Mohammed Al Shizawi

Overview :
Oversee HR, procurement, administration, government relations, corporate communications, and security functions at Sohar Port and Freezone. Drive alignment between departmental operations and corporate strategy while spearheading business growth initiatives. Lead strategic projects, external relations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, ensuring the company's competitive positioning and positive stakeholder engagement.

Key Achievements :

• Successfully integrated multiple support service departments into a unified structure, streamlining processes and increasing operational efficiency.
• Established and led the Transformation Office , delivering key initiatives and driving significant organizational change.
• Oversaw and implemented an improvement plan for procurement and contract operations, focusing on automation, policy enhancement, staff development, and organizational restructuring.
• Collaborated with shareholders to elevate the SOHAR brand, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and enhancing market visibility and reputation.
• Fostered a high-performance culture by upgrading the performance management system and increasing employee engagement, resulting in higher productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with government stakeholders, ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating smooth operations.
• Optimized administrative, facility, and fleet management services, reducing costs while improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Developed an internal customer service culture, focusing on improving satisfaction, retention, and loyalty.
• Sponsored the Customer Centricity Steering Committee , supervising key projects such as the construction of a new customs facility in the Freezone, CRM implementation, customer journey mapping, and brand enhancement, leading to stronger customer relations and a more commercially driven mindset across the organization.
• Sponsored the Digitalization Steering Committee , overseeing ERP implementation and driving the digitalization roadmap to modernize operations and enhance decision-making.
• Represented the company in engagements with local government officials and stakeholders at key events, strengthening corporate relationships and brand visibility.
• Led corporate communications efforts, working closely with the commercial team to enhance the company's public image and brand presence through media, PR, and corporate events.
• Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, increasing value creation and process efficiency throughout the organization.

Overview :
Led the People and Corporate Communication departments, with a focus on fostering a performance-driven culture and aligning HR and communication strategies with overall business objectives. Spearheaded a comprehensive change management program and acted as the sponsor for the technology and business excellence initiatives, driving innovation and supporting the company's long-term growth.

Key Achievements :

• Conducted an in-depth review of the people strategy, developing and implementing a full-scale change management program focused on: Organizational Design : Re-engineered the organizational structure to enhance agility and improve talent alignment with strategic priorities.
  Talent Management : Created robust talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to build leadership pipelines and secure critical skills.
  Learning & Development : Introduced cutting-edge training programs to foster leadership growth and technical proficiency.
  HR Operations : Streamlined HR processes, including payroll and the implementation of an advanced HR Information System (HRIS), increasing efficiency and accuracy.
  
• Oversaw the Corporate Communication department, driving: Internal Communication : Strengthened organizational alignment by ensuring transparent communication of business goals and strategic priorities.
  External Communication : Enhanced the company's public image through strategic PR, media relations, and corporate branding efforts.
  Stakeholder Management : Built and nurtured strong relationships with government entities, shareholders, and external partners, aligning them with the company's strategic vision.
  
• Sponsored the Technology and Business Excellence Strategic Pillar , collaborating with senior management to drive innovation, digital transformation, and business excellence initiatives.
• Created a culture of continuous improvement and high employee engagement , resulting in enhanced productivity, innovation, and measurable improvements in business outcomes.

Overview :
Appointed as the Transformation Lead for the integration of OQ companies, I was responsible for spearheading key transformation initiatives that aligned with the broader organizational strategy. Focused on delivering lean transformation, digital integration, and fostering innovation, I played a critical role in optimizing the work environment and unifying business processes across entities.

Key Achievements :

• Lean Transformation : Led the implementation of Lean methodologies across departments, resulting in streamlined workflows, reduced operational waste, and increased efficiency across the newly integrated business units.
• Digital Transformation : Spearheaded the integration of digital solutions, including the successful implementation of ERP systems, ensuring seamless business process unification and alignment with the merged company's strategic objectives.
• Work Environment Optimization : Focused on optimizing the organizational environment post-merger, implementing new policies and practices that enhanced cross-departmental collaboration, employee engagement, and productivity.
• Innovation Leadership : Drove a culture of innovation by introducing new technology initiatives and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement, ensuring the newly formed company remained agile and future-focused.
• Stakeholder Alignment : Collaborated with senior leadership and stakeholders to align transformation initiatives with broader corporate goals, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent communication across all levels of the organization.

Overview :
As a key driver of operational excellence during my tenure, I spearheaded transformative initiatives focused on Lean Six Sigma, process optimization, and value creation. Through strategic leadership, I enhanced organizational performance, generating significant financial impact and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. I also contributed to the development of the business excellence framework and supported key financial programs that aligned with long-term corporate objectives.

Key Achievements :

• Lean Transformation Program : Designed and led a comprehensive Lean transformation program that resulted in over $50 million USD in savings by optimizing processes, improving operational efficiencies, and eliminating waste across multiple business units.
• Leadership in Lean Six Sigma : Orchestrated two waves of Lean Six Sigma training for more than 200 employees , successfully executing over 40 projects that collectively generated over $8 million USD in value . This program significantly enhanced the organization's process improvement capabilities.
• Internal Customer Satisfaction Program : Spearheaded the launch of an internal customer satisfaction initiative, enhancing service delivery across departments and strengthening cross-functional collaboration.
• Value Hunt Program : Led the Value Hunt Program , which identified and implemented high-impact initiatives that generated over $10 million USD in value in 2018 alone, positioning the organization for sustainable growth.
• Post-Implementation Reviews for Capital Expenditure Projects : Conducted rigorous post-implementation reviews for key capital expenditure projects, ensuring alignment with financial and operational objectives and contributing to the long-term success of the organization.
• Business Excellence : Played an integral role in the creation of the Business Excellence Strategic Pillar , driving initiatives that enhanced organizational agility and continuous improvement across key business functions.
• Zero-Based Budgeting : Supported the execution of the Zero-Based Budgeting Program , ensuring efficient resource allocation and driving cost savings in line with the organization's financial strategy.

Overview :
Led transformative HR initiatives, focusing on compensation benchmarking, organizational restructuring, and HR operations optimization. Played a critical role in aligning the HR function with the company's strategic goals, driving talent management and operational cost control. Spearheaded projects aimed at enhancing organizational efficiency, employee engagement, and ensuring competitive compensation frameworks.

Key Achievements :

• Compensation Strategy & Salary Benchmarking : Led a comprehensive salary benchmarking project using the Hay grading system , ensuring fair and competitive compensation practices that aligned with industry standards and improved employee retention.
• Organizational Right-Sizing : Led a right-sizing initiative , conducting an in-depth employee cost analysis to optimize workforce structures, align headcount with strategic goals, and drive long-term cost savings.
• HR Digital Transformation : Managed the implementation of SAP SuccessFactors for talent management, integrating key HR processes such as recruitment, performance management, and succession planning, resulting in improved talent visibility and decision-making.
• HR Business Planning & KPI Management : Directed the HR business planning process , including the development of KPIs and annual budgeting. Aligned HR goals with broader corporate objectives, ensuring accountability and measurable results.
• Cost Control & Budget Management : Controlled employee relations and HR operational costs through meticulous budget management , delivering efficiencies while maintaining high levels of service and employee engagement.

Overview :
Led key HR system transformation initiatives, including the successful implementation of the SAP HR model and harmonization projects. Drove the integration of multiple systems across Oracle, SAP, and Excel, ensuring seamless data migration and alignment with corporate objectives. Played a pivotal role in managing compensation and benefits processes, supporting payroll operations, and delivering HR budgeting aligned with organizational goals.

Key Achievements :

• SAP HR Model Implementation : Successfully led the SAP HR model implementation project, delivering it on time and within budget, ensuring seamless integration of HR processes and improving overall operational efficiency.
• Harmonization Project & System Integration : Led the harmonization project for the Oracle system and contract management, ensuring the standardization of processes across systems. Managed the data migration for the integrated company across three systems— Oracle, SAP, and Excel —ensuring data accuracy and system alignment.
• Compensation & Benefits Management : Supported the payroll team in managing complex HR processes such as promotions, transfers, salary adjustments, annual increments, and profit sharing, ensuring timely and accurate execution.
• HR Budget Leadership : Directed the HR budget for Orpic, providing strategic oversight for salary analysis, cost management, and financial planning.
• IT Coordination for HR Systems : Coordinated with IT to ensure all Compensation & Benefits system requirements were met, optimizing HR technology to support the organization's operational needs.

Overview :
Managed HR operations, focusing on employee benefits, HR system updates, and recruitment processes. Supported seamless HR workflows, from benefits administration to onboarding, aligned with organizational goals.

Key Achievements :

• Benefits Management : Processed employee benefits claims, ensuring timely and compliant disbursements.
• HRIS Management : Updated employee profiles and generated monthly HR reports, improving data accuracy and decision-making.
• Recruitment : Screened CVs, conducted interviews, and prepared offers to secure top talent.
• Onboarding : Led induction programs to ensure smooth onboarding and quick integration for new hires.

Overview :
Supported Omanization initiatives and ensured compliance with labor laws within the oil and gas sector.

Key Achievements :

• Omanization Support : Assisted private companies in meeting Omanization targets.
• Job Placement : Helped locals secure roles aligned with their qualifications and experience.
• Compliance Audits : Conducted company visits to ensure compliance with labor laws and employee well-being.

Overview :
Assisted in the development and implementation of the Fixed Asset Management System for the Diwan Royal Court (DRC), while collaborating with team members and providing training support.

Key Achievements :

• System Implementation : Contributed to the setup of the Fixed Asset Management System for the DRC.
• Requirements Gathering : Worked closely with DRC staff to understand and document system requirements.
• Team Leadership : Led a team of auditors, ensuring effective collaboration and task completion.
• Training & Support : Trained DRC staff in using the new system, ensuring smooth adoption and functionality.