Area Operations Manager – Longview, TX

Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We have an interest in or operate approximately 79,000 miles of pipelines and 140 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Our terminals store and handle renewable fuels, petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils and other products.

Kinder Morgan is committed to being a good corporate citizen and conducting ourselves in an ethical and responsible manner. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on integrity management and maintenance programs to operate our assets safely and to protect the public, our employees, contractors and the environment. Operationally, we continue to perform better than our industry peers relative to environmental, health and safety measures.

The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for the daily operations of the natural gas pipeline facilities in the Northeast Texas Operating Area, including all operational activities, performance management of staff, safety, quality control, budgeting, compliance and regulatory matters. In addition, Manager has to interact with emergency responders and pipeline transmission interconnect customers. Direct reports include four Operations Supervisors and an Administrative Specialist. Total number of personnel within the Area is currently 42. The Area supports assets on the Natural Gas Pipeline of America (NGPL) and Kinder Morgan Tejas systems. This position is located in Longview, TX, however other locations may be considered in the existing operations area at the discretion of the company.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Manages all stations, pipelines, and personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations across a broad geographical area across Northeast Texas.
• Oversees functions related to outside contractors operating on company property or in company Right-of-Way areas in order to protect company interests.
• Oversees pipeline, compressor station, and meter stations operations to achieve goals within budgeted funds and available personnel.
• Plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments, reviews progress, directs changes in priorities and schedules as needed to assure work is completed in an efficient and timely manner.
• Participates in the selection/promotion of staff, salary change considerations, and disciplinary matters. Conducts annual performance evaluations.
• Coordinates training and operational programs for safety, emergency response, and new hire orientation.
• Develops short and long-range plans, goals, objectives and financial budgets for the area operation.
• Coordinates with other departments, governmental agencies, and customers.
• Manages projects within assigned area of responsibility.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, foreign, and federal regulations affecting pipeline system operations.
• Reviews contracts pertaining to work around company facilities to ensure company property is protected. Includes screening and reviewing leases, foreign crossing permits, highway expansion, or any Right-of-Way intrusion.
• Coordinates company response relating to actions of outside contractors which includes site inspection, markup of as-built drawings, and confirmation of scope of work to be completed.
• Oversees inspections of meter stations, compressor station and pipeline facilities for compliance with maintenance, housekeeping, environmental, regulatory and safety requirements.
• Develops and executes operational plans for severe weather events, and leads area response in emergencies.

• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, especially in the areas of Engineering or Business Management. High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience / specific Knowledge:

• A minimum of 10 years, well-rounded experience in pipeline system operations, maintenance and/or engineering is highly desirable. Effective use of time management is of key importance in order to properly identify priorities and to ensure that all job requirements are satisfied.

Certification, licenses, registrations:

• A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver's license are required.
• If the employee is subject to license or certification requirements or training as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies or the Company, now or in the future, compliance is required under this job description.

Competencies, skills, and abilities:

• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Presentation, as well as many internal work management and financial tools.
• Well-balanced interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communications skills are required.
• Attention to detail.
• Respond to data requests from internal as well as external (PHMSA, OSHA, EPA).
• Prepare ad-hoc and planned written reports as requested.
• Perform cost-benefit analysis.
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential.
• Must be a problem solver with the ability to find resolutions.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.
• Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, customers, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

Knowledge of:

• Leadership, management and supervisory principles and practices.
• Gas pipeline system operations and maintenance
• General engineering practices, including drafting, piping, valves, hydraulics, etc.
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques as they relate to all operational & functional areas.
• Regulatory requirements for operation of DOT facilities (CFR192).
• State and Federal Environmental laws and regulations as they relate to operation of pipelines with FERC Maintenance Restrictions to include wetlands, marsh areas and major water body crossings.
• EPA laws and regulations as they relate to the operation of RICE MACT compressor units.

Required Skills:

• Planning and Organization: Establish a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish specific goals; plan and prioritize proper assignments of personnel and/or appropriate allocation of resources.
• Leadership: Utilize appropriate interpersonal styles and methods in guiding individuals/department (subordinates, peers, superiors) or groups toward task accomplishment. Consistently adhere to Kinder Morgan’s policies and procedures and be a positive example for others by demonstrating the Company’s core values of Integrity, Accountability, Safety Excellence and Respect for people.
• Analysis: Identify problems and/or cause-effect relationships; identify key issues; secure relevant information from all appropriate sources; identify possible root causes of problems and develop and implement corrective actions for resolution of problems.
• Sound Judgment: Make decisions and/or take action based on logical assumptions derived from factual information gathered; seek out information from established policies and procedures and/or knowledge experts; seek input from others.
• Effective and Professional Communication: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, employees, peer groups, customers, vendors, landowners and outside regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal level; clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing, using good grammatical form, on general issues, as well as on technical issues pertaining to areas of responsibility.
• Computer Applications: Operate a computer at a functional level as it relates to software programs utilized. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Mathematics: Apply good math skills for calculating and conversion work.
• Maximizes Performance: Responsible for establishing performance goals for staff, coaching performance, providing training, and evaluating performance; including taking disciplinary action when necessary.
• Integrity: Maintaining and promoting social, ethical and organizational values when conducting internal and external activities.
• Initiative: Actively attempts to influence events to achieve goals; does not wait to be told, but is a self-starter who takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required. Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients and vendors.
• Teamwork/Cooperation: Works effectively with team/work group, as well as with other departments and/or outside contractors/agencies and customers to accomplish organizational goals; takes action that respect the needs and contributions of others; takes responsibility for actively participating and contributing to team efforts; supports a team consensus or decision; acts as team facilitator when appropriate.

Physical demands:

• Employee must be physically capable of completing and satisfying all training requirements as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies and/or Company Policy.
• Must be able to survey and inspect facilities, work areas, and work processes, under varying weather and temperature conditions and while wearing all required PPE.

Working Conditions:

• Extended periods of sitting may be required for planning and administrative activities.
• May be required to climb steps and ladders to access and inspect facilities and work. Walking, bending, and stooping may be required on a routine basis.
• From time to time, work areas which will be inspected include indoor areas which can become very hot as well as out outdoor remote areas where ground conditions vary and may be heavily vegetated.
• Must carry a cell phone and be able and willing to respond at any hour of the day or night to all after hours and/or weekend and holiday issues, including emergency situations. This includes being in possession of required equipment and tools, designated forms, policies, regulations, and manuals.
• Must be willing and able to travel, as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.