Project Lead (Mechanical)

Project Lead / Project Manager 2028 Turnaround Two-Year Agency Contract | Major Brownfield Refinery Project | Mechanical Engineering Focus

Are you a Lead specialist in crackers within refinery environments? Are you looking for a long term (2 year) contract based in the Northwest? Are you an experienced Mechanical Project Manager / Project Lead with a strong background in refinery, petrochemical, process or other high-hazard environments?

We are looking for an experienced Project Lead / Project Manager to take a leading role in the preparation and delivery of a major 2028 Turnaround (TA) project portfolio.

This is a high-profile opportunity to lead complex mechanical projects from early scope development through design, procurement, execution and close-out, working alongside Engineering, Turnaround, Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and specialist contractors.

The Opportunity You take ownership of several critical turnaround projects, including:

S2151/R2151 Stripper & Pre-Stripper re-life S2155 Third Stage Separator swirl can / potential head-off strategy CO Boiler renewal and repair options R2152 Regenerator scope

With a strong mechanical engineering bias, you will bring the technical judgement needed to challenge proposals, manage complex brownfield interfaces and ensure projects are safe, practical, cost-effective and ready for execution.

What You'll Be Doing Lead projects from concept maturity through estimating, funding, design, procurement, workpack preparation, execution and close-out. Own project scope, cost, schedule, risk, procurement and governance. Coordinate mechanical, civil, inspection, integrity, operations, maintenance and contractor inputs. Provide technical leadership on pressure equipment, vessels, boilers, exchangers, piping, FCCU internals and major equipment. Drive constructability reviews and resolve risks relating to access, isolation, lifting, SIMOPS, temporary works and sequencing. Challenge contractor and EPC deliverables to ensure they meet technical, safety, quality, cost and schedule requirements. Lead project readiness for the 2028 Turnaround and provide hands-on support during execution. Ensure appropriate MOC, HAZOP, ALARP, ORA, design and readiness reviews are completed. Maintain strong field presence and provide decisive leadership when issues arise. Lead and coordinate contractors and multidisciplinary teams, even where you do not have direct line authority.

What We're Looking For We're looking for someone who combines strong mechanical engineering knowledge with proven project delivery leadership.

You should have:

10+ years' experience in mechanical engineering, project delivery, turnaround or major maintenance. Experience within refining, petrochemical, process, power, heavy industrial or other high-hazard environments. Proven experience delivering multidisciplinary projects from concept through execution. Strong knowledge of pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers, piping, valves and brownfield modifications. Experience with heavy lifts, equipment removal, temporary supports, structural interfaces, access and reinstatement. Strong contractor/EPC management and experience with estimates, schedules, procurement and project controls. The confidence to challenge technical assumptions and make practical engineering decisions under significant schedule pressure. A strong understanding of UK engineering, safety and regulatory requirements, including COMAH and PSSR. Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status is desirable.

Important Information:

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