Deputy Technical Manager

LyondellBasell

Basic Function

LyondellBasell is searching for a candidate to fill the Deputy Technical Manager position at the NZLC 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 August 2025. An anticipated start date for the successful candidate is 3rd quarter 2024 to provide training if needed in LyondellBasell systems and processes.

The Deputy 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 Deputy Technical Manager but also functions as a POSM technology advisor/consultant for the site.

The position reports to the Manager of the Production and Technical Department at the NZLC 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 8-10 process engineers

Responsible for facilitating process engineering project justification, approval and execution

Responsible for site process safety systems including MOC, PSSR, Risk analysis, Alarm Management

Maintain strict IP and confidentiality requirements in compliance with the JV agreement

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

Leads annual technology exchange meeting in compliance with the License Agreement and Technical Service Agreement

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

#LI-BG1

Competencies

Build Partnerships

Deliver Results

Drive Innovation

Grow Capabilities

Promote Inclusion

Motivational/Cultural Fit

Technical Skills

We are LyondellBasell – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to champion our employees, and unlock value for customers, investors and society. LyondellBasell places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is strongly committed to our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

Must be at least 18 years of age and must be legally authorized to work in the United States (US) on a permanent basis without visa sponsorship.

LyondellBasell does not accept or retain unsolicited résumés or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

LyondellBasell is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. The US EEO is the Law poster is available here.