Job Title: Refinery Director – Operations & Maintenance Consultancy
Location: Iraq (Site-Based)
Contract: 1+1 Years
Start Date: Q1 2025
Package: Competitive expatriate package with full benefits
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 in Iraq. This senior-level position will play a critical advisory and oversight role, supporting the refinery owner, monitoring O&M contractors, and steering the organization towards stable, efficient, and internationally compliant refinery operations.
You’ll oversee a multidisciplinary team of 20–40 consultants across operations, maintenance, HSE, integrity, and security. This is a site-based leadership position, requiring deep refinery expertise, a strong commitment to safety, and strategic acumen to influence long-term operational success.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Strategy
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Serve as the principal operations advisor to the refinery owner, guiding all aspects of refinery operations and management.
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Drive the implementation of internationally recognized standards and best practices, identifying and resolving gaps.
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Oversee operations management systems across process, production, reliability, and asset integrity.
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Lead development of operational KPIs, long-term forecasts, and continuous improvement strategies.
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Ensure cohesive collaboration among EPCs, O&M contractors, licensors, vendors, and stakeholders.
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Leadership
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Enforce a world-class safety culture and ensure strict compliance with refinery HSE standards.
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Oversee risk assessments and safety case reviews.
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Monitor environmental performance and drive initiatives for sustainability and compliance.
Production & Maintenance Oversight
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Optimize plant uptime, throughput, and efficiency across process units (CDU, FCC, hydrocrackers, steam reforming, etc.).
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Monitor and manage refinery OPEX, operational budgets, and cost-efficiency targets.
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Promote lean methodologies, digital transformation initiatives, and industry 4.0 adoption.
People & Performance Management
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Lead, coach, and mentor a high-performing team of subject matter experts and consultants.
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Provide hands-on leadership while fostering autonomy and ownership among teams.
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Ensure ongoing training, succession planning, and development of local staff and junior consultants.
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Actively monitor performance metrics and initiate corrective actions as required.
Requirements
Professional Qualifications
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Degree or Master’s in Engineering (preferably Chemical or Process).
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20+ years of experience in operations & maintenance within the refining or process industries.
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Minimum 15 years’ experience in refinery operations, including at least 5 years as Refinery Manager/Director.
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In-depth knowledge of refinery process units such as CDU, FCC, hydrocrackers, steam reforming.
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Strong understanding of O&M contracting, budget control, and cost optimisation strategies.
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Demonstrated success implementing operational excellence programs and digital tools in refining environments.
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Familiarity with international refinery operational frameworks (API, OSHA, ISO, etc.).
Technical & Strategic Skills
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Experience in commissioning/start-up of grassroots or large-scale refineries is highly desirable.
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Ability to assess and implement plant performance strategies including RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability).
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Deep knowledge of plant asset management systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo), and control systems integration.
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Exposure to digitalisation tools for predictive maintenance, process simulation, and operations intelligence platforms.
Leadership & Communication
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Proven leadership of multinational teams in remote, site-based environments.
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Strong influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
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Ability to operate independently while maintaining alignment with the client’s strategic objectives.
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Fluent in English, with exceptional communication skills—Arabic is a plus.
Contract Details
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Start Date: Q1 2025
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Duration: 1-year initial contract + 1-year extension
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Location: Refinery site, Iraq (with occasional travel to client HQ)
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Package: Competitive expatriate compensation including accommodation, flights, insurance, and R&R rotation