HyCO Lead Operator

About Air Products Qudra and BHIG

Air Products Qudra is seeking a HyCO Lead Operator to join the Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases (BHIG) joint venture. BHIG is a regional development and investment joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Air Products Qudra, focused on supporting clean energy goals through low-carbon hydrogen production. This full-time position is based in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

Role Summary

The HYCO Steam Methane Reformer Unit Lead Operator is responsible for managing and supervising the operating staff and activities within their shift. This role involves overseeing the operations of a world-scale HYCO Steam Methane Reformer facility for BHIG Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The Lead Operator reports to the Shift Supervisor and is considered the 'specialist' on shift, ensuring safe and reliable site operation to meet customer demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise operators on the designated shift within the HYCO Steam Methane Reformer Facility & Steam Turbine Generator.
• Ensure daily operational targets are achieved for safe and reliable site operation, meeting customer demand.
• Train and support staff, and execute daily tasks as required, including preparing and implementing safety work permits and LOTO.
• Complete operations preventative maintenance activities and maintain housekeeping standards.
• Assist maintenance and engineering teams in preparing and executing corrective maintenance activities.
• Operate and direct staff for the HYCO Steam Methane Reformer unit, ancillary equipment (STG & water treatment facility), and the pipeline network for Hydrogen, Steam, CO2, Oxygen, and Nitrogen.
• Provide direction and guidance based on technical feedback from Engineering and Maintenance for troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and test activities.
• Support and guide operations during commissioning, startup, and shutdown of plants.
• Maintain accurate document control and monitor quality assurance initiatives.
• Ensure proper implementation and documentation of safety-related activities, adhering to BHIG Basic Safety Practice programs.
• Manage plant production efficiently based on data-driven decisions to meet safety and reliability targets.
• Monitor chemical inventory and ensure sufficient stock is maintained on site.
• Report shift production progress and plant status, providing operational solutions for shortfall areas.
• Ensure all environmental regulatory requirements are met.
• Provide effective leadership to HYCO operating teams to ensure safe, efficient operation in compliance with contractual requirements.
• Conduct frequent site and office checks to identify and report defects early.
• Review corrective maintenance notifications created within the shift, ensuring quality and correct priority.
• Support and maintain close working relationships with HSSE, engineering, and maintenance personnel.
• Participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis to identify and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Act as the Single Point of Contact for internal HYCO unit issues in the absence of the Operations Supervisor.
• Act as on-shift Crisis and Emergency Evacuation coordinator.
• Maintain customer communications and relationships, ensuring demand rates are satisfied while maximizing facility efficiency and profitability.
• Communicate plant activities with other shifts to maintain continuity for safe and reliable operation.
• Review and implement production and safety procedures in shift.
• Maintain and update the shift schedule on a monthly and daily basis.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10 years of experience in a relevant operational role.
• Demonstrated leadership in company and industry safe work processes.
• Ability to provide and maintain a safe work environment.
• Experience in operating and directing staff for complex industrial gas units and pipeline networks.
• Proficiency in implementing and documenting safety-related activities, including work permits and LOTO.
• Experience in supporting commissioning, startup, and shutdown activities.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance initiatives and document control.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions for efficient plant production.
• Experience in maintaining a proactive approach to identify and report defects.

Work Environment and Culture

The role requires demonstrating a 4S culture and practicing it in day-to-day activities to maintain a positive work environment. The Lead Operator will foster close working relationships with HSSE, engineering, and maintenance personnel to continuously monitor and evaluate plant systems and equipment. This position is integral to achieving operational excellence and customer satisfaction through productivity, reliability, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.