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# VP of Engineering (Process Safety) – Lake Charles, LA

Role Overview for VP of Engineering (Process Safety) – Lake Charles, LA
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in the chemical and refining industries, is proud to partner with a leading global organization in its search for a dynamic and visionary VP of Engineering (Process Safety). This critical leadership role is based in the vibrant industrial hub of Lake Charles, Louisiana, a region renowned for its significant contributions to the petrochemical and energy sectors. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned process safety expert to step into a strategic leadership position, driving the process safety culture and performance for a company committed to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of process safety within the organization, leading a dedicated team, and ensuring the highest standards of safety are met across complex industrial operations. This role demands not only profound technical expertise in process safety management (PSM) but also exceptional leadership acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
As VP, you will be a key advisor to senior leadership, responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive process safety strategies that protect personnel, assets, and the environment. Your work will directly impact the company’s operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and reputation as a responsible industry leader. We are seeking an individual who thrives in challenging environments, possesses a proactive approach to risk management, and is passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Engineering (Process Safety) – Lake Charles, LA
As the VP of Engineering (Process Safety), your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of strategic and operational duties, ensuring the highest level of process safety across all relevant facilities. Your leadership will be pivotal in maintaining a safe and compliant operational environment, driving a proactive safety culture, and mitigating risks effectively. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company’s overall process safety management (PSM) strategy, policies, procedures, and programs. Ensure alignment with corporate objectives, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure rigorous adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations related to process safety, including OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP), and other relevant industry standards and guidelines.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Oversee and guide the execution of process hazard analyses (PHAs), Layer of Protection Analyses (LOPAs), Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRAs), and other risk assessment methodologies. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies for identified risks.
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Lead and provide expert oversight for all significant process safety incident investigations, ensuring thorough root cause analysis, effective corrective action implementation, and knowledge sharing across the organization to prevent recurrence.
Management of Change (MOC)
Establish and enforce robust MOC processes for all process-related changes, ensuring proper review, hazard identification, and authorization before implementation to prevent unintended consequences.
Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR)
Ensure comprehensive PSSRs are conducted for new and modified facilities, confirming that construction and equipment are in accordance with design specifications and that safety procedures are in place prior to startup.
Emergency Preparedness
Collaborate with emergency response teams to develop and test emergency action plans specific to process safety incidents, ensuring readiness and effective response capabilities.
Technical Expertise & Guidance
Serve as the organization’s primary technical authority and subject matter expert on complex process safety issues, providing guidance to engineering, operations, and project teams.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, develop, and lead a high-performing team of process safety engineers and professionals. Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and accountability within the team.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for process safety, monitor performance, identify trends, and provide regular reports to senior leadership on the state of process safety.
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including operations, engineering, environmental, health & safety (EHS), legal, and external regulatory bodies.
Auditing & Assurance
Develop and implement internal audit programs to assess the effectiveness of PSM systems and ensure compliance, driving continuous improvement based on audit findings.
Requirements for the VP of Engineering (Process Safety) – Lake Charles, LA
To excel in this pivotal leadership role, candidates must possess a unique blend of extensive technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and a profound commitment to process safety excellence. JRG Partners is seeking an individual who can not only manage complex safety systems but also inspire and lead a team towards achieving industry-leading safety performance.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive, strategic, and collaborative approach to all aspects of process safety.
Specific qualifications and experience include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering is required. A Master’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Safety Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
Extensive Experience
Minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in process safety engineering, with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership or management role within the chemical, petrochemical, refining, or other high-hazard process industries.
Technical Acumen
Deep and comprehensive understanding of all elements of Process Safety Management (PSM), including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA), Management of Change (MOC), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR), Mechanical Integrity, Incident Investigation, and Emergency Preparedness.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth knowledge of U.S. federal regulations (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP) and relevant industry standards (e.g., CCPS guidelines, API standards). Experience navigating complex regulatory environments and interacting with regulatory agencies.
Leadership & Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of engineering and safety professionals. Proven track record of strategic planning, budget management, and project execution.
Communication & Influence
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior executives, employees, and external stakeholders.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify root causes of problems and implement effective, sustainable solutions under pressure.
Certifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or other relevant professional certifications are highly desirable.
Cultural Fit
A strong personal commitment to safety, integrity, and ethical conduct. Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Location
Willingness to relocate to Lake Charles, LA, and immerse oneself in the local industrial community.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees and recognizes the critical importance of attracting and retaining top-tier talent for this executive leadership role. As such, they offer a highly competitive compensation package and a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and industry standards, coupled with a robust annual bonus program tied to individual and company performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, along with wellness programs and employee assistance programs.
Retirement Savings
A strong 401(k) retirement plan with significant company matching contributions to help you build your financial future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
Opportunities for ongoing professional development, leadership training, and continuous education to enhance your skills and career trajectory.
Relocation Assistance
Comprehensive relocation support for candidates moving to the Lake Charles, LA area.
Impactful Work
The chance to lead critical initiatives, drive significant change, and make a tangible impact on the safety and success of a leading global organization.
Collaborative Environment
Work within a supportive, innovative, and challenging environment that values teamwork and recognizes individual contributions.
How to Apply
If you are a highly experienced and strategic leader in process safety engineering, ready to take on a Vice President role with a leading global company in Lake Charles, LA, JRG Partners invites you to apply. This is an exceptional opportunity to significantly impact operational excellence and safety culture within a dynamic and critical industry.
Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience relevant to this position. Highlight your leadership achievements in process safety and your vision for driving continuous improvement. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the recruitment process.
To learn more about how JRG Partners excels in connecting top talent with leading companies in this sector, please visit our Chemical & Refining Executive Search page. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued success.