Shutdown Manager

Key Responsibilities

Shutdown Planning & Preparation

• Lead the full planning life cycle for a site-wide shutdown, including scope definition, schedule development, risk assessments, and cost estimation.
• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and HSE teams to build a robust and compliant plan.
• Develop detailed execution schedules using appropriate planning tools (eg, Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Identify critical-path activities and optimise resource allocation to minimise downtime.
• Ensure all materials, permits, manpower, and equipment are organised ahead of execution.

Execution Management

• Oversee day-to-day shutdown activities, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and schedule targets are met.
• Provide strong on-site leadership to contractors, maintenance teams, and engineering personnel.
• Ensure compliance with COMAH safety case requirements and site-level process safety standards.
• Manage progress reporting, daily coordination meetings, and live problem resolution.
• Support statutory inspections, mechanical integrity checks, and commissioning phases.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a zero-harm culture across the shutdown workforce.
• Lead safety briefings, toolbox talks, and permit-to-work processes.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with LOTO, isolations, confined space procedures, and hot work controls.
• Support and participate in incident investigations and safety audits.

Commercial & Financial Control

• Manage shutdown budgets, track spending, and control scope changes.
• Work with procurement teams to manage contractor contracts, variations, and invoicing.
• Maintain accurate financial reporting against forecast.

Documentation & Handover

• Ensure all shutdown documentation is accurately completed and handed over.
• Oversee QA/QC checks, inspection records, and technical documentation.
• Support plant commissioning and return-to-service processes.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience delivering major shutdowns or turnarounds in the chemical, refinery, or high-hazard process industries.
• Strong maintenance background (mechanical, electrical, or multi-skilled).
• Demonstrable understanding of COMAH regulations and process safety principles.
• Experience leading large contractor teams in a high-pressure shutdown environment.
• Skilled in shutdown planning tools (Primavera P6 or MS Project).
• Strong ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and maintain clear communication across departments.
• Excellent problem-solving capability, especially under time-critical conditions.
• Ability to manage budgets, track spend, and report financial performance.
• Strong documentation, QA/QC, and handover management skills.

Desirable

• Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree).
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification.
• Experience with statutory inspections and pressure systems regulations.
• Experience on top-tier COMAH sites.

Please visit our website to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

To find out more about Computer Futures please visit our website

Computer Futures, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales