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Job title
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Expert LP & APS Modelling
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Grade
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Company
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OQ8
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Function
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Commercial – Production Planning & Scheduling
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Location
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Duqm
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Budget control
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OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant
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Reporting to
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Head of Production Planning & Scheduling
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Direct reports
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0
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Job purpose:
Maintain, develop, and continuously improve the refinery LP and APS Scheduling models to ensure they accurately reflect refinery configuration, feedstock characteristics, operational constraints, logistics requirements, process limitations, product specifications and business objectives. Support informed decision-making, refinery optimization, operational excellence, and margin maximization through accurate modelling, plan-versus-actual deviation analysis, crude assay management, optimization studies, reporting, and automation initiatives. Act as the Production Planning & Scheduling focal point for all LP and APS modelling activities, accountable for model accuracy, timely monthly model delivery, stakeholder coordination, reporting, automation, and the provision of actionable insights that support refinery value maximization.
The position will act in accordance with the OQ8’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Oman’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.
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Main tasks and responsibilities
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Scope
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- LP Modelling
- APS Modelling
- Collaboration
- Reporting & Automation
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Accountabilities:
- Maintain, validate, and continuously enhance the refinery LP model to accurately represent refinery configuration, process unit performance, operational constraints, product specifications, feedstock characteristics, and economic drivers.
- Maintain, develop, and optimize the APS Scheduling model to accurately reflect refinery operation, logistics constraints, inventory management requirements, and scheduling limitations.
- Ensure LP and APS models accurately represent current refinery operating constraints and business requirements, enabling effective planning, scheduling, optimization, and margin maximization.
- Act as the focal point within the Production Planning & Scheduling function for all LP and APS modelling activities, coordinating closely with Process Engineering, Operations, Commercial, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Proactively manage the monthly LP and APS model update cycle, ensuring all model inputs, assumptions, operating parameters, constraints, and crude data are reviewed, validated, and updated in a timely manner.
- Deliver validated and up-to-date LP and APS models within agreed planning and scheduling deadlines to support business decision-making.
- Coordinate and implement model updates resulting from operational changes, process unit modifications, catalyst changes, debottlenecking initiatives, performance improvements, and new business requirements.
- Perform routine plan-versus-actual analyses to identify gaps between model predictions and actual refinery performance, determine root causes, and implement corrective model improvements.
- Provide model-based insights and recommendations on refinery performance, operational constraints, feedstock selection, planning accuracy, and value improvement opportunities.
- Maintain and govern the refinery crude assay database, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, completeness, and timely updates.
- Support crude evaluations, feedstock flexibility assessments, operational studies, and refinery optimization initiatives through robust modelling and assay management.
- Perform LP optimization studies, sensitivity analyses, economic evaluations, and scenario modelling to support business decisions and identify value-maximizing opportunities.
- Develop and maintain reporting systems, dashboards, visualization tools, and automated solutions to improve planning, scheduling, and modelling effectiveness.
- Support the Production Planning & Scheduling department with reporting, dashboard development, data analytics, digitalization, and process automation initiatives.
- Prepare and issue monthly modelling status reports and management updates covering model performance, update progress, outstanding actions, improvement initiatives, and key modelling activities.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of model assumptions, operating limits, yields, constraints, methodologies, and change history to ensure model governance and transparency.
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Key Deliverables:
- Accurate and validated monthly LP and APS models delivered within agreed deadlines.
- Reliable crude assay database and modelling data management.
- Timely identification and closure of plan-versus-actual modelling gaps.
- Regular management reporting on modelling performance and improvement initiatives.
- Enhanced planning and scheduling efficiency through reporting, dashboarding, and automation solutions.
- Actionable optimization recommendations supporting refinery profitability and value maximization
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Key interactions
Internal: Liaise with the colleagues and stakeholders for day-to-day work
External: 3rd Party Contractors
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Notable Working Conditions. Office environment, moderate to intensive computer screen use, occasional site presence
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Education requirements
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Minimum bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline
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Language requirements
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Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)
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Technical skills and required experience
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Competencies and skills
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- 10+ years of relevant experience
- Experience in production planning, refinery optimization, refinery economics, production scheduling
- Demonstrated experience in refinery LP and Scheduling model development, maintenance and validation on senior level
- Proficiency in Aspen PIMS™ or equivalent refinery optimization software including model development and maintenance
- Proficiency in Aspen Petroleum Scheduler (APS) or equivalent refinery scheduling software, including model development and maintenance
- Strong data management and analytical capabilities using Microsoft Office applications
- Experience in reporting automation, dashboard development, and digitalization initiatives
- Experience in refinery processes, equipment, and optimization techniques
- Experience in crude assay management and refinery economics
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- Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills
- Proactive and self-driven approach to managing model update cycles and improvement initiatives
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex operational and economic data
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and model accuracy
- Ability to work effectively across Production Planning & Scheduling, Operations, Process Engineering, and Commercial functions
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