Machine Shop Supervisor

About the Role

The Machine Shop Supervisor leads rotating equipment repair work performed in the on‑site machine shop and throughout the refinery operating units. Equipment includes pumps, turbines, motors, fans, and related rotating machinery. The supervisor oversees union mechanics, contractors (both union and non‑union), and specialty vendors, ensuring tasks are completed safely and cost‑effectively. Supervision also includes the tool room and the crafts of millwrights, machinists, and tool‑room mechanics. The role works closely with the Maintenance Planning group and the Reliability Engineering department to create and execute repair plans, and ensures all maintenance work complies with applicable safety, engineering, standards, laws, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Organize, prioritize, execute, and document shop repairs to all rotating equipment for routine maintenance, turnarounds, and project work.
• Actively manage the safety of hourly employees and contractors, ensuring compliance with governmental regulations and company policies.
• Direct the activities of hourly employees and contractors to maintain refinery facilities in accordance with procedures and repair standards, supporting production goals at minimum maintenance cost.
• Achieve high levels of craft productivity through problem solving, reliability improvements, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with the Rotating Equipment Planner on job plans, cost estimates, and manpower requirements.
• Investigate near‑misses, incidents, or injuries, produce root‑cause reports, and recommend preventive actions.
• Work with the Rotating Equipment Engineering group on investigations into mechanical failures, documenting findings and communicating through reports, toolbox talks, and procedural revisions.
• Develop or modify maintenance and safety procedures and training materials for operations, mechanics, and supervisors.
• Attend daily scheduling meetings to coordinate with other maintenance departments and operations, resolving scheduling issues and priority changes.
• Consult with the Rotating Equipment Reliability Engineering group to ensure maintenance work meets mechanical, process, metallurgical, and environmental codes, policies, and standards.
• Identify reliability issues, seek assistance, and implement programs that reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
• Apply company policies, procedures, and the collective bargaining agreement consistently.
• Administer discipline for hourly employees who violate company policies or procedures.
• Participate in daily morning maintenance meetings to discuss schedule breakers and coordinate with other crafts.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Leader – Mechanical and Scheduler on projected maintenance needs, facilitating scheduling and manpower utilization.
• Initiate requisitions for required materials, tools, and contractor services.
• Track progress of equipment sent off‑site for repair.
• Conduct daily safety toolbox talks with work crews.
• Arrange overtime and off‑hour coverage for employees and contractors as needed.
• Provide clear verbal and written communications, deliver presentations, and practice active listening.
• Resolve complex situations, address conflicts, and support problem‑solving initiatives.
• Define goals, meet deadlines, provide status updates, and follow through on commitments.
• Collaborate with team members, respect diverse viewpoints, and uphold accountability.
• Take initiative, seek new opportunities, and drive projects to completion.
• Strive for error‑free, high‑quality work and continuous improvement.
• Maintain integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Provide strong leadership, motivate teams, make sound decisions, and encourage development.
• Coach, mentor, and reward employees, fostering growth and performance.

Competencies

• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrates specific skills for assignments, understands background and leverage points; organizes and documents shop repairs; actively manages safety; directs employee activities; achieves productivity and cost reductions.
• Knowledge of Work Areas and Responsibilities: Understands role and responsibilities, adapts to changes; collaborates on job plans, cost estimates, and manpower; investigates incidents and mechanical failures; develops procedures and training; communicates findings; attends scheduling meetings; consults reliability engineering; implements reliability programs; applies policies and collective bargaining agreement; administers discipline.
• Communications – Verbal and Written: Delivers presentations, listens effectively, and writes clear reports.
• Problem Solving and Conflict Leadership: Analyzes contributing factors, resolves complex situations, and helps individuals resolve conflicts.
• Delivering Results – Sense of Urgency: Sets goals, articulates vision, meets deadlines, and provides timely updates.
• Teamwork/Cooperation: Accounts to the team, respects others, and works toward shared deliverables.
• Initiative: Takes action, seeks opportunities, and drives projects to completion.
• Work Reliability/Quality: Prioritizes accurate, error‑free work and continuous improvement.
• Integrity and Trust: Upholds honesty, accountability, ethical standards, and confidentiality.
• Leadership Capability: Provides strong leadership, sets a good example, makes decisions, motivates, and encourages staff.
• People Development/Coaching: Offers feedback, coaches appropriately, rewards wisely, mentors, challenges, and develops employees.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of supervisory experience in repairing complex industrial rotating equipment, including machine‑tool operation and machinery component repair in a high‑risk industry such as refining, petrochemical, or chemical processing.
• High School Diploma or equivalent experience required.

Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Experienced with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all role‑specific competencies listed above.