Head of Project Engineering (Deepak Chem Tech Limited)

Job Title: Head of Project Engineering (Projects)

Location: Corporate office, Vadodara

Direct Reporting: Head of Projects

Indirect Reporting: CEO / Executive Director

Objective of the Role:

The Head of Project Engineering (Projects) is responsible for managing all technical and commercial aspects of EPC/EPCM project execution on behalf of the owner. The role entails overseeing engineering designs, ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry standards, mitigating risks, and ensuring the successful delivery of the project within budget and schedule. This position will evolve into Head of Engineering post-project commissioning, taking responsibility for plant maintenance across multiple disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Civil).

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Engineering Leadership
• Lead the engineering team to develop and deliver project designs aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Assume the role of "Owners Representative" as per EPC/EPCM contract definition and act as the primary liaison between the Owners home office and EPCM contractor.
• Review and approve detailed engineering designs, specifications, and drawings to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Oversee the work of EPCM agencies to ensure engineering milestones, budgets, and timelines are met.
• Contract & Commercial Management
• Manage all EPC/EPCM contract variation orders and claims, ensuring alignment with Owner’s site management team.
• Validate and approve contractor payments post-assessment of claims and project deliverables.
• Monitor and manage EPC contract letters of credit and performance bonds, in coordination with Owner’s legal team and project team.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations while mitigating financial and operational risks.
• Risk, Quality & Compliance
• Establish and enforce quality assurance standards, conducting periodic reviews and audits of engineering outputs.
• Implement a robust risk management strategy to address engineering challenges and prevent project delays or safety issues.
• Ensure EPCM contract and subcontractor compliance with QA/QC obligations and industry regulations.
• Liaise with local government and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with necessary approvals and permits.
• Technical Oversight & Execution
• Develop the basis for design and oversee basic & detailed engineering activities.
• Provide technical guidance on chemical processes, equipment specifications, and plant design for optimal performance and sustainability.
• Lead P&ID preparation, equipment sizing, HAZOP studies, and pre-commissioning & commissioning activities.
• Ensure safety and environmental considerations are integrated into all engineering processes.
• Oversee completion testing and handover of the facility to the process team.
• Financial & Budget Management
• Continuously monitor the project budget and accurately forecast remaining costs to complete.
• Interface with project cost control resources to produce timely and accurate monthly project cost reports.
• Approve purchase orders, purchase requisitions, and contracts in accordance with the delegation of powers.
• Stakeholder & Team Coordination
• Act as the primary liaison between the Owner’s organization, Licensors, and EPCM agencies.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Procurement, Quality, Safety, and Operations teams for smooth project execution.
• Plan and facilitate EPCM contract monthly project review meetings between Owner and EPCM contractor.
• Prepare and present regular engineering status reports to senior management, highlighting progress, challenges, and mitigation strategies.
• Post-Commissioning Responsibilities
• Oversee plant maintenance across multiple engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Civil).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and plant reliability.
• Lead technological advancements and process improvements, obtaining management approvals for implementation.

Deliverables of the Role:

• Successful execution of EPC/EPCM projects within budget and timeline constraints.
• Compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Effective risk mitigation and issue resolution during project execution.
• Timely and accurate reporting on engineering progress and financial status.
• Seamless transition from project execution to plant maintenance post-commissioning.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering.
• Additional certification in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) or EPCM/EPC contract management experience is preferred.

Experience:

• 24+ years of experience in project engineering and management within the chemical, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing sector.
• Extensive experience managing EPC/EPCM projects from financial close to commercial operations.
• Proven expertise in contract management, risk mitigation, and engineering design oversight.
• Strong background in process safety, commissioning, and plant startup activities.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in engineering design, P&ID development, and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of EPCM/EPC contracts, claims management, and contract negotiations.
• Proficiency in risk management and quality assurance in large-scale projects.
• Experience with HAZOP studies, commissioning, and plant startup procedures.
• Familiarity with engineering software tools and project management software.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Leadership & Decision Making: Ability to drive projects and teams towards successful completion.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to foresee challenges, identify solutions, and implement best practices.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset to resolve engineering and contractual challenges.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for effective coordination with stakeholders.
• Negotiation Skills: Adept at contract negotiations and vendor management.

Additional Notes:

This role is a strategic leadership position with high impact on the successful execution of large-scale projects and long-term plant operations. The incumbent will be responsible for setting technical and commercial strategies to optimize performance, ensure compliance, and drive overall project to success.