Daily Operational Supervisor

$84,000 - $84,000/Yr

Oil Projects USA - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Daily Operation Supervisor at an oil refinery is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient running of refinery units. This role involves managing refinery operations, coordinating with different departments, and ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations. The supervisor monitors key performance metrics, troubleshoots operational issues, and leads a team of operators and technicians to achieve optimal production targets.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of assigned refinery units, ensuring continuous, efficient, and safe production in alignment with operational targets.
• Monitor control systems, process parameters, and equipment status to maintain optimal performance and prevent downtime.
• Make real-time adjustments to process variables as needed to ensure operational stability and product quality.
• Direct and oversee the activities of operators, technicians, and other support staff within the assigned units.
• Conduct daily briefings, provide clear task assignments, and ensure all team members understand safety protocols and operational goals.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Identify and address operational issues, including equipment malfunctions, process upsets, or safety hazards.
• Coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams to implement corrective actions and minimize downtime.
• Analyze root causes of operational challenges and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Enforce safety procedures, policies, and best practices, ensuring compliance with safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, API, EPA).
• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments, promptly addressing any hazards or safety violations.
• Lead or participate in safety meetings and incident investigations to promote a safe working environment and prevent accidents.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production volumes, efficiency rates, and equipment reliability.
• Prepare and present daily operational reports, highlighting any issues, deviations, or improvements.
• Monitor energy usage, emissions, and waste generation, implementing adjustments to ensure environmental compliance and resource efficiency.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, quality control, and supply chain teams to align daily activities and optimize production.
• Coordinate with planning and scheduling teams to ensure smooth product flow and adherence to production schedules.
• Serve as the main point of contact during shift handovers, communicating any ongoing issues, process adjustments, or operational concerns.
• Serve as the first responder for on-shift emergencies, executing emergency protocols, and directing team actions.
• Ensure all operators and team members are trained in emergency response procedures, conducting regular drills and reviews.
• Document and report any incidents or near-misses, working with safety teams to implement preventative measures.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements within the unit.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects, such as lean manufacturing or Six Sigma, to enhance overall refinery performance.
• Implement best practices and new technologies, working with engineering and technical teams to improve operational reliability and productivity.
• Provide on-the-job training and coaching for new and existing operators, focusing on safe practices, standard operating procedures, and process troubleshooting.
• Conduct periodic evaluations of team skills and capabilities, identifying training needs to support skill development.
• Support certification and qualification programs, ensuring operators meet the necessary standards for performance and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; extensive industry experience may be considered for those without a degree.
• Typically 5-10 years of experience in refinery operations, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of refinery processes, equipment, and control systems.
• Effective supervisory skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team; clear communication with technical and non-technical staff.
• Quick and effective decision-making skills for troubleshooting process upsets and operational challenges.
• In-depth knowledge of safety and environmental regulations relevant to refinery operations.
• Ability to monitor, interpret, and respond to process data and performance metrics to drive improvements.

Nice-to-haves

• Certifications in process safety management (PSM), lean manufacturing, or Six Sigma are beneficial.