Operations Shift Supervisor - Petrochemical Processing

Operations Shift Supervisor – Petrochemical Processing

Reports To: Deputy Plant Manager
Location: West Virginia, United States
Industry: Petrochemicals / Fine Chemicals
Schedule: Rotating shifts – continuous operations (24/7)

Position Overview

A confidential petrochemical manufacturing facility is seeking an experienced Operations Shift Supervisor to lead safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations in a continuous, PSM-regulated environment.

This role is ideal for a hands-on supervisor or senior/lead process operator with strong technical depth in chemical processing who can lead operators, troubleshoot complex unit issues, and serve as the senior decision-maker on shift. The Shift Supervisor is accountable for operational execution, personnel leadership, and real-time problem resolution while maintaining the highest standards of process safety, environmental compliance, and asset integrity.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead a rotating shift team responsible for continuous petrochemical process operations in a high-hazard environment.

• Serve as the senior operational authority on shift, ensuring strict adherence to operating procedures, PSM requirements, and site safety standards.

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture focused on personal safety, process safety, and environmental protection.

• Provide hands-on supervision, coaching, and technical guidance to Process Operators in both field and control room operations.

• Troubleshoot process upsets and equipment issues involving pumps, compressors, boilers, heat exchangers, and associated utilities.

• Differentiate mechanical vs. operational issues; coordinate with Maintenance and Technical teams to establish priorities and corrective actions.

• Support maintenance and contractor activities, including preparation and authorization of safe work permits, hot work permits, and confined space permits.

• Participate in incident investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

• Identify opportunities for operational improvement, reliability enhancement, and efficiency gains; communicate recommendations to plant leadership.

• Support emergency response preparedness and execution to protect personnel, the community, and plant assets.

• Maintain accurate shift documentation, logs, and reports using computerized systems.

• Assign and oversee operator participation in autonomous maintenance activities per plant standards and training.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, refinery, power generation, or other hazardous process operations.

• Prior shift leadership, lead operator, or supervisory experience strongly preferred.

• Solid working knowledge of chemical process equipment, utilities, and unit operations.

• Demonstrated understanding of PSM, OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance in a regulated manufacturing environment.

• Strong troubleshooting, decision-making, and root cause analysis skills.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work rotating shift schedules in a 24/7 operation.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Combination of control room and field-based work.

• Ability to walk, stand, climb ladders and stairs, and access elevated platforms.

• Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

• Exposure to chemicals, vapors, noise, heat, and outdoor conditions; required use of PPE including FRC and respiratory protection.

• Must pass respirator fit testing and medical clearance.

• Ability to remain alert and effective during extended and rotating shifts.