Leadership Development Program for MidLevel Managers

Why Focus on MidLevel Leadership?

Midlevel managers at Aramco act as the critical bridge between senior executives and frontline teams. Their decisions influence operational efficiency, safety standards, and the ability to execute the companys strategic vision. A robust leadership development program (LDP) for this group yields three measurable benefits:

• Improved project delivery: Faster, costeffective completion of oilfield and downstream initiatives.
• Higher employee engagement: Teams led by welltrained managers report stronger morale and lower turnover.
• Enhanced succession readiness: A pipeline of capable leaders ready to assume senior roles.

Program Architecture

The Aramco Leadership Development Program (ALDP) follows a blendedlearning model, combining classroombased modules, virtual simulations, and onthejob assignments. The curriculum is divided into three pillars:

1. Core Competencies

These are the foundational skills every manager must master:

• Strategic Thinking translating global energy trends into actionable plans.
• DecisionMaking Under Uncertainty applying riskanalysis techniques in volatile markets.
• Effective Communication delivering clear messages across multicultural teams.

2. Functional Expertise

Focused on Aramcos business domains:

• Upstream Operations reservoir management, drilling economics.
• Midstream Logistics pipeline integrity, transportation safety.
• Downstream Refining process optimization, product quality assurance.

3. Leadership Impact

Developing the ability to inspire, coach, and sustain highperforming teams:

• Coaching and Mentoring building a culture of continuous learning.
• Change Management guiding teams through digital transformation and sustainability initiatives.
• Ethical Governance reinforcing Aramcos commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Learning Journey

Each participant follows a 12month cycle, structured as follows:

1. PreAssessment (Month1): 360degree feedback and competency gap analysis.
2. Foundational Workshops (Months24): Intensive classroom sessions conducted at the Aramco Learning Center in Dhahran.
3. Digital Simulations (Months56): Virtual scenarios covering crisis management, price volatility, and crossfunctional collaboration.
4. Action Learning Projects (Months710): Realworld assignments aligned with strategic priorities e.g., reducing flaring, optimizing supplychain logistics.
5. Coaching Circles (Months1112): Peertopeer coaching groups led by senior mentors.
6. Final Evaluation: Review of project outcomes, leadership growth metrics, and a personalized development plan.

Measuring Leader Performance

Performance is evaluated through a balanced scorecard that captures both quantitative and qualitative indicators:

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational Efficiency: Reduction in nonproductive time (NPT) and improvement in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• Safety Metrics: Decrease in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) under the managers jurisdiction.
• Financial Results: Achievement of budgetary targets and costsaving initiatives.
• Team Development: Number of internal promotions and employee engagement scores.

Qualitative Assessment

Feedback from peers, direct reports, and senior leaders is collected via an annual 360degree survey. Themes such as strategic vision, adaptability, and ethical leadership are scored on a 5point scale. The qualitative component also includes:

• Case study presentations of the Action Learning Project.
• Selfreflection essays on leadership challenges faced.
• Mentor evaluations focusing on coaching effectiveness.

Success Stories

Since the programs launch in 2021, more than 350 midlevel managers have completed the ALDP. Notable outcomes include:

• ProjectPhoenix: A team led by a recent graduate of the program reduced gasoil separation time by 22% and saved US$12million annually.
• Safety Champion Initiative: Managers who applied the changemanagement module decreased workplace incidents by 18% within a year.
• Leadership Pipeline: Over 40% of senior positions filled in 2024 originated from ALDP alumni.

Future Directions

Aramco is expanding the program to incorporate emerging themes:

• Digital Transformation: AIdriven decision support tools for realtime asset management.
• Sustainability Leadership: Training on netzero pathways, carbon capture, and ESG reporting.
• CrossCultural Collaboration: Modules on leading multinational teams and managing joint ventures.

Continuous improvement will be driven by data analytics, ensuring that the curriculum evolves with industry trends and organizational needs.

Join the Journey

Midlevel managers who aspire to become transformational leaders are invited to apply for the next ALDP cohort. Applications open in September and close at the end of October. For more information, please contact the Learning & Development Office at ldo@aramco.com or visit the internal portal.