Shift Process Leader

Shift Process Leader (SPL)

The Shift Process Leader (SPL) is responsible for managing and directing the work of a crew (typically 12-hour rotating shift employees) in a manufacturing operations area to produce a quality product. He/she will operate the console and direct the Outside Operators to manage the processes and equipment. His/her goal is to help the unit meet safety, quality, and production targets, as well as to support and align with the company objectives.  

After an individual applies and meets the minimum qualifications for the position, technical testing will be scheduled. Passing the technical testing is required to move forward through the hiring process. Interviews will be scheduled with select individuals based on position requirements. If an offer is made, the individual must then complete and pass a comprehensive physical function test, background check and drug screen to start work.

Major Responsibilities

This role is a management position and has people leadership responsibilities as well as is responsible for monitoring screens from a Control Room to track the chemical production activities underway in assigned unit. Tracking temperatures, pressures, levels, ensuring safety equipment such as alarms and interlocks are in place and operable (not by-passed), and taking corrective actions as necessary, to maintain unit safety and ensure the integrity of the process and equipment. The SPL has a firm understanding of interlock actions and emergency procedures, communicates well with Outside Operators to effectively troubleshoot abnormal conditions and promptly respond to emergency situations. The SPL must be aware of and follow all safety and security guidelines according to Company policy and in compliance with all applicable environmental, safety and government regulations. 

Responsibilities

•Lead procedure reviews for assigned areas to ensure appropriate content, quality, and accuracy. Expected to escalate or revise when needed.
•Responsible for gaining and maintaining process knowledge of the unit and process changes to the unit, to enable effective operation and detection of unusual process conditions; uses knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Assist in implementing corrections to minimize impact to operations and eliminate root cause.
•Responsible for directing field activities and actions taken by field operators to ensure safe and reliable operation. 
•Responsible for issuing daily production report for assigned unit with appropriate comments to explain safety, environmental, and production exceptions.
•Responsible for entering high quality work notifications that don’t require rework/reject and communicate needs to TMs and WEC.
•Follows up on submitted WN to ensure proper visibility and priority has been assigned. 
•Follows up on rejected WN with operators to ensure proper troubleshooting and feedback is provided.
•Review PI data for assigned areas of responsibility and take appropriate action when abnormal operating conditions are indicated.
•Review operator log sheets for accuracy and ensure appropriate action has been taken.
•Leader on putting all the required documentation for returning equipment back to service with proper documentation and signed off.
•Responsible for inputting information on compliance calendar and KPIs of the area of board assignment and managed operators.
•Responsible for initiating safety device bypass approval and managing the removal of the bypass in accordance with the procedure.  Responsible for personal safety, the safety of co-workers and promoting a safe work environment; responsible for carrying out all work activities in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
•Model safe behaviors and good housekeeping and always adheres to Basic Safety Expectations.
•Takes personal leadership role in daily activities, task planning, incident investigations with RCA, MOC process, PHAs, near miss reviews, audits and other activities and work performance as they relate to the Eastman’s key focus areas of Safety, Environmental, Quality, Reliability, and Cost of operation.
•Ensure proper shift turnover by providing effective written and oral communications to the relieving shift that cover routine and non-routine issues, problems faced, unit operating conditions, etc.
•Participating in training and assisting in the training of new employees. 
•Startup, shutdown, isolation, and decontamination of plant equipment. 
•Adjusts the process parameters for unusual weather-related events, including freezing temperatures and hurricanes, following Operating Procedures to de-inventory and/or bleed water systems; up to and including complete unit shutdowns in order to protect equipment and personnel from potential weather damage.
•Responds to all area emergencies including loss of power, steam, cooling water, instrument air, fires, and other dangerous and unusual situations. Follows Emergency Procedures and utilizes safety equipment and systems in order to maintain the safety and integrity of the process and equipment.
•Optimize console to control day-to-day operations in the most efficient manner
•Communicate clear expectations to the crew and to other stakeholders
•Coordinate maintenance activities in area of responsibility

Management

•Functions as a member of the Eastman management team and knows to express policy and program concerns to management, rather than employees.
•Connects decision making to core values and is committed to hiring team members with the right core values.
•Ensures all procedures and checklists are followed in all cases without exception. If there is an error or gap in those procedures or checklists, has the accountability to ensure that they are reviewed for quality and accurate content.
•Responsible for the safety of the team above any other outcome, does not knowingly allow departure from area procedures, safety rules, Process Safety Ground Rules or Life Critical Processes under any condition.
•Responsible for ensuring that all necessary operational and/or safety training is fully implemented and reinforced, that our employees have the knowledge to work safely in our facilities, and employees know they have the right and duty to stop work if they identify an unsafe condition, process, or practice. 
•Responsible for performance management of Operators. Proactively reach out to other SPLs and TMs to get feedback on direct reports (performance, attendance, training, etc.)
•Responsible for identifying and communicating specific training opportunities to TM/Training Coordinator for outside operators.
•Responsible for identifying and training/cross training step ups for board.
•Holds team members accountable to performance standards. Inspect what you expect by performing audits and sharing feedback to the crews/units. Inspect what you expect by performing Audits and sharing feedback to crews/units.
•Manage by Walking around - Makes an effort to get out of the office/off the board and have a presence among the crew especially when the workload is at an unusually high level.
•Invests the time to know direct reports and properly delegates to develop the team through training, coaching, and job assignments.
•Proactively identify issues that could impact operations, work to address those issues or escalate them promptly to reduce potential impact.
•Responsible for conflict management for team members.
•Sharing and adapting best practices across shifts to provide a consistent experience for all team members, regardless of crew and/or unit.
•Leads with optimism, confidence, and clarity to help team members feel engaged, value their role, and feel good about the company direction and strategy.
•Leads with a winning attitude to motivate team to increased levels of employee commitment and maintains a “can do” spirit.
•Role models a high work ethic and expects the same from team members.
•Maintains focus and direction while minimizing distractions.
•Support downward and challenge upward. When appropriate express policy and program concerns to management (with potential solutions), not to team members.
•Provides accurate and timely communication to co-workers, and works with other functions to improve individual and unit performance. Provides ideas, raises concerns, and promotes an environment in which everyone is treated with respect.
•Participate in effective crew safety meetings, lead as requested by Team Manager 
•Lead/Facilitate effective team meetings

Required Qualifications

•18 Years of Age with a High School diploma or GED 
•5+ years of Chemical Operator experience in a petrochemical or refinery setting
•Must possess or obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card prior to first day of employment
•Possess a current, valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the United States.
•Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without visa sponsorship (U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident)
•Possess skills, knowledge, and training related to implementation of life critical processes: LOTO, system and process openings, working at heights, hot work, confined space entry, energized electrical work.
•Basic knowledge of chemicals and their safe handling
•Good process troubleshooting/problem solving skills 
•Basic understanding of window-based programs: MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook
•Strong written and verbal communication skills 
•Well-developed teamwork and leadership skills
•Self-initiated learning 
•Time management processes and skills
•Self-initiated corrective actions/follow-through

Desired Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

•Knowledge of regulatory requirements (i.e. OSHA, EPA, TCEQ, RCRA)
•2 years Console Operator experience; Emerson Delta V preferred
•2 years of leadership experience
•Experience with safe work practices
•Experience with maintenance activities
•Experience with Emergency Response
•Process Technology degree

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

•Must be willing and able to work outside, year-round under various weather conditions. Eastman is a 24-hour, 365 days per year operations.
•Must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts (which may include nights, weekends and some holidays) and provide overtime coverage of 5am – 5pm & 5pm to 5am
•The candidate must be capable of climbing (scaffolds, towers, vessels, etc.) and working at heights.
•Able to lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds
•The ability to work in a confined space and from elevated platforms
•Able to wear appropriate protective equipment
•Required to participate in Respiratory Fit Testing Program
•Basic computer skills are a requirement for this position
•The critical competencies for this position are communication, teamwork, problem solving and decision-making, results orientation, initiative, relationship building, and technological orientation.

Eastman Team Member Commitment to Safety

At Eastman, the safety of our employees, visitors, and the communities in which we operate is a core value of our culture. We must remember that we earn the right to operate in our communities, and we always want to send our fellow team members home safely. All team members must commit to:

•Operating with a zero-incident mindset and always take time to do the job safely. Never executing an activity that does not follow procedure or cannot be done safely. 
•Stopping any process or work that is deemed unsafe.
•Following all procedures and training that have been established in designated work areas and raising concerns if there is not a way to follow procedures as currently written. 
•Following the Eastman Life Critical Processes and Basic Safety Expectations.
•Actively identifying and eliminating hazards in the workplace and watching out for the safety of co-workers. 
•Always using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as it applies to the job and specific tasks.
•Reporting all job-related injuries or illnesses and near-miss incidents in a timely manner. 

**Eastman Chemical Company does not offer relocation for this role or reimbursement for travel to and from interviews. If you consider a position that is not within the area you reside, you will be responsible for all cost that incur.