Processing Area Manager

About the role

The Processing Area Manager will lead safe, reliable and efficient operation of assigned refinery and downstream processing units in Basra, Iraq. Reporting to the Head of Technical and Production Division, the role translates production plans into disciplined field execution while ensuring process safety, product quality and equipment reliability.

Key responsibilities

• Direct daily operation of process units, monitor DCS parameters, and ensure execution of approved production plans and dispatch instructions.
• Maintain throughput, yield, product quality, energy and chemical consumption targets while leading troubleshooting and optimisation.
• Manage process safety activities including hazard identification, permit‑to‑work, LOTO, gas testing and emergency response.
• Coordinate equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, turn‑arounds and shutdowns with Maintenance and Technical Services.
• Oversee contractors, ensure competency, induction and HSSE compliance.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of solid Oil & Gas experience, preferably in downstream processing.
• Proven leadership of large‑scale refinery operations and teams.
• Strong knowledge of Iraqi legislation, environmental permits and company HSSE policies.

Required skills

• Distributed Control System (DCS) monitoring and operation.
• Process Safety Management, Permit‑to‑Work, LOTO, gas testing, hot‑work and confined‑space procedures.
• Management of Change (MOC) and Pre‑Startup Safety Review.
• Turn‑around planning, equipment reliability and preventive maintenance coordination.
• Production scheduling, material balance and cross‑area coordination.