Job Title: Deputy Commissioning Manager – Basrah Refinery Project

Location: Basrah, Iraq

Reports to: Commissioning Manager

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Deputy Commissioning Manager to join our Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team, overseeing a major refinery project that includes precommissioning, commissioning, and operational phases. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless execution and operational readiness of various process and utility units of the refinery.

This role demands extensive field experience, technical knowledge, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and project execution.

The deputy Commissioning Manager will support the Commissioning Manager in coordinating and supervising all commissioning activities, ensuring that project timelines, quality standards, and safety protocols are strictly adhered to.

 You will play a crucial role in the transition of the refinery from construction to operational readiness, working closely with engineering, operations, and project management teams to achieve a smooth and efficient start-up.

Responsibilities:

1. Pre-Commissioning Activities:

• Develop and review precommissioning and commissioning procedures for the assigned process units.
• Liaise with construction and engineering teams to ensure readiness for pre-commissioning activities. Identify and address any potential issues that could delay the schedule.
• Participate in walkthroughs, inspections, and punch-listing activities to verify system readiness and ensure adherence to project design specifications and safety standards.
• Assist in the verification and validation of equipment and system functionality, including the mechanical run-in tests, calibration of instruments, safety interlocks etc.
• Oversee and coordinate commissioning activities with contractors, vendors, and site teams to ensure timely completion of project milestones.

1. Operational Readiness:

• Ensure comprehensive training and transfer of knowledge to the operations team, developing and conducting training programs as required.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to optimize unit operating conditions for safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and review start-up, normal operation, shutdown, and emergency operating procedures in line with best practices and project standards.
• Participate and provide operational inputs for risk assessments, HAZOP studies, and lead the pre-start-up safety reviews (PSSRs) etc.

1. Commissioning Activities:

• Contribute to ensuring the Health and Safety of all personnel while on site.
• Ensuring adherence to established procedures, effective day-to-day management of HSE in Commissioning tasks
• Act as the primary point of contact for technical support in troubleshooting process-related issues within the assigned units.
• Monitor and analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities, optimize processes, and resolve technical challenges.
• Ensure all precommissioning and commissioning activities adhere to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and project-specific safety and environmental policies.
• Support the client in achieving targeted production and quality parameters during the commissioning and early operational phase.
• Assist with the implementation of performance tests and ensure that units are operating according to performance guarantees.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including reports on commissioning activities, test results, and operational procedures.
• Liaise with the client, contractors, and vendors to address issues and ensure alignment of project goals with operational needs.
• Facilitate meetings, resolve project challenges, and communicate project status, risks, and recommendations

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in the oil and gas or petrochemical industry, with a strong focus on refinery projects.
• Proven experience in one or more of the following process units is essential FCC, LOU, SRU and HPU.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of precommissioning and commissioning practices within refinery and petrochemical environments.
• Familiarity with process simulation software (HYSYS, ASPEN, etc.) and experience with distributed control systems (DCS) is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of process safety, HAZOP, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and team leadership skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.