Operations & Maintenance Consultancy - Refinery Director
Location: Iraq (Site-Based) | Contract: 1+1 Years | Start: Q1 2025
About the Role
A prestigious opportunity has arisen for an experienced Refinery Director to lead the operations and maintenance (O&M) consultancy for a major grassroots refinery. This role involves advising the refinery owner, overseeing the O&M contractor, and driving the transition towards long-term, stable, and internationally compliant refinery operations.
As the Refinery Director, you will lead a team of seasoned consultants and subject matter experts, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the refinery. You will play a crucial role in shaping operational strategies, optimising production performance, and fostering a strong safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Strategy
- Provide expert guidance to the refinery owner on all operational and management aspects.
- Drive the adoption of international standards, identifying and addressing operational gaps.
- Oversee the development and implementation of robust operations, process, and production management systems.
- Establish long-term objectives, forecasts, and performance improvement strategies.
- Ensure seamless collaboration between contractors, vendors, and key stakeholders.
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Leadership
- Uphold and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with HSE policies and procedures.
- Ensure effective risk management and alignment with international safety standards.
- Oversee HSE reporting and drive continuous improvements in site safety.
Production & Maintenance Oversight
- Optimise daily operations to meet and exceed production targets.
- Enhance plant capacity, efficiency, and reliability while minimising costs.
- Lead OPEX budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring.
- Implement industry best practices, lean methodologies, and digital solutions.
People & Performance Management
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of 20-40 consultants across operations, maintenance, HSE, integrity, and security.
- Provide mentorship and career development support, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
What We're Looking For
- Degree/Master's in Engineering (preferably Process or Chemical).
- 20+ years of O&M experience in process industries, including 15+ years in refinery operations.
- Previous experience as a Refinery Manager (minimum 5 years) with a strong background in international operational management systems.
- Expertise in refinery process units (e.g., CDU, FCC, hydrocrackers, steam reforming).
- Strong knowledge of O&M contracting processes and cost optimisation (OPEX).
- Proven experience in implementing operational excellence and digital transformation initiatives.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a complex multinational environment with cross-functional teams.
- Fluent in English, with the ability to influence decisions and drive strategic change.
Contract Details & Location
- Start Date: Q1 2025
- Contract Duration: 1+1 years
- Location: Refinery site, Iraq (with occasional travel to client offices)
- Expatriate Package: Competitive package with benefits
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a high-profile refinery operation. If you have the expertise, leadership, and drive to take on this challenge, we would love to hear from you.