordinated with architectural, structural, and electrical documentation. Collaboration and Coordination * Coordinate closely with structural, electrical, and automation teams to ensure all systems function as one integrated solution. * Manage interfaces with electrical and control systems, including automation, sensors, limit switches, safety interlocks, power supply, and cabling routes. * Act as the main technical point of contact for mechanical system integration with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders. * Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors, addressing technical queries (RFIs), design changes, and interface issues. * Act as the primary mechanical systems interface between internal disciplines and external engineering partners. Installation Supervision and Site Support  * Provide technical oversight and coordination of mechanical installation and assembly activities, ensuring adherence to approved designs, method statements, and safety requirements. * Support preparation and review of lifting plans, installation sequences, and alignment and tolerance verification procedures. * Perform QA/QC inspections, monitor workmanship quality, and manage punch lists and corrective actions. * Coordinate contractors and site teams to ensure installation activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project schedules. Commissioning, Testing, and Handover * Support commissioning activities, including functional testing, load testing (where applicable), and safety validation of movable systems in coordination with suppliers and specialist partners. * Ensure proper documentation of test results, approvals, and compliance checks. * Prepare and review handover documentation, including operation and maintenance manuals, as-built drawings, and training materials. * Support client and operator training during handover phases. Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Reporting * Ensure all mechanical systems comply with applicable standards, regulations, safety requirements, and client specifications. * Produce clear and structured technical documentation and reports for internal teams and clients. * Maintain traceability of design decisions, changes, and approvals throughout the project lifecycle. IHR PROFIL Required Skills and Experience * Solid mechanical engineering fundamentals with practical understanding of moving structures, drives, and electromechanical systems. * Proven ability to coordinate, integrate, and technically validate mechanical systems delivered by external specialists. * Proven site experience supervising installation and assembly works, including contractor coordination and quality control. * Ability to assess mechanical designs with respect to performance, safety, maintainability, and constructability. * Strong communication skills and ability to produce clear technical documentation and reports. * Confidence in reviewing, questioning, and verifying third-party engineering outputs without being the primary specialist designer. Preferred / Nice to Have * Experience with retractable roofs, movable bridges, large doors or gates, cranes and hoists, automated industrial systems, or similar heavy mechanical installations. * Knowledge of automation and control system integration, including PLC concepts, sensors, interlocks, and fail-safe design principles. * Familiarity with relevant engineering standards and safety practices, including machine safety, lifting and rigging coordination, and QA/QC processes. * Arabic and/or English proficiency, with the ability to work in international project environments and with global suppliers. Typical Professional Education / Certifications * BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering with a strong mechanical focus. * Preferred: specialization or proven experience in machine design, mechatronics integration, heavy machinery, or structural–mechanical interfaces. Typical Additional Certifications (Optional but Valuable) * Project leadership or project management training (PM fundamentals; PMP or PRINCE2 beneficial for senior roles). * Machine safety or functional safety awareness (e.g., risk assessment, interlocks; TÜV or IEC-related exposure advantageous where applicable). * Site supervision or construction safety (HSE) certification. * Vendor or industry training related to drives, hydraulics, gearboxes, bearings, and automation systems.

SL Rasch

IHRE AUFGABEN Role purpose Crowd movement analysis and static assessments to identify risks, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities, supporting safe and efficient crowd management planning. Key responsibilities * Analyse crowd movement in MCA (Makkah City and Holy Sites context) and interpret operational implications. * Perform static analyses of pedestrian spaces (capacities, densities, flows, conflict points). * Identify critical situations (pinch points, queuing, unsafe densities) and propose practical improvements. * Support scenario definition and evaluation (e.g., peak periods, diversions, special cases). * Produce clear, structured reporting and presentation content for client deliverables. * Collaborate with engineering, planning, and monitoring/technology teams to align assumptions and recommendations. Required skills & experience * Strong background in pedestrian/crowd modelling and/or crowd safety assessment. * Experience producing actionable recommendations from analysis outputs. * Strong report writing and stakeholder communication. IHR PROFIL Required skills & experience * Strong background in pedestrian/crowd modelling and/or crowd safety assessment. * Experience producing actionable recommendations from analysis outputs. * Strong report writing and stakeholder communication. Preferred * Arabic language/background (for local context, coordination, and interpretation of stakeholder inputs). Typical professional education * BSc / MSc / PhD in: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, Systems Engineering, Urban Planning, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or related fields. * Preferred: postgraduate specialization in crowd dynamics, pedestrian modelling, transport planning, or safety engineering. Typical additional training/certs (optional) * Crowd safety / event safety training (e.g., crowd management, crowd risk assessment) * Training on pedestrian/crowd modelling platforms (e.g., Legion, MassMotion, Viswalk, PedFlow/PedNet, etc.) * Human factors / evacuation modelling coursework

SL Rasch

IHRE AUFGABEN Role Purpose: The role exists to deliver high-quality crowd movement analysis and static assessments that support safe, efficient, and robust crowd management planning. The Crowd Modelling Expert applies analytical judgement, domain knowledge, and structured reasoning to identify risks, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities in pedestrian environments. The role focuses on interpreting crowd behavior and space performance, translating analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for planners, engineers, and decision-makers.   Technical Scope & Nature of Work Work on this project typically involves: * Analyzing crowd movement and pedestrian behavior in complex, high-density environments. * Performing static and quasi-static assessments of pedestrian spaces, where layout, operational rules, and demand patterns are critical. * Operating at the interface between quantitative analysis and operational judgement. * Supporting decision-making where safety, capacity, and operational robustness are primary concerns. The work is decision-oriented rather than academic, with a strong emphasis on clarity, practicality, and defensibility. Key Responsibilities Problem Definition & Method Selection * Analyze pedestrian movement patterns and crowd behavior in defined areas and scenarios. * Assess capacities, densities, flow rates, queuing behavior, and spatial conflicts. * Identify critical situations such as pinch points, congestion, unsafe densities, or operational weaknesses. Scenario Evaluation & Interpretation * Support the definition and evaluation of operational scenarios (e.g. peak demand, diversions, special events, constrained conditions). * Interpret analytical results in terms of risk, safety, and operational performance. * Distinguish between theoretical capacity and realistic, safe operation. Recommendations & Practical Solutions * Develop clear, practical improvement measures (layout changes, operational rules, routing strategies, demand management). * Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of proposed measures. * Support prioritization of interventions based on risk and impact. Documentation & Communication * Produce structured reports, figures, and presentations suitable for client and stakeholder use. * Clearly document assumptions, limitations, and confidence levels. * Communicate findings in a way that is understandable to non-specialist audiences without oversimplifying. Collaboration * Work closely with simulation engineers, planners, engineers, and monitoring / technology specialists. * Align assumptions and findings across disciplines to ensure consistency of recommendations. Level of Technical Ownership Depending on experience, the role provides: * Ownership of assigned crowd analysis work packages. * Responsibility for the technical soundness and clarity of conclusions and recommendations. * Opportunity to challenge assumptions and refine scenarios in coordination with the wider team. * Contribution to improving internal analysis approaches and standards. Engineering Mindset & Working Style  This role suits individuals who: * Understand crowd behavior as a system, not just a set of numbers. * Are comfortable making judgement-based assessments under imperfect information. * Can balance safety, operational feasibility, and real-world constraints. * Prefer structured reasoning and clear communication over purely theoretical analysis. * Are motivated by improving safety and performance in complex public environments. IHR PROFIL Role-Specific Technical Focus This role specialises in crowd movement analysis and static crowd modelling, with emphasis on: * Pedestrian space performance * Crowd safety and risk identification * Operational feasibility of crowd management concepts The role complements dynamic simulation by providing interpretation, context, and operational realism.   Required Skills & Experience * Strong background in pedestrian / crowd modelling, crowd safety assessment, or transport / movement analysis. * Experience translating analytical findings into actionable recommendations. * Strong technical writing and stakeholder communication skills. * Ability to reason about safety, capacity, and operational risk holistically. Preferred Experience * Experience with complex, high-density or high-stakes environments (transport hubs, events, religious sites, urban centers). * Familiarity with pedestrian or crowd modelling platforms (e.g. Legion, MassMotion, Viswalk, PEDFLOW / PEDNET, or similar). * Arabic language skills or regional background supporting contextual understanding and coordination. Education Background * BSc, MSc, or PhD in Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, Systems Engineering, Urban Planning, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. * Preferred: postgraduate focus on crowd dynamics, pedestrian modelling, transport planning, or safety engineering. Optional Training / Certifications * Crowd safety or event safety training (crowd risk assessment, crowd management). * Training on pedestrian / crowd modelling platforms. * Human factors, evacuation modelling, or safety engineering coursework. Engagement Model * Freelance or project-based engagement. * Remote-first technical work with structured coordination. * On-site presence only if technically required.