Technical Manager

Basic Function

LyondellBasell is searching for a candidate to fill the Technical Manager position at the ZLMC Ningbo, China facility. This facility is a Propylene Oxide/Styrene Monomer (POSM) Joint Venture (JV) plant with ZRCC (Sinopec). The assignment is a three year expatriate assignment beginning March 2025. An anticipated start date for the successful candidate is 3rd quarter 2024 to provide training if needed in LyondellBasell systems and processes.

The Technical Manager position is a LyondellBasell secondee position within the JV with ZRCC. The purpose of the role is to provide guidance to the plant personnel on process safety, plant optimization, maintenance and operating performance as well as manufacturing budgets. The position is titled Technical Manager but also functions as a POSM technology advisor/consultant for the site.

The position reports to the Deputy General Manager of the ZLMC facility. The position interface to LyondellBasell is with the Global Process Engineering Intermediates & Derivatives Sr. Manager POSM Technology.

The position provides exposure to the global Intermediate & Derivative business, Asia Licensing team and JV management team. The position requires a strong technical and manufacturing background. It provides development opportunities in the areas of facilitative leadership, business acumen, build partnerships, grow capability and promote inclusion. Since this job interacts closely with Chinese peers on a daily basis, an appreciation of different practices, cultural diversity, and flexibility of the candidate is required.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Participates in the technical management of the JV, with full access to operating data, maintenance & operating performance and manufacturing budgets, and other information as required to perform duties.  Provides POSM technology expertise in these duties
• Assists management in ensuring that the plant operation is within known process safety limits
• Assists in the monitoring and reporting of plant performance criteria:  yields, energy, catalyst life, catalyst consumption and chemicals consumption
• Assists in the identification & management of changes required to improve plant performance
• Assists with planning and execution of process hazard analyses and action item closure
• Assists in analyzing incidents and troubleshooting
• Assists in the development of plant modifications and operating plans
• Assists in turnaround planning, execution and plant shutdown and restart activities
• Provides development and coaching of the technical team including annual performance appraisals for 6-8 process engineers
• Leads annual technology exchange meeting in compliance with the License Agreement and Technical Service Agreement
• Work within the framework of POSM Intellectual property protection plan
• Owner of site process safety systems including MOC, PSSR, Risk analysis, alarm management
• Responsible for site quality systems and lab contracts
• Accountable for project management system
• Responsible for facilitating process engineering project justification, approval and execution
• Provide regular updates on plant status and performance to appropriate LYB stakeholders, including Asia Business team members and POSM Subject Matter Experts; communicate urgent concerns in a timely manner
• Provide input and support Asia Business team in preparation for bi-annual JV Board of Directors meetings

Min. Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required

Work Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in the Chemical or Oil Industry in technical, operations, and/or manufacturing support roles; 10+ years' experience preferred
• Expertise in the areas of Propylene Oxide technology process engineering, manufacturing support or plant operations is preferred
• Two years leadership/supervisory experience is preferred

Languages

• English; Ability to communicate in Mandarin is an added advantage

Skills

• Strong technical knowledge in unit operations and process safety management
• Proven problem solving ability
• Good organizational / work planning skills
• Ability to effectively communicate recommendations and achievements both verbally and written
• Possess sound judgment and able to interact effectively with the local plant management. This requires an appreciation of cultural differences/practices and flexibility but at the same time, assertiveness with respect to sound engineering and HSE requirements/practices
• Knowledge of Chinese culture and ability to communicate in Mandarin is an added advantage
• Experience in a joint venture environment or supporting licensed technologies is a plus

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Competencies