About the Role
Seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Engineer to lead and deliver a portfolio of CAPEX projects at a major Upper Tier COMAH chemical manufacturing facility in the West Midlands. This role is critical in ensuring that site improvements, expansions, and asset upgrades are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the chemical, process, or high‑hazard manufacturing industries, with demonstrable experience managing complex engineering projects from concept through to commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery & Execution
1. Lead the full lifecycle of CAPEX projects, including feasibility assessment, scoping, front‑end engineering design, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover to operations.
2. Oversee multiple concurrent projects, ranging from small asset upgrades to major plant modifications (£1M+).
Compliance & Safety (Upper Tier COMAH)
3. Ensure all project activities comply with COMAH regulations, process safety requirements, and site EHS standards.
4. Lead and participate in hazard studies (HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA), risk assessments, and safety reviews.
5. Ensure contractors and project teams operate to required safety standards and site rules.
Project Controls & Governance
6. Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and cost forecasts, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and financial targets.
7. Prepare project justification documents, business cases, technical specifications, and change control documentation.
8. Provide regular progress reports to senior stakeholders, including risk status, cost performance, and milestone achievements.
Stakeholder & Team Management
9. Coordinate cross‑functional teams including engineering, operations, maintenance, EHS, procurement, and external contractors.
10. Manage vendor relationships, evaluate technical proposals, and oversee supplier/contractor performance.
11. Ensure clear communication throughout all project stages to align expectations and resolve issues promptly.
Continuous Improvement
12. Capture lessons learned and embed best practices into future projects.
13. Identify opportunities to improve plant performance, reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
14. Support ongoing development of site engineering and project management processes.
Essential Requirements
15. Proven experience as a Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer within the chemical, process, or high‑hazard industrial sector.
16. Strong working knowledge of Upper Tier COMAH regulations and safety‑critical environments.
17. Demonstrable experience delivering CAPEX projects (preferably £1M+ in value).
18. Strong understanding of engineering principles, plant operations, and process design.
19. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
20. Competency with project management methodologies (PRINCE2, APM, PMP) and relevant software tools (e.g., MS Project).
Desired Skills & Experience
21. Experience within chemical manufacturing, polymers, resins, batch processes, pharmaceuticals, or related industries.
22. Strong capability in contractor management and CDM compliance.
23. Knowledge of process safety standards (PSM, COMAH, DSEAR).
24. Experience working in brownfield operational environments, with strict shutdown windows and operational constraints.
25. Competence using engineering documentation: P&IDs, PFDs, layouts, and technical drawings.
26. Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), document control systems, and quality management processes.
Personal Attributes
27. Proactive and solution‑focused mindset.
28. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
29. Confident communicator capable of influencing at all levels.
30. Safety‑driven attitude with meticulous attention to detail.
31. Able to thrive in a fast‑paced, complex, and highly regulated environment.