General Manager, Industrial Zone

1. Overall Purpose of the Role

The General Manager of the Industrial Zone is responsible for the overall strategic and executive leadership of managing and developing a multi\-sector industrial zone in Aleppo. This role is challenging as it requires extensive expertise in managing special economic zones, attracting foreign and local investment, and managing major infrastructure projects within the context of reconstruction and economic recovery. The primary objective is to transform the zone into a competitive local and regional hub for production and export, and to restore Aleppo’s position as the engine of Syrian industry.

2. Key Responsibilities and Duties

A) Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive long\-term (5\-year) strategy for the industrial zone aimed at sustainable growth, sector diversification, and increased competitiveness.
  


• Translate the strategy into annual operational plans with clear key performance indicators (KPIs).
  


• Directly oversee plans to rehabilitate and upgrade damaged infrastructure (roads, power, water, telecommunications) to ensure the zone is ready to receive investments.
  


• Lead the zone’s digital transformation initiatives, including establishing electronic platforms to serve investors and applying smart industrial city concepts.
  


• Directly oversee the implementation of initiatives in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Industry (such as a research/studies center and a business incubator).
  

B) Investment Attraction and Economic Development

• Lead the promotion and marketing efforts for the zone locally, regionally, and internationally, with a focus on attracting foreign investment and major industrial companies.
  


• Establish and develop an effective investor relations and services system (One\-Stop Shop) to facilitate licensing procedures, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, and offer incentives.
  


• Work to diversify targeted industrial sectors, support Aleppo’s traditional industries (such as textiles and shoes), and encourage higher value\-added industries.
  


• Supervise the project to establish an industrial zone management company to provide services to factories and investments after all offered plots/premises have been sold/leased.
  


• Attract partnerships with relevant international entities and global companies to support the zone’s initiatives and programs, maximize benefits for industrialists and investors, and increase the zone’s revenues.
  

C) Operational and Financial Management

• Oversee the preparation of annual budgets, manage cash flows, and secure the required financing for initiatives and programs when needed.
  


• Develop and implement comprehensive plans to manage operational, security, environmental, and financial risks—especially regarding securing alternative and sustainable energy sources.
  


• Ensure the industrial zone complies with all relevant Syrian laws and regulations, including investment, labor, environment, and housing laws.
  

D) Human Resources Management

• Recruit, train, and motivate a highly competent team capable of managing the complex operations of the industrial zone.
  


• Develop strategies to attract and bring back industrial talent that has left the country.
  


• Develop training and qualification plans to improve performance, close current skills gaps, and prepare cadres that can be leveraged in other industrial zones within the country.
  

E) Governance and Stakeholder Communication

• Draft and implement the framework governing the relationship between the investor/industrialist and the zone administration, along with a governance charter to ensure transparency and accountability.
  


• Serve as an effective liaison between investors/industrialists and government entities (Ministry of Economy and Industry, Ministry of Finance, land/sea/air ports, customs) to resolve obstacles and facilitate operations, import, and export.
  


• Activate twinning programs with regional and international industrial zones, and reconnect Aleppo with regional markets through joint conferences, exhibitions, and delegations.
  


• Build strong, positive relationships with senior government stakeholders in Syria to ensure the necessary support to remove obstacles whenever required.
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Master’s degree or equivalent in industrial engineering, management, economics, finance, or a related field.
  


• Minimum of 15 years of total experience, including at least 7 years in an executive leadership role (CEO/Director).
  


• Proven experience managing major infrastructure projects (power, water, roads) in challenging environments or post\-conflict contexts.
  


• Previous experience dealing with government bodies and economic organizations in Syria or the region.
  


• Deep knowledge of the Syrian market and legislative/regulatory environment, with experience working with investors from Arab and regional countries.
  


• Strong understanding of the industrial business environment in Syria (or the city of Aleppo) and its specific challenges.
  


• Ability to lead a team under changing and unstable conditions.
  


• An investment\-minded approach capable of turning the industrial zone project into a profitable, value\-added service operation.
  


• Strong decision\-making under pressure and risk management skills in a volatile environment.
  


• Solid technology awareness and the ability to lead automation projects.
  


• Excellent communication skills with all stakeholders.
  


• Full proficiency in Arabic and English (spoken and written).