Production Manager

Air Liquide Large Industries supplies industrial gas and energy solutions, operating over 2,000 miles of pipelines in the U.S. and providing oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and syngas to customers in chemicals, petrochemicals, refining, and steel industries. The company’s operations control center in Houston monitors more than 89,000 data points 24/7 to ensure high reliability and energy efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Operate Hydrogen/Syngas and ASU facilities safely and reliably, complying with regulatory requirements, developing personnel, managing costs, and fostering skill development.
• Maintain compliance with all governmental regulations and Air Liquide policies.
• Provide regulatory training and maintain documentation for direct reports.
• Qualify new technicians, issue development plans, and coach performance improvements.
• Report and investigate all incidents; ensure Maximo work orders and corrective actions are completed promptly.
• Conduct performance evaluations, hiring, promotions, and assignments free of discrimination.
• Meet or exceed company safety standards, including fundamental safety rules.
• Implement and maintain Life Safety systems.
• Keep red‑line P&IDs updated and demonstrate detailed understanding of each document.
• Ensure accurate shift reports are distributed each shift.
• Complete effective shift turnovers.
• Follow and update standard operating procedures as needed.
• Perform operating rounds each shift and issue follow‑up actions/Maximo work orders.
• Make plant/process decisions in the plant manager’s absence and conduct advanced process troubleshooting using PI trending and spreadsheets.
• Foster positive internal and external customer relationships.
• Deliver required product quality and quantity.
• Partner with the Maintenance Center (MC) to execute predictive/preventive maintenance and eliminate unplanned failures.
• Collaborate with MC on planned maintenance turnarounds and unexpected events, supporting TAR planning.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards to reflect the Air Liquide image.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of hazards and associated safeguards.
• Apply process safety elements and ensure all PSM requirements are met.
• Adhere to Management of Change procedures.
• Support development of short‑ and long‑term plans to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with IMS requirements, current GTs, and keep EIS plans/PMs current.
• Complete audit‑assigned action items on time.
• Ensure compliance with PM and PdM requirements.
• Plan, schedule, and complete maintenance work effectively.
• Model exemplary safety behavior, lead by example, and strive for “zero accidents.”
• Conduct annual performance reviews for each direct report, implement development plans, and provide training/coaching.
• Deliver annual lockout‑tagout training for all employees.
• Provide candid input to management decisions and actively support them.
• Instill a culture of strict adherence to operational policies and procedures.
• Complete goals assigned in the Talent Management System (TMS) and report results in annual reviews.
• Monitor, optimize, and be accountable for operating costs within authorized budgets, including variable, fixed, and capital expenditures.
• Identify and implement cost‑reduction opportunities; control overtime within limits.
• Participate in capital planning and maintain a long‑term capital improvement plan for reliability, growth, safety, environmental performance, and efficiency.
• Continuously monitor and improve efficiency, availability, and reliability.
• Utilize national purchasing and frame agreements.
• Work with the plant manager to develop the annual maintenance budget, covering base run rate, special projects, equipment overhauls, and TAR plans.
• Partner with Corporate Supply Management and Field Sourcing Specialists to obtain best value for outsourced work and materials.
• Act as plant manager during their absence.

Education Requirements

Associate’s degree in a technical field OR equivalent related operations experience (in lieu of a degree) AND 10+ years of technical knowledge and/or work experience with plant processes such as Partial Oxidation (POX), amine CO₂ recovery, ASU, membrane, steam, and condensate systems.

Skills and Knowledge

• Technical and working understanding of Partial Oxidation, syngas production, and related subsystems.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, including Process Safety Management, OSHA, environmental regulations, and state/local mandates.
• Solid foundation in technical fundamentals to evaluate and challenge external technical recommendations.
• Training in process safety elements and process safety management.
• Knowledge of root‑cause analysis techniques.
• Proficiency with internal systems such as Intelex, PI, Maximo®, and Oracle.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot Distributed Process Control (DCS) systems (Delta V, Foxboro, Triconex, PI).
• Capability to develop and deliver training material to operating personnel.
• Exceptional organization and time‑management skills.
• Experience establishing and maintaining plant filing systems and controlling engineering documents; ability to read and red‑line key operating documents.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude for equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of commercial agreements and Air Liquide customer relations.
• Strong communication and team‑leadership abilities.
• General understanding of accounting principles and plant operating budgets.
• Knowledge of maintenance management processes, including work management, planning, scheduling, PM/PdM compliance, and TAR planning.
• Familiarity with capital processes, ACE submittals, and basic economic analysis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and shift work as business needs dictate, including on‑call nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Infrequent travel (typically 3‑5 trips per year).
• Willingness to relocate for promotional opportunities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive family benefits package: medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Benefits begin on the first day of employment.