Hi everyone,This is a very amazing website with a lot of information!I’m 30 years old, currently Director of Operations in a leading company in the automotive industry, managing operations of 250+ people. I have lead a 80M$ industrial rampup, quality crisis and OEE recovery in several sites.I’m now aiming to relocate to Saudi Arabia to contribute to large-scale industrial transformation or turnaround initiatives — ideally within consulting firms, PE-backed operations, or pioneering manufacturing ventures.Additional info: I studied in a school that can be targeted by MBB. I’d be very grateful for:Advice from anyone who has made a similar move to KSA (especially from Europe),Insights on key players hiring for execution / restructuring / ramp-up roles in the region,Feedback on how to position my profile to overcome local hiring preferences.Concerning consulting firms, what woud be the best move for you, aiming to be a specialized consultant in MBB, or maybe cabinets such as alixpartners or Alvarez & Marsal. Aiming to be a key executant? I have heard that for some missions those cabinets need field experts to implement transformation on the ground. Thanks a lot in advance!Best,

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Anonymous A

on Jul 15, 2025

Middle East

Looking to Relocate to Saudi Arabia — Industrial Operations Leader Seeking Guidance

Hi everyone,

This is a very amazing website with a lot of information!

I’m 30 years old, currently Director of Operations in a leading company in the automotive industry, managing operations of 250+ people.
I have lead a 80M$ industrial rampup, quality crisis and OEE recovery in several sites.

I’m now aiming to relocate to Saudi Arabia to contribute to large-scale industrial transformation or turnaround initiatives — ideally within consulting firms, PE-backed operations, or pioneering manufacturing ventures.

Additional info: I studied in a school that can be targeted by MBB.

I’d be very grateful for:

Advice from anyone who has made a similar move to KSA (especially from Europe),
Insights on key players hiring for execution / restructuring / ramp-up roles in the region,
Feedback on how to position my profile to overcome local hiring preferences.

Concerning consulting firms, what woud be the best move for you, aiming to be a specialized consultant in MBB, or maybe cabinets such as alixpartners or Alvarez & Marsal. Aiming to be a key executant? I have heard that for some missions those cabinets need field experts to implement transformation on the ground.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Best,

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Top answer

Cristian

Coach

on Jul 15, 2025

#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there,

I assume based on your description that you'd be primarily targeting consulting firms in Saudi Arabia.

If that's the case, I would start by having a few conversations with people who have managed a similar transition (relocating professionally from Europe to Saudi Arabia). You should be able to find them over LinkedIn (use the link below to get a sense of how to source the contacts). They should give you a clear understanding of the techniques you can resort to motivate your relocation:

Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Then, in terms of consulting firms, I'd recommend you go broad, but do try and get referrals with as many of them as possible. The coffee chats I was mentioning above might be the way to get these referrals, and this will increase your chances of passing screening. You might find this guide useful:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Alessa

Coach

on Jul 15, 2025

xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

Hey!

Your profile is super relevant for the Saudi market, industrial ramp-ups, ops leadership, and turnaround experience are exactly what firms need for Vision 2030-linked projects. MBB in the region often look for people like you to lead implementation-heavy transformations, especially at the Junior Engagement Manager or Specialist level.

If your goal is deep execution and field work, AlixPartners or A&M might actually be even more aligned than MBB, they often hire industry experts for operational transformation and PE-backed value creation work.

To position yourself well: emphasize your scale, leadership, crisis management, and tangible impact. Also highlight global experience and cultural adaptability—it really matters in the Gulf. Target both consulting and large PE-backed industrial players (like PIF-backed ventures).

Happy to help with your CV or intro email if you’re applying soon!

Best,
Alessa

Salman

Coach

9 hrs ago

Ex-McKinsey (Dubai) | 4+ YoE | Jr. Engagement Manager in Private Capital + Public Sector | Interviewer-led MBB coaching

You’ve got strong operational experience, and there’s definitely demand in KSA for execution-focused leaders, especially with your ramp-up and turnaround background.

For consulting, generalist MBB may be a stretch unless you pivot into implementation tracks (e.g., McKinsey RTS / Ops, BCG Implementation), or go via expert/affiliate routes. Alvarez & Marsal or AlixPartners are better fits if you're aiming to stay close to execution, but they generally pay less.

Also look at PIF portfolio companies, giga-projects, and industrial SPVs e.g., Modon and companies operating within SEZs (special economic zones). Many are hiring transformation leads with actual field credibility, although those roles will be a bit more less structured, and often act as a PMO-ish role managing different consultants, tech leads, manufacturing lines etc.

Good luck!

Top Answer by

Cristian

Coach

#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

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