This role is responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant day-to-day operation of Max Energy Group's active crude pipeline assets, and for building the operating capability required to absorb new pipeline mileage and throughput as the crude expansion project is executed in phases over the next 3 to 4 years. This position works together with the Vice President of Crude Asset Development's project team, providing operations input during FEED and detailed engineering and leading commissioning and start-up of new pipeline segments, pump stations, and DRA facilities so that each phase is turned over to operations ready to run.
Responsibilities
Direct day-to-day operation of all active crude pipeline assets consisting of three pipelines, to ensure safe, on-spec operation and achievement of throughput and reliability targets
Own the responsibility for control room performance ensuring 24/7 monitoring, sound alarm management, and leak detection integrity across all pipeline segments
Manage the field cathodic protection program working with CP technical support to maintain pipeline integrity in compliance with DOT/PHMSA requirements including pipe to soil surveys, close interval surveys, rectifier and ground bed management
Coordinate pipeline scheduling, batching, and blending activities with the Edna and Seahawk Terminal teams and the crude scheduler to optimize system throughput
Manage ROW’s and respond to Aerial Patrol reports as needed
Establish and track operational and reliability metrics for the pipeline system, driving root-cause resolution of anomalies, upsets, and unplanned downtime
Serve as the operations subject matter expert into FEED and detailed engineering for each expansion phase
Partner with the Vice President of Crude Asset Development and project execution team through design review, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up, ensuring each new pipeline segment, pump station, and DRA facility is delivered operations ready
Build the staffing, training, spare parts, and maintenance plans required to safely absorb each phase of new pipeline mileage and throughput without degrading reliability of the existing system
Provide field verification of engineering assumptions (ROW conditions, existing pipe condition, station tie-in points) to support accurate scope development
Ensure full compliance with DOT/PHMSA pipeline safety regulations, applicable Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) requirements, and the company's Pipeline Safety Management System
Own responsibility for the damage-prevention program, including One-Call/811 response, encroachment monitoring, and the public awareness and education program along all active and newly commissioned pipeline routes
Maintain the Operator Qualification (OQ) program, ensuring all covered tasks are performed only by qualified personnel
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Prepare for and support internal and external compliance audits, regulatory inspections, and incident investigations; maintain audit-ready records for integrity management
Establish and maintain a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence in operations
Lead current staff of four pipeline operators and one Cathodic Protection technician; assist in the build out of a larger organization to manage the phased growth of the system
Partner with the inland terminal manager, the waterside terminal manager and the scheduling group to coordinate needed operational and maintenance activities
Partner with the HSE Director and Mechanical Integrity Director on incident response readiness, risk mitigation, and integrity management programs
Ensure cross-functional support and teamwork with all departments and third-party support organizations
Lead and mentor direct reports by fostering a collaborative high-performance culture with strong leadership at all levels
Drive leadership development and succession planning, preparing future leaders by actively delegating appropriate responsibilities
Coach the team to know their individual limits and overcommunicate by “seeking to understand” and “seeking to be understood”
Implement a “see it you own it culture” by ensuring that every team member takes ownership and actively embrace positive change and improvement
Develop the succession and staffing plans needed to support this position's growth as the operating system and facility scales
Requirements
Strong leadership, communication, and field-team management skills
Excellent communication skills
Critical thinking skills and calm under pressure while managing both ongoing operations and active construction/commissioning activity
Organized and have excellent time management skills
Working knowledge of DOT/PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and pipeline integrity management principles
Crisis management and risk mitigation, Incident Command Systems preferred
Leak detection and control room operations management experience
Cathodic protection and pipeline integrity program knowledge
Budgeting, contractor management, and financial acumen
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Civil) preferred; equivalent hands-on pipeline operations experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
10 or more years of experience in crude or liquids pipeline operations, including:
Direct supervisory experience leading pipeline operators and technicians
Leak detection and SCADA system operations
Cathodic protection and pipeline integrity program management
DOT-regulated pipeline compliance and damage-prevention program management
New pipeline construction, commissioning, and start-up experience strongly preferred given the scope of the expansion project
Nice to have:
DOT/PHMSA Operator Qualification program experience
NACE Cathodic Protection certification
HAZWOPER Certification
Incident Command System (ICS) Training
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Important Details
Schedule: Ability to work in high-pressure environments where operational availability and pipeline integrity are critical, including after-hours response as needed
Travel: Regular travel to Seahawk Terminal, pipeline right-of-way, and expansion project sites (Victoria interconnect, Houston corridor); travel to Houston-area project sites, the Victoria interconnect, vendor sites, and industry conferences as needed
About the Company
Max Energy Group is executing a multi-phase crude expansion that will grow the company's pipeline system from roughly 350 miles today with plans over the next 3 to 4 years to add an additional 250 miles to achieve a total system throughput of 1,000,000 barrels per day. The current system includes an inland terminal with 1.5 million barrels of storage and a water side terminal with 612,000 barrels of storage, a Panamax ship berth and a barge loading dock. The two terminals are connected via a 22-mile pipeline and there are two additional 14" lines capable that deliver crude to the inland terminal. In addition to the additional 250 miles of pipeline, the expansion phases will include twinning the line from the inland terminal to the waterside terminal, adding an additional 3.4 million barrels of storage at the waterside terminal along with two new Aframax ship berths. As pipeline mileage, throughput, and headcount grow through the expansion, this position has the potential to be upgraded to a Director of Pipeline Operations role, with expanded scope over multiple pipeline systems and a larger Operations and technical staff. Max Energy Group anticipates the potential for this position to evolve into Director of Pipeline Operations, with broader scope across multiple pipeline systems and a larger direct-report team.