About Nikolai
14 years of experience in both management consulting and industry roles in Metals & Mining, Chemicals, Oil & Gas and Energy in Middle East, Africa, Europe and Central Asia:
► Proven track record in driving $100M+ operational transformations, capital projects, digital initiatives and cost optimization programs across diverse industries
► Proficient in client engagement, managing cross-functional teams, leveraging advanced analytics and implementing technology solutions to deliver measurable results
► Deep expertise across procurement, maintenance & reliability, production & technology, Industrial IT
► Certified in ACCA, ACT and CFA Level 1, strong technical expertise in SAP ERP, Tableau, SQL and Python
I’m passionate about solving tough business problems, driving sustainable performance improvement, and building high-impact teams. I thrive at the intersection of strategy, technology, and execution — helping organizations unlock their full potential through data, collaboration, and structured delivery.
English
Native or bilingual
Russian
Native or bilingual
Can work on-site
Dubai City (up to 50km)
Experience
- McKinsey & CompanyAssociate to Junior Engagement ManagerJanuary 2023 - January 2025 (2 years)Central AsiaFocus: Digital Transformations, AI, Operational Efficiency, Implementation• Led a digital team to leverage AI, advanced analytics and machine learning and identify double-digit impact on throughput and $20M+ potential in yield improvement (Metallurgy smelter plant)• Led procurement operation model transformation and spend reduction program to capture 25% yearly spent opportunity by various advanced analytics, digital and commercial levers (Manufacturing)• Delivered a 12% increase in output through enhanced technological efficiency, digital production planning, performance management and data-driven decision-making (Mining complex)• Realized $15M+ in savings via digital spend optimization program (Hard-rock mining complex)• Optimized capital overhaul by 23% in planning phase and over 10% during implementation phase via additional levers of work control and improvement (Metal mine site)• Confirmed 9% optimization potential by leading full-cycle production transformation program frommining to beneficiation to metallurgy (Concentrator plant)
- Q OneManagerJanuary 2025 - Today (1 year and 5 months)United Arab EmiratesOriginating & Framing AI Use Cases; Developing ML models; Implementing Data Strategy• Led a team to develop three AI use cases and set up the data platform; identified ~AED 5M+ in annual EBITDA impact through optimized irrigation, fertilization, and trading (Agricultural Holding)
- SIBUR (the largest PetrochemicalBusiness Transformation ManagerJanuary 2017 - January 2023 (6 years)RussiaFocus: Digitalization, Performance Management, Restructuring, Operating Models• Led data-driven management transformation by implementing End-to-End processes dashboardsintegrated with the corporate data lake, used by 1,500+ employees and executives• Drove enterprise digitalization and IT integration project, reducing accounting labor intensity by 60% through OCR and workflow automation• Designed and implemented Procurement, Repairs, and Reliability strategy supported by digital tools, achieving 30% labor efficiency gains and the accelerated achievement of business targets
Recommendations
Be the first to recommend Nikolai
Help this freelancer shine by sharing your experience working together.
These freelancer profiles also match your criteria
Agatha Frydrych
Backend Java Software Engineer
4.7
(3)
2
Baptiste Duhen
Fullstack developer
4.6
(4)
5
Amed Hamou
Senior Lead Developer
4
(2)
7
Audrey Champion
Web developer
4.3
(3)
4
Education
- Specialist (MSc) degreeMoscow Lomonosov State University2011Specialist (MSc) degree
- SAP FSCM, CFA L1, ACCA Accounting in Business, ACT FinanceSAP FSCM, CFA L1, ACCA Accounting in Business, ACT Finance