Start Up Lead (NFPS)

Job Description: Start-Up Lead (Operations Expansion)
Job Purpose
Lead all operations-related deliverables for assigned projects across EPC, Greenfield and Brownfield phases, including commissioning, start-up, and final handover to asset operations. Ensure seamless transition to stable plant operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Start-Up & Execution

• Develop and implement start-up and shutdown strategies aligned with project and asset requirements.
• Lead start-up activities from commissioning through to stable operations.
• Ensure smooth transition from project execution to operational readiness.

2. Operational Readiness & Planning

• Identify and analyze pre-start-up requirements, interfaces, and dependencies.
• Support development of operational procedures aligned with project timelines.
• Ensure operability, maintainability, and safety considerations are embedded during project phases.

3. Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams during start-up phase.
• Work closely with engineering, projects, operations, HSE, and supply chain teams.
• Interface with contractors, vendors, and third-party service providers.

4. Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality standards.
• Lead permit-to-work (PTW) activities for start-up and Brownfield operations.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
• Participate in HAZOP, HAZID, risk assessments, and start-up readiness reviews.
• Drive incident reporting and investigation processes.

5. Operational Excellence

• Provide front-line decision-making during critical operations and emergencies.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and ensure plant stability.
• Support shutdown management processes and gate deliverables.

6. Team Management & Development

• Manage manpower planning aligned to start-up and shutdown requirements.
• Ensure competency and training of operations personnel.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide on-the-job coaching and development.

Key Challenges

• Managing complex start-up activities across multiple project phases.
• Coordinating diverse stakeholders to achieve operational readiness.
• Making time-critical decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Supporting both Greenfield and Brownfield project requirements.
• Working extended hours during critical start-up periods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in gas or process plant operations.
• At least 3 years of experience in commissioning, start-up, or project development activities.
• Proven experience in starting up new facilities and managing commissioning-intensive projects.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong understanding of:
  • Operability assurance processes
  • Project management and execution
  • Environmental and safety regulations
  • Business planning and controls
• Expertise in start-up planning, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Strong organizational, planning, and budget management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Decision-making under pressure
• Stakeholder management and collaboration
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Effective communication and coordination

Behavioral Competencies

• Safety and quality focus
• Ethics and integrity
• Planning and organizing
• Initiative and commitment
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Service orientation and accountability

Work Environment

• Requires flexibility to work extended hours during start-up phases.
• High-pressure, fast-paced project and operational environment.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.