Petrochemical Professionals

Hire Resolve is assisting petrochemical organisations in hiring experienced petrochemical professionals to support refinery, chemicals, and downstream manufacturing operations across the United Kingdom. This is a multi-role opportunity covering several functions within the sector, including plant operations, process and project engineering, reliability and maintenance, process safety and HSE, quality, supply chain, and commercial/technical services. These opportunities suit mid- to senior-level professionals and offer clear progression toward senior leadership roles (for example, Operations/Production Manager, Engineering Manager, Reliability Lead, HSE/Process Safety Manager, and Site Leadership roles).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient plant operations across continuous and batch processes, utilities, and supporting units
• Drive process optimisation, debottlenecking, yield improvement, energy efficiency, and cost reduction initiatives
• Support or lead capital projects from scope development through execution, commissioning, and handover
• Maintain robust technical and operational documentation (P&IDs, procedures, operating envelopes, change control)
• Strengthen asset reliability through preventive/predictive maintenance strategies, RCA, shutdown planning, and integrity programmes
• Ensure compliance with UK HSE expectations, COMAH requirements (where applicable), and site safety management systems
• Participate in or lead risk assessments (HAZOP/LOPA), incident investigations, and corrective action tracking
• Oversee contractor management and safe systems of work (Permit to Work, LOTO/isolations, method statements and risk assessments)
• Monitor KPIs for safety, production, quality, reliability, and budget performance; report and improve outcomes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Laboratory, Supply Chain, and external vendors)
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions; ensure actions are closed out effectively
• Develop and coach teams through training, competency development, and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline; relevant professional registration (e.g., Chartered Engineer) is advantageous for some roles
• Typically 7–15+ years’ experience in petrochemicals, refining, specialty chemicals, polymers, industrial gases, or similar process manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience in one or more functional tracks: operations leadership, process engineering, reliability/maintenance, rotating equipment, process safety/HSE, projects, quality, or commercial/technical support