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
Working knowledge of UK process safety and regulatory expectations (HSE frameworks, COMAH where applicable, Permit to Work, isolations/LOTO, contractor safety)
Familiarity with common plant systems and tools such as CMMS/EAM (e.g., SAP/Maximo), process historians (e.g., PI System), and standard engineering documentation practices
Strong stakeholder management, communication, and reporting skills; able to lead cross-functional delivery and influence decisions
Willingness to work onsite in an industrial environment; some roles may involve on-call rotation, shift coverage, or travel depending on site requirements

Benefits

Private Healthcare Plan
Pension Plans
Life Assurance
Leave Package
Training & Development

Mid-Senior Petrochemical Professionals