Operations Manager

Description

Kern Energy is hiring an Operations Manager who will play a critical strategic leadership role, overseeing all aspects of refinery operations, including turnaround planning, project integration, production, laboratory management, and pipeline systems. This role will ensure full regulatory compliance, safety, and environmental standards while optimizing efficiency and aligning operations with the company’s strategic goals. This role also focuses on building a high-performing, collaborative team culture, fostering leadership development, and driving operational excellence across teams. The ideal candidate will uphold Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection while ensuring compliance and efficiency throughout all operations.

Job Function

• Lead and provide strategic direction for refinery operations, laboratory processes, turnaround planning, and pipeline integration into production strategies. Ensure all operations are aligned with project planning and execution.
• Oversee the monitoring, control, and optimization of refinery processes, pipeline systems, and facility operations. Analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop and execute strategies that optimize production targets, maintain product quality, and design and implement turnaround schedules.
• Oversee project integration to ensure minimal disruption to operations while meeting production and quality targets.
• Oversee pipeline system operations, ensuring safe and efficient flow and transportation of materials. Integrate pipeline logistics with refinery processes to maximize output.
• Coordinate with the Health, Safety, and Environmental Department to develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures, as well as the coordination of emergency response efforts to ensure personnel safety, minimize environmental impact, and mitigate operational disruptions.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, including those for refinery, laboratory, and pipeline activities. Monitor costs and identify opportunities for cost savings across operations and turnaround projects.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and facilitate communication with regulatory agencies as required. Stay informed on relevant regulations, permits, and licenses governing refinery, pipeline, and facility operations.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by developing team members, implementing process enhancements, technology upgrades, and operational efficiencies and use data analysis and benchmarking to lead initiatives that enhance overall performance.
• Work closely with maintenance, engineering, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of objectives. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, vendors, and community representatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a diverse, multidisciplinary team of operations personnel, including refinery operators, pipeline specialists, facility maintenance staff, shift supervisors, laboratory staff, and project engineers.
• Set clear performance expectations and goals, provide coaching and mentoring, conduct performance evaluations, manage resource allocation, and foster a positive and collaborative work environment to ensure operational excellence and project success.
• Allocate resources effectively, manage workloads, and resolve conflicts within the team.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills

• Extensive knowledge of refinery and pipeline systems, project planning, and laboratory operations.
• Strong experience in turnaround management, production planning, and integration of cross-functional projects.
• Proven ability to lead in high-pressure environments with a deep understanding of risk management, health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and industry compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels.
• Strategic thinking with experience developing and implementing operational strategies and improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in emergency response, crisis management, and incident investigation.
• Financial acumen and experience in budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Proficiency in utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to drive operational improvements.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Professional certifications such as Certified Process Safety Professional (CPSP) are highly desirable.
• 7 years' experience in refinery, pipeline, and facility operations, including significant supervisory or managerial roles.

Salary : $180,000 - $240,000