Refinery Manager

The Refinery Manager provides overall on-site leadership and direction for our renewable diesel production facility in Hastings, NE. 

The Refinery Manager is responsible for safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations. This role oversees all aspects of refinery performance, including operations, production optimization, maintenance, health and safety, environmental compliance, personnel development, and budget management. The Refinery Manager ensures alignment with corporate objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for day-to-day refinery operations, including safety, production, maintenance, engineering, logistics, and site services.
• Ensure safe operation in compliance with regulatory requirements and facility goals. 
• Ensure all permit requirements are met, and reporting is accurate and timely.
• Oversee the execution of consistent and quality production while driving reliability centered operations.
• Oversee process optimization, debottlenecking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee turnaround planning and execution, including scope development, contractor management, and post-turnaround reviews.
• Lead and direct compliance with operating and capital budgets.
• Manage capital investment projects and spending.
• Provide accurate and timely production and inventory reports. 
• Provide required updates and communications to Love’s leadership, which may include attendance at regular and special meetings and presentations.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to plan procurement, production and sales. 
• Collaborate with middle and back-office personnel to ensure integrity of overall business operations for Love’s enterprise. 
• Collaborate with corporate fuel compliance team to ensure adherence to Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) requirements, supporting accurate reporting, documentation, and credit optimization.
• Enforce Process Safety Management (PSM) systems, including hazard analysis (PHA/HAZOP), management of change (MOC), and incident investigation.
• Provide leadership to develop and manage talent including forecasting resource needs, recruiting, hiring, performance management, and training. 
• Ensure optimal plant performance through effective coordination between operations, maintenance, technical and commercial functions.
• Monitor process parameters and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify and resolve production and people issues promptly.
• Travel up to 15% of the time may be required.
• Represent Love’s in the local community. 
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 
• 12+ years of progressive experience in refining, including renewable diesel production.
• 10+ years of leadership or management experience in refinery operations.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, utilities, and refinery-style process equipment and systems.
• Experience and responsibility for budgets and staff resource planning.
• Self-driven with technical and commercial strengths to lead a grassroots green field renewable diesel facility and deliver commercial success.
• Be fit to perform the essential functions of the job including working in an industrial work environment that may include loud areas, work around rotating equipment/operating equipment/heavy equipment, extreme temperatures, dust, work at heights, entry into confined spaces, and other potential chemical/atmospheric hazards that require use of appropriate PPE.
• Requires ability to perform physical tasks including frequent walking, standing for extended periods of time, climbing ladders or stairs, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Relocate to Nebraska and become Nebraska resident (if applicable).
• Must be legally eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Other minimum qualifications may apply.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with renewable diesel hydrotreating strongly.
• Experience managing a greenfield startup or major expansion project.
• Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Engineering or related field).
• Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or other continuous improvement certifications.
• Strong familiarity with reliability-centered maintenance and asset management systems.
• Experience in Renewable Diesel, Steam Reformation, Hydro Processing and/or a PSM regulated facility.

Heartwell Renewables is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for career growth and development.