Hire Resolve is assisting petrochemical organisations in hiring experienced petrochemical professionals to support refinery, chemicals, and downstream manufacturing operations across the United Kingdom. This is a multi-role opportunity covering several functions within the sector, including plant operations, process and project engineering, reliability and maintenance, process safety and HSE, quality, supply chain, and commercial/technical services. These opportunities suit mid- to senior-level professionals and offer clear progression toward senior leadership roles (for example, Operations/Production Manager, Engineering Manager, Reliability Lead, HSE/Process Safety Manager, and Site Leadership roles).
Key Responsibilities
* Lead safe, efficient plant operations across continuous and batch processes, utilities, and supporting units
* Drive process optimisation, debottlenecking, yield improvement, energy efficiency, and cost reduction initiatives
* Support or lead capital projects from scope development through execution, commissioning, and handover
* Maintain robust technical and operational documentation (P&IDs, procedures, operating envelopes, change control)
* Strengthen asset reliability through preventive/predictive maintenance strategies, RCA, shutdown planning, and integrity programmes
* Ensure compliance with UK HSE expectations, COMAH requirements (where applicable), and site safety management systems
* Participate in or lead risk assessments (HAZOP/LOPA), incident investigations, and corrective action tracking
* Oversee contractor management and safe systems of work (Permit to Work, LOTO/isolations, method statements and risk assessments)
* Monitor KPIs for safety, production, quality, reliability, and budget performance; report and improve outcomes
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Laboratory, Supply Chain, and external vendors)
* Support audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions; ensure actions are closed out effectively
* Develop and coach teams through training, competency development, and continuous improvement initiatives
Requirements
* Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline; relevant professional registration (e.g., Chartered Engineer) is advantageous for some roles
* Typically 7–15+ years’ experience in petrochemicals, refining, specialty chemicals, polymers, industrial gases, or similar process manufacturing environments
* Demonstrated experience in one or more functional tracks: operations leadership, process engineering, reliability/maintenance, rotating equipment, process safety/HSE, projects, quality, or commercial/technical support
* Working knowledge of UK process safety and regulatory expectations (HSE frameworks, COMAH where applicable, Permit to Work, isolations/LOTO, contractor safety)
* Familiarity with common plant systems and tools such as CMMS/EAM (e.g., SAP/Maximo), process historians (e.g., PI System), and standard engineering documentation practices
* Strong stakeholder management, communication, and reporting skills; able to lead cross-functional delivery and influence decisions
* Willingness to work onsite in an industrial environment; some roles may involve on-call rotation, shift coverage, or travel depending on site requirements
Benefits
* Private Healthcare Plan
* Pension Plans
* Life Assurance
* Leave Package
* Training & Development