APQ Lead Operator - ASU

Job description / Role

POSITION SUMMARY

Purpose

The Air Separation Unit Lead Operator is responsible for managing and supervising the operating staff within the shift for the operations of a world scale Air Separation facility for the Air Products Qudra (APQ) Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

Nature & Scope

The ASU Lead Operator, reporting to the shift supervisor, is responsible for managing and supervising the operators on their designated shift in the Air Separation Facility. The Lead Operator will manage the day-to-day operations of his staff, which include, insuring daily operational targets are achieved to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the site. The Lead Operator will train and support in addition to execute daily tasks if required which include preparing and implementing safety work permits, LOTO, complete operations preventative maintenance activities, and assist the maintenance and engineering teams in preparing and executing corrective maintenance activities. The Lead Operator is an extension of the operating team and is considered the 'specialist' on shift.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Safety

* Provide & maintain a safe work environment. Demonstrate leadership with all company & industry safe work processes to prevent all injuries. Ensure proper documentation is maintained for safety related activities.

Technical

* Operate and provide direction to the staff of the Air Separation unit and ancillary equipment including trailer loading for the merchant market as prescribed by the Work Instruction Procedures
* Operate and provide direction to the staff of the pipeline network to supply oxygen and nitrogen to the pipeline customers safely and efficiently. The Pipeline operations team will be part of the overall operating team and will also manage the hydrogen, steam, and CO2 pipeline products.
* Provide direction & guidance based on technical feedback from Engineering and Maintenance for troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and test activities.
* Provide Operations support & guidance during the commissioning of the plants. Maintain accurate document control and monitor quality assurance initiatives.
* Provide Operations guidance to ensure safety, reliability and maintainability of equipment, processes, utilities, facilities, controls, and safety/security systems.
* Provide Operations input for scheduled outages
* Manage plant production efficiently based on data driven decisions to ensure safety and reliability targets are met to achieve maximum profitable.
* Report shift production progress and plant status, providing operational solutions for shortfall areas

Operations

* Ensure the safety of all operations personnel by utilizing the APQ Basic Safety Practice program, which includes Safety Work Permits, LOTO, Confined Space, etc. The position facilitates planning, organizing, auditing, and follow-up, to build the Air Products safety culture into the APQ.
* Ensure all Environmental Regulatory requirements are met.
* Assist in establishing and training the ASU operators while supporting the commissioning activities.
* Ensure Air Products and APQ standards, and global best practices for EH&S, productivity, reliability, quality, and overall customer services are met
* Ensure that all operation team is restrictedly following the SWIMs, procedures, and policies in order to meet the customer's satisfaction on safety, reliability, product quality, and flexibility of product supply.
* Ensure that all activities performed during the shift time (cycle) in case of shift cycle change) is safely and efficiently handed over to the next shift.
* Provide effective leadership to the ASU operating teams to ensure the ASU is operated safely, efficiently and in compliance with contractual requirements & on-stream guarantees.
* Support & maintain close working relationships with engineering and maintenance personnel to continuously monitor & evaluate plant systems & equipment through a Plant Process Advisory Model.
* Provide operations support and participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis in order to identify & implement sustainable corrective actions.
* In supporting the Operations Supervisor, act as the Single Point of Contact when dealing with internal issues of the ASU, representing APQ and coordinating internal resources. Provide timely progress updates to the customer in the absence of the Operations Supervisor.
* Facilitate attainment of operational excellence and customer satisfaction via operations productivity, reliability, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Act as on shift Crisis and Emergency Evacuation coordinator

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS
* Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Chemical Process Operations preferred.
* An Associate Technical degree (2 year certificate) will be considered based on years of experience and competence.
* Experience in process plant operation, demonstrated ASU knowledge a plus, with a minimum of 7 years of plant operations experience with 2 years in a supervisory role.
* Expectation based on level of experience for the operations team to achieve a 'Level 1 / Board Level' status within 2 - 4 years.
* Operators will be evaluated during the training period and placed at the level of competence accordingly. All the operations team are considered field and board operators when Level 1 is achieved. Leadership positions are expected to follow the progression process.
* The Lead Operator is an extension of the operating team and is considered the 'specialist' on shift.
* Track record of success on safety, health and environmental protection
* Demonstrated leadership and proven interpersonal skills.
* A strong commitment to employee involvement, team building and diversity. .
* Knowledgeable in the coordination of operations and maintenance activities.
* Good leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively throughout all levels within the organization and externally.

About the Company

Air Products touches the lives of consumers around the globe in positive ways every day. With approximately 16,000 employees and operations in 50 countries, we serve customers across a wide range of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. We supply a unique portfolio of atmospheric and process gases, equipment and services.

Founded in 1940, Air Products has built a reputation for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Our passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities and the world.