THE ROLE: Maintenace Team Lead

LOCATION: VPI Blackburn

SALARY: Competitive + an attractive benefits package

THE CLIENT

VPI is a preeminent power company, part of the Vitol Group. With responsiveness and ability to act swiftly at its core, as well as breadth of experience that spans operations and trading, we are a system solver for the problems that must be resolved to enable the energy transition.

We are already one of the leading Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) operators in the UK, with assets across five locations capable of generating 3.3GW of power. Our efficient and flexible generation portfolio complements an increased use of renewables as part of the energy system, ensuring security of supply in the power grid.

At the same time, we are solving for decarbonisation of gas-fired dispatchable generation, as well as industrial clusters. For example, we are part of Humber Zero, a project to decarbonise critical energy intensive industry in the Humber. Humber Zero is a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project on the south bank of the Humber Estuary. The large-scale decarbonisation project will remove up to 8-million tonnes per annum of CO2 at the Immingham industrial site within the next 7 years. This represents a meaningful reduction in national CO2 emissions, while protecting local jobs and supporting the region’s  economy.

Finally, we are anticipating the shift to zero-carbon storage technologies that will provide flexibility and stability in the energy system in the long term. We are building our portfolio in these areas, and creating a suite of services to suit corporate and grid needs.

VPI has an ambitious growth agenda. We are growing our portfolio in the UK and abroad. We can see an energy system that is changing rapidly and fundamentally. As a company that holds on to a system wide view and responds at pace, we see opportunity in this complex and fast-changing ecosystem.

THE POSITION

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Maintenance Team Leader based at VPI Blackburn. The position will require that the successful applicant lead the maintenance team, maintenance strategy and to support the Operations & Maintenance Manager at designated station, acting as technical lead.

The main role of the Maintenance Team Leader is to manage all aspects of Engineering and

Maintenance of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Control and Instrumentation equipment, as well as the buildings and surrounding areas, at Blackburn Power Station to deliver optimum availability and efficiency.

To plan and deliver major maintenance works such as gas turbine, boiler, steam turbine, and package boiler overhauls to deadline and on budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will be expected to undertake a wide range of tasks within their level of competence. The following will be included:

• Management accountabilities of the maintenance team including 3 technicians
• Manage & Communicate policy, strategy, and general information through team briefings.
• Deputise for the O&M Manager in his absence
• Assist the O&M Manager with site budgets and procurement.
• Manage Administration functions including travelling, accommodation, training, etc.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Work within the Company Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and the statutory requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and subsequent legislation.
• Ensure compliance with the Safety Rules and other regulations including Site Safety Procedures, Local Safety Instructions, and Emergency Procedures.
• Carry out audits including plant safety and environment tours and behavioural safety audits to help drive local health, safety, and environmental initiatives.
• Assist in the production and upkeep of the plant Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment system by writing, updating, and auditing site procedures, maintaining the QHSE Procedure Auditing System.
• Act as the focus for Health and Safety at the site.

MAINTENANCE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and maintain an engineering and maintenance strategy.
• Act as Maintenance Team Leader responsible for the management, training and development, and performance appraisal of three Maintenance Technicians. Develop the engineering and maintenance team to include role evaluation & career development plans.
• Develop and manage all engineering and maintenance budgets.
• Report and communicate defects, solutions and conclusions from routine and non-routine activities.
• Ensure compliance with company Engineering Standards and engineering statutory legislation. Produce and implement procedures to ensure compliance with company Engineering Standards and statutory legislation within agreed timescales and plant budgets.
• Monitor and report on compliance and maintain records as required.
• Set, monitor, and review the quality standards for engineering and maintenance work undertaken at Blackburn.
• Instigate condition and performance monitoring systems to track the health of the plant, review the outputs, and modify the routine maintenance programme as appropriate.
• Manage the site storage and material management system.
• Review and ensure the availability of Strategic Spares.
• Identify and implement appropriate Plant Modifications considering cost and benefit.
• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge and maintain awareness of the latest developments in all aspects of engineering. Use this knowledge to support staff in the solution of complex technical problems through experience, knowledge, and where required, input from other agencies.
• Define the technical requirements for Contracts and Services required to support the engineering and maintenance function.
• Provide timely information and support to the plant Production department.
• Support the Blackburn Environmental Representative to the Business Improvement Environment Group. Provide Environmental information and implement Environmental Policy.
• Carry out internal audits of the site Health, Safety, and Environmental systems and take corrective action in respect of non-conformances where appropriate.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

• High level experience in power plant or other process industry operations and maintenance and having gained from this detailed in-depth knowledge of power or process plant, systems, and operating and maintenance techniques.
• A detailed knowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation and best practice, application of Permit To Work systems, and an excellent appreciation of general safety requirements.
• Educational Standards: Minimum HND (preferably Degree) in an electrical or mechanical engineering discipline.
• Qualification to NEBOSH desirable.
• Valid Driving License