Operations Manager (M/F)

Petroval SA; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Petroval SA is looking for an experienced Operations Manager in Houston, Texas, to lead Catalyst Handling and Reactor Services activities. The ideal candidate will drive operations focusing on safety, manage remote teams, and oversee catalyst handling projects.

This role requires strong leadership qualities and a commitment to safety, ensuring effective project execution while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The position necessitates frequent domestic travel and occasionally internationally.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety and demonstrated leadership.
• Extensive expertise in catalyst change-out activities.
• Proven experience managing remote teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Well-established network in the industry.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Process Technicians team focusing on safety.
• Plan and oversee catalyst handling and energy operations.
• Drive innovation by supporting technology development.

Skills

Safety leadership

Expertise in catalyst change-out

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Multicultural adaptability

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Willingness to travel

Job description

PETROVAL (a French company, subsidiary of the TotalEnergies and Eurecat groups) offers innovative technologies and specialized services to the Refining and Petrochemicals industry.

PETROVAL’s catalyst department offers a wide range of services for catalyst replacement: unloading assistance, reactor dense loading, material sampling, and expertise supervision during unit maintenance. Teams of specialists operate on site throughout the world. PETROVAL has dense loaded more than 1,500 reactors worldwide.

PETROVAL also has an Energy department which includes energy expertise and diagnostic assistance through Infra-Red Thermography and offers adapted technologies (Inserts) to improve the energy efficiency of units and reduce the carbon footprint of industrial sites.

PETROVAL has an international presence and operates in >50 countries. PETROVAL is headquartered in Normandy, France with subsidiaries located in Houston, Bahrain, & Singapore.

About the Role

Petroval is seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to lead and support our Catalyst Handling and Reactor Services activities across the INC region.

Required Qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety and demonstrated leadership in fostering a safety-first culture.
• Extensive expertise in catalyst change-out activities, and reactor inspection services.
• Proven experience managing remote and geographically dispersed teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.
• Well-established network within the Catalyst Handling and Reactor Services industry.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally and participate in field operations when required.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Technicians Management

Lead, develop, and support the Process Technicians team by fostering a strong safety culture, ensuring competency development, managing resources, and maintaining operational readiness across all technologies and services.

2. Catalyst Handling & Energy Operations Management

Plan, coordinate, and oversee catalyst handling and energy-related projects, ensuring safe and efficient execution, optimal resource allocation, technical support, and successful delivery of field operations throughout the INC region.

3. Technical Development & Business Support

Drive continuous improvement and innovation by supporting technology development, capturing field feedback, facilitating knowledge sharing, and providing technical expertise to support business growth and market expansion.

Location

Preferred location is Houston, Texas, with flexibility depending on operational needs.

Travel

Frequent domestic travel with occasional international travel required.