Processing Area Manager

Geo-Jade Petroleum – South Basra Integrated Project (SBIPRO) is seeking an experienced ( Expats Candidate ) Processing Area Manager with 15 years solid Oil & Gas experience . This role works with Downstream Department on rotation basis based in Basra Iraq.Job ObjectiveLead the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the assigned refinery and downstream processing area. The role converts approved production plans and dispatch instructions into disciplined field execution and is accountable for process safety, operating integrity, product quality, throughput, energy performance, equipment reliability coordination, workforce capability, contractor control and emergency response across the assigned units.DescriptionKey responsibilities of the role

• Direct daily operation of the assigned process units and translate approved production plans, feed rates, product specifications and dispatch instructions into safe area execution plans.
• Maintain operating parameters within approved limits through effective DCS monitoring, field rounds, shift handovers, operating logs and prompt correction of deviations.
• Monitor throughput, yield, product quality, chemical consumption, energy and utilities performance; lead troubleshooting and optimization without compromising safety, integrity or environmental limits.
• Coordinate with Production Operations on plant-wide material balance, production scheduling, product movement, utilities constraints and cross-area interfaces; provide timely feasibility feedback and escalation.Process Safety and Emergency Management
• Exercise territorial ownership for process safety, including hazard identification, Job Hazard Analysis, permit-to-work, isolation and LOTO, gas testing, hot work, confined-space entry and work-at-height controls.
• Lead safe start-up, shutdown, commissioning, decommissioning and abnormal-operation activities; initiate emergency response and stabilize or shut down units when conditions are unsafe.
• Control process and organizational changes through the Management of Change process, including risk assessment, authorization, Pre-Startup Safety Review and post-implementation verification.Reliability, Performance and Compliance
• Coordinate equipment availability, inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, defect elimination and reliability improvement with Maintenance, Equipment Management and Technical Services.
• Lead area input to turnaround and shutdown plans, including scope definition, isolations, blind management, handover, contractor control, mechanical completion, pre-start-up checks and safe return to service.
• Investigate process upsets, product-quality deviations, losses, near misses and incidents; complete root-cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are closed and sustained.
• Manage contractors and service providers working within the area, ensuring competency, induction, permit compliance, supervision, housekeeping and HSSE performance.
• Ensure operations comply with Iraqi legislation, applicable Basra and BOC requirements, environmental permits, Company policies, approved operating procedures and recognized refinery practices.Key deliverables
• Safe and stable operation of assigned units with no preventable process-safety incident, injury or unauthorized environmental release.
• Achievement of approved throughput, production, yield, product-quality and availability targets.
• Achievement of agreed energy, utility, chemical-consumption and loss-reduction targets.
• Timely closure of alarms, operating deviations, hazards, audit findings, incident actions and MOC commitments.
• Effective turnaround readiness and safe, on-schedule start-up and shutdown execution.
• Competent staffing, reliable shift coverage, effective succession planning and completion of the approved training plan.People Management
• Plan manpower and shift coverage, assign work, set performance expectations and maintain clear accountability across all operating teams.
• Coach and assess Unit Supervisors, Shift Supervisors, Team Leaders, Chief Operators and Operators; address performance or conduct gaps promptly.
• Develop and maintain role-based competency standards, training matrices, authorization requirements and refresher programs for operating personnel.
• Support Iraqization, knowledge transfer and the structured development of Iraqi national employees and assigned BOC personnel in line with Company commitments.
• Build succession pipelines for critical operating positions and promote a culture of reporting, learning, teamwork and operational discipline.Policies, Systems, Processes and Procedures
• Implement Company policies, the operations management system, approved operating procedures, safe operating limits and shift-handover requirements within the assigned area.
• Maintain current area procedures, standing instructions, emergency plans, process-safety information, operating records and document-control requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and inspections and ensure assigned findings are addressed within agreed deadlines.Health, Security, Safety and Environment
• Demonstrate visible HSSE leadership and exercise stop-work authority whenever unsafe conditions, acts or deviations are identified.
• Verify critical safeguards, alarms, interlocks, trips, relief systems, detection systems and emergency equipment are available and managed under approved impairment controls.
• Ensure emissions, effluent, flaring, waste, spills and chemical handling remain within applicable permits and operating limits; report and control any deviation immediately.
• Lead area emergency drills and coordinate emergency response, evacuation, rescue, communication and business-continuity actions.
• Protect confidential operational, technical, personnel and security information in accordance with Company requirements.Reporting
• Report to the Head of Technical and Production Division on area safety, production, quality, reliability, environmental and workforce performance.
• Provide accurate shift, daily, weekly and monthly reports covering operating status, constraints, incidents, losses, maintenance priorities, action tracking and forecast risks.
• Immediately escalate any condition that threatens personnel, environment, asset integrity, product quality, production continuity or legal compliance.5. COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPSInternal
• Head of Technical and Production Division; Production Operations Department Manager; peer Area Managers; HSSE; Technical Services; Process Engineering; Quality Control and Laboratory; Maintenance; Equipment Management; Utilities; Storage and Transportation; Projects; Supply Chain and Procurement; HR; Finance; Security and Emergency Response.External
• BOC and relevant Iraqi authorities through authorized Company channels; contractors; licensors; OEMs; vendors; inspection bodies; specialist service providers and emergency-support organizations.6. DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITYUnder applicable Iraqi legislation, Company policies and delegated authority, the Processing Area Manager may:
• Deploy personnel and operating resources within the assigned area and adjust work priorities to meet safe production requirements.
• Stop work, suspend an operation or decline a dispatch instruction when safety, environmental, integrity, quality or execution conditions are not satisfied, with immediate escalation to the responsible senior leader.
• Initiate area emergency response and recommend unit rate reduction, isolation, shutdown, restart or return to service.
• Approve permits, operating instructions, isolations and area activities within the limits of the approved authorization matrix.
• Require correction of contractor non-compliance and recommend removal or replacement of personnel who fail to meet competency, conduct, security or HSSE requirements.
• Request technical, operational and commercial information necessary for the role and recommend process, reliability, organization and cost improvements.7. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLSMinimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Petroleum Refining or a closely related discipline. Relevant postgraduate education or professional certification in operations, process safety or management is preferred.Minimum Experience
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in refinery, petrochemical or integrated downstream operations, including at least 5 years in an operations leadership role with accountability for multiple process units, shifts and contractors.
• Demonstrated experience in start-up, shutdown, abnormal-situation management, turnaround execution and performance optimization; Middle East or Iraq operating experience is preferred.Job-Specific Skills
• Strong understanding of refinery and downstream process operations, DCS control, PFDs and P&IDs, operating envelopes, product-quality control, material balance and utilities integration.
• Working knowledge of process-safety management, HAZOP, LOPA, MOC, Pre-Startup Safety Review, permit-to-work, isolation and emergency-response systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, risk assessment, production optimization, energy-management and turnaround-planning capability.
• Proven leadership of multicultural teams, contractor management, coaching, performance management, conflict resolution and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong written and spoken English and the ability to prepare clear operational reports and communicate effectively with management, authorities and technical stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, composure and decisive leadership during process upsets and emergencies; high integrity and commitment to compliance.