Description:
The PSM Manager is accountable for the strategic leadership, governance, and continuous improvement of Process Safety Management for Whitegate refinery. They ensure that all PSM programs and procedures are maintained to the highest level and in compliance with Irish & European Regulatory frameworks, including the Seveso III Directive, and drive excellence in process safety performance, risk management, and organisational culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and lead the Refinery’s Process Safety Strategy aligned with corporate and regulatory requirements. Establish and maintain governance frameworks, standards, and site policies and procedures for process safety. Act as the senior technical authority on process safety risks and mitigation. Provide expert advice to the Area and Refinery leadership teams on major accident hazard prevention.
- Ensure full compliance with EU and national regulations, including the Seveso III Directive and the COMAH Regulations. Oversee preparation and maintenance of the Safety Report. Act as the primary interface with the regulatory authorities and external auditors. Lead regulatory inspections and ensure effective closure of findings.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Process Safety Management System aligned with frameworks such as the European Process Safety Centre guidance and OSHA. Ensure integration of process safety into operational and engineering practices. Define and evaluate leading and lagging process safety KPIs and generate and track trends and statistics.
- Lead and organise the HSE Management System (HSEMS) for the Refinery, ensuring programs are developed for continuous improvement, ensuring the HSE Management System Manual is current.
- Oversee high-quality execution of hazard studies (PHA, HAZOP, LOPA, QRA). Ensure robust management of major accident hazards and safety-critical elements.
- Provide process safety technical oversight for the following: Relief and flare systems, Safety instrumented systems (SIS), Asset integrity and inspection programs and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
- Lead the site Audit program. Develop the annual audit schedule. Analyse inspection & audit trends, develop programs to address concerns identified. Facilitate bi-annual Insurance surveys, from prework to report out to action management.
- Lead investigations of high-potential and major process safety incidents. Ensure root cause analysis methodologies are applied consistently. Drive the implementation of corrective and preventive actions across the site. Promote a learning culture and represent the Refinery at the IBEC Process Safety Forum.
- Champion a strong, visible process safety culture across all levels. Lead, develop, and mentor a team of process safety professionals. Influence senior leadership, area and refinery daily operations teams to understand and prioritise process safety risks. Ensure effective competency frameworks and training programs.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Extensive expertise in process safety within refining or petrochemical operations
- Deep understanding of EU regulatory frameworks and major hazard legislation
- Proven leadership in driving safety culture and organisational change
- High-level risk assessment and decision-making capability
- Excellent stakeholder management, including regulators and executive leadership
- Strategic thinking combined with strong technical knowledge
- Strong planning and execution skills
- Ability to influence & communicate effectively
Education and Experience:
- Degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s preferred)
- Advanced qualification in Process Safety Management (Desirable) or willingness to complete
- 10–15+ years of relevant industry experience
- Extensive experience in process safety leadership roles
- In-depth knowledge of the Seveso III Directive and COMAH Regulations
- Chartered Engineer status (e.g., via Engineers Ireland, Institution of Chemical Engineers, or equivalent) highly desirable