Great general managers share key traits that enable them to lead with foresight, resilience, and impact. They balance short-term priorities with long-term strategic goals, anticipate challenges and opportunities, and make decisive choices even amid uncertainty. They inspire their teams with clear communication, build trust across stakeholders, and embrace change as a constant in business.
One such transformational leader is Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief, the General Manager at Precision Group, a regional leader in packaging and engineering solutions. With over 30 years of experience in global manufacturing and engineering industries, Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief brings a unique combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and people-centric leadership.
Under his guidance, Precision Group has expanded market reach, forged strategic partnerships, and strengthened its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and community engagement. His visionary leadership has positioned the company as a frontrunner in innovation and growth within the UAE’s evolving industrial landscape.
A Seasoned Industry Veteran
Mr.Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s journey reflects decades of experience at leading global companies, including Aptar Group, where he honed his expertise in manufacturing systems and operations. He joined Precision Group as Head of Operations, where his leadership in optimizing workflows and streamlining processes delivered significant improvements in production efficiency, cost management, and profitability.
His ability to blend operational efficiency with strategic foresight laid the groundwork for his progression to General Manager. With a clear focus on building scalable systems, enhancing quality standards, and fostering a culture of innovation, he continues to drive Precision Group’s growth and performance in competitive markets.
A Visionary Leader Driving Innovation
At the core of Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s leadership is a clear vision for innovation and sustainability. He has successfully expanded Precision Group’s market presence, optimized operations, and nurtured a culture of continuous improvement.
During Gulfood 2024, Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s unveiled key strategic partnerships and new initiatives that reinforced Precision Group’s position as a regional leader in packaging. He also spearheaded a transformative shift in the Precision Engineering segment, evolving it from a provider of dies and tools into a comprehensive turnkey solutions provider. Today, the company offers end-to-end services—from concept design and plant setup to quality control systems and final product delivery—resulting in 25% year-on-year revenue growth in 2024.
His leadership has also driven the Dairy Packaging Division Plant Upgradation Project, a fully automated production facility where the entire process, from raw material to finished product, operates seamlessly without human contact. This state-of-the-art transformation has enhanced product quality, increased productivity, and reduced operational costs, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Operational Excellence and Sustainable Growth
Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s believes in keeping Precision Group ahead of the manufacturing curve by maximizing production efficiencies, cutting costs, and maintaining top-tier product quality. His strategic initiatives focus on:
System optimization to improve workflow efficiency.
Right-weighting technology in packaging to reduce material use and minimize environmental impact. R&D investments to adopt cutting-edge technologies for competitive advantage.
A prime example of his innovation is the new Dairy Gallon bottle, the lightest in its category, achieving a breakthrough in both sustainability and product design for the region.
Under his leadership, solar panels were installed across all manufacturing facility rooftops, further reducing the company’s carbon footprint. By integrating global best practices with local capabilities, he has ensured that Precision Group remains competitive while aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals.
Aligning with UAE’s National Vision
Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s strategic direction for Precision Group is closely aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300bn initiative, a national industrial strategy aimed at transforming the country into a global hub for advanced industries.
As an active member of the Chamber of Commerce for Packaging, he advocates for enhancing local manufacturing capabilities to support national objectives. One of the most notable strides under his leadership is the development of high-precision aircraft components, contributing to the UAE’s growing aerospace manufacturing sector.
The company’s recent achievement of AS 9100 certification for aerospace quality management highlights his commitment to world-class standards, technical training, and local capability enhancement.
Looking ahead, Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s aims to diversify Precision Group’s offerings both in terms of product range and geographical reach, expanding further into high-tech manufacturing and sustainable packaging while strengthening the company’s regional presence across the Middle East.
Building a Responsible, People-Centric Organization
Beyond operational and strategic excellence, Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s prioritizes corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement. Under his leadership, Precision Group actively supports initiatives that blend sustainability with social impact.
Notable CSR initiatives include:
Recycled flowerpot projects showcased at the Al Noor Family Funfair, with proceeds supporting individuals with disabilities at the Al Noor Training Centre.
Distribution of 60,000 Iftar meals during Ramadan, in collaboration with Dubai Police, fostering a culture of generosity and inclusivity.
These initiatives reflect his belief that business success must go hand-in-hand with social responsibility, reinforcing Precision Group’s reputation as a progressive and compassionate industry leader.
Investing in Talent and Future Leaders
Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders. He has actively facilitated field visits for MBA students from top institutions like IMT Dubai and Middlesex University, offering students real-world exposure to manufacturing operations and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Within the organization, his leadership philosophy emphasizes:
Employee empowerment, ensuring team members feel valued and supported.
Continuous learning, offering career advancement opportunities through coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.
Open communication and cross-functional teamwork, fostering collaboration and breaking down silos.
He strongly believes that motivated employees are the foundation of sustainable success, and by creating a work culture that integrates individual aspirations with the company’s mission, he has built a highly engaged and dynamic workforce.
A Leadership Style of Balance and Clarity
Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s leadership style blends strategic vision with practical execution. He is known for making timely, well informed decisions even in uncertain environments, balancing operational demands with long-term goals.
He also emphasizes work-life balance, delegating effectively and empowering his team to take ownership of responsibilities. This approach ensures not only organizational productivity but also employee well-being and job satisfaction. “My leadership approach is driven by a vision for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and a commitment to fostering talent within the organization,” he says.
Looking Forward
Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s journey from Head of Operations to General Manager at Precision Group exemplifies his dedication to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. His leadership has been instrumental in driving Precision Group’s transformation into a regional leader in packaging, engineering, and high-tech manufacturing sectors.
His forward-looking strategy focuses on:
Expanding into high-precision sectors like aerospace and sustainable packaging.
Supporting the UAE’s Operation 300bn by enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.
Diversifying into new geographical markets and building near-customer production facilities for efficiency and sustainability.
“The success of Precision Group lies in our ability to adapt, break new ground, and set industry standards that benefit clients while contributing to the UAE’s economic growth,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Mr. Sajeed Abdul Lathief’s is determined to continue embracing technology, driving innovation, and building sustainable solutions that create value for customers, employees, and the wider community. His visionary leadership ensures Precision Group remains at the forefront of industrial transformation—delivering innovation today while shaping a sustainable future.