Job Description

The Commissioning and Start-up Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing all commissioning and start-up activities associated with offshore EPC projects from pre-commissioning at fabrication yards to system handover and performance testing offshore.

This role ensures all systems are tested, energized, and handed over safely, on schedule, and in full compliance with client specifications, project design intent, and applicable standards.

The position requires multidisciplinary technical knowledge (process, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control systems), offshore construction experience, and strong leadership skills to coordinate multiple teams and interfaces across engineering, construction, and operations.

The role reports directly to the Project Director / Construction Manager and works closely with the Client Commissioning Team, QA/QC, HSE, and Offshore Operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commissioning Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement the Commissioning Execution Plan (CEP) and systemization strategy for the offshore project.
• Define system boundaries, subsystem priorities, and develop the Commissioning Matrix (System/Subsystem Index).
• Oversee preparation of detailed commissioning procedures, test packs, checklists, and pre-commissioning dossiers.
• Ensure readiness of utilities, test equipment, tools, and commissioning consumables.
• Coordinate discipline leads (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, process) to achieve system completion in alignment with the project schedule.

2. Interface & Coordination

• Interface between engineering, construction, procurement, and operations teams to resolve technical and schedule conflicts.
• Coordinate with the Client Commissioning Team (e.g., QatarEnergy / ADNOC) for inspection, acceptance, and handover stages.
• Manage vendor representatives for equipment commissioning, functional tests, and performance verification.
• Coordinate with fabrication yard and offshore installation teams to ensure smooth transition from construction to commissioning phase.

3. HSE & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all commissioning activities are conducted in compliance with project HSE requirements, PTW systems, and isolation procedures.
• Lead pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR) and ensure all systems meet safe-to-start criteria.
• Validate all QA/QC records, red-line drawings, and inspection reports prior to energization or system startup.
• Drive a strong safety culture and ensure hazard identification and mitigation during energization phases.

4. System Handover & Documentation

• Oversee system mechanical completion (MC), pre-commissioning (PC), commissioning (COM), and ready-for-startup (RFSU) status verification.
• Manage documentation and turnover dossiers, including as-built drawings, inspection certificates, calibration records, and test reports.
• Coordinate punch list management (A/B/C categories) and ensure closure prior to handover.
• Ensure the integrity of the Completion Management System (CMS) (e.g., WinPCS, ICAPS, PIMS).

5. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead a multidisciplinary commissioning team of engineers, supervisors, and technicians.
• Establish and monitor manpower plans, rotation schedules, and training programs.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote knowledge sharing between yard and offshore commissioning crews.
• Manage performance and productivity of commissioning contractors and vendors.

6. Post-Commissioning & Start-up Support

• Supervise initial plant startup and stabilization phase in collaboration with operations.
• Support troubleshooting, performance testing, and optimization.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and documented for future projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Process / Electrical / Instrumentation preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of commissioning/start-up experience in oil & gas EPC projects, including at least 5 years offshore (platforms, topsides, subsea, FPSO, or refinery modules).
• Proven track record of managing commissioning teams on major EPC offshore projects.
• Strong understanding of process systems, rotating/static equipment, E&I systems, and control logic testing.
• Experience with Completion Management Systems (WinPCS, ICAPS, or similar).
• Familiar with QatarEnergy / ADNOC / ARAMCO commissioning standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and coordination skills.

Preferred Certifications

• BOSIET / HUET / H2S certification (mandatory for offshore assignment).
• PMP® or equivalent project management certification (preferred).
• ISO 9001 / ISO 45001 awareness certification.
• Process safety management or commissioning training (advantageous).

Key Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge across all disciplines.
• Leadership and decision-making under offshore conditions.
• Safety-driven execution mindset.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and coordination ability.
• Strong client and vendor interface skills