Field Service Manager

The Field Service Manager is responsible for the on-site installation management, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems, including but not limited to MBR, RO, UF, MBBR, DAF, lamellar settlers, and associated process equipment. The role combines technical expertise with strong project coordination and client-facing skills, ensuring that all field activities are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
The Field Service Manager acts as the primary point of contact between the client, subcontractors, and the project management office, and plays a critical role in maintaining the operational integrity of water infrastructure assets across single or multiple project sites.

Responsibilities

Site Operations & Technical Management

• Oversee the day-to-day M&E site installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water and wastewater treatment plants and associated mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation (CMEI) systems.
• Lead commissioning, start-up, and performance testing activities for new or upgraded water treatment systems.
• Conduct routine and preventive maintenance planning and execution in accordance with OEM specifications and project maintenance schedules.
• Manage process upsets and emergency response, implementing corrective actions to restore operations within minimum downtime.
• Supervise the calibration, inspection, and replacement of instruments, sensors, VFDs, pumps, blowers, and control systems.
• Review and validate design specifications, P&IDs, and technical drawings for constructability and operational compliance.

Project Coordination & EPC Interface

• Coordinate with the EPC project team (engineering, procurement) to ensure smooth field execution aligned with project milestones.
• Track and report field progress against project schedule (Primavera P6 or MS Project), flagging delays and proposing mitigation measures.
• Manage and coordinate subcontractors and field technicians, ensuring work quality and adherence to scope of work.
• Participate in site meetings, toolbox talks, and progress reviews, and prepare detailed field reports for internal and client distribution.
• Review and approve subcontractor invoices, field change orders, and variation requests in coordination with the commercial team.

 
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ)

• Implement and enforce the project HSE plan, site safety procedures, and permit-to-work (PTW) systems at all times.
• Conduct site safety inductions, risk assessments (JSA/HIRA), and toolbox talks for all personnel on site.
• Investigate near-misses, incidents, and non-conformances, and submit reports with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure all field activities comply with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and applicable local regulatory standards.
• Maintain quality records including inspection test plans (ITPs), material traceability records, and as-built documentation.

 
Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary site representative for the client, building and maintaining a professional and collaborative relationship.
• Address client technical queries, operational concerns, and performance issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Participate in client FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and SATs (Site Acceptance Tests), and manage punch list closure.
• Support client training sessions on plant operation and maintenance procedures.

 
Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly field progress reports, operational logs, and KPI dashboards.
• Maintain accurate records of plant performance data (flow rates, turbidity, TOC, energy consumption, chemical dosing, etc.).
• Compile O&M manuals, as-built drawings, and handover documentation for client acceptance.
• Manage field-level document control in coordination with the project document controller.

Team Leadership:

• Project Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate small to mid-sized project teams, ensuring clear roles, effective communication, and task completion.
• Team Development & Coaching: Support team members’ growth through direct coaching, providing guidance, and timely feedback.
• Resource Management: Manage available resources efficiently, ensuring the right personnel and materials are allocated to meet project goals.
• Team Motivation & Morale: Foster a positive, engaged team environment by recognizing achievements and encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
• Team Performance Monitoring & Feedback: Conduct regular performance reviews at the team level, providing constructive feedback to support individual and team growth.

Requirements

Education
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. (Required)
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is beneficial.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in water and/or wastewater treatment operations, with at least 5 years in a field management or site leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in EPC or O&M projects, preferably in municipal water, industrial wastewater, or desalination sectors.
• Hands-on experience with membrane systems (MBR, RO, UF/NF), biological treatment (MBBR, activated sludge), DAF, and chemical dosing systems.
• Experience in commissioning and start-up activities for water treatment plants.
• International or multi-site project experience is strongly preferred 

Preferred

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&IDs, single-line diagrams, loop drawings, and mechanical layouts.
• Working knowledge of SCADA/PLC/HMI systems and BMS integration.
• Familiarity with pump curves, hydraulic modelling, and process control fundamentals.
• Understanding of VFD selection, sizing, and troubleshooting (knowledge of inverter specifications and motor protection is an advantage).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; familiarity with ERP/project management tools (SAP, Oracle, Primavera) is an advantage.

• Strong leadership and team management skills — ability to motivate and direct multidisciplinary field teams.
• High degree of autonomy and problem-solving ability in remote or resource-constrained environments.
• Commercial awareness — ability to manage field costs, identify variations, and support contract administration.
• Resilience and adaptability in challenging site conditions, with willingness to travel and be site-based for extended periods.

• Strong focus on safety standards, quality assurance, and continuous improvement practices.