Pipeline Construction Manager

mselect is looking to hire a Pipeline Construction Manager for an international oil and gas operator in Basrah, Iraq. Candidates must have a minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in construction management within the oil and gas pipeline projects. Fluency in English and Arabic is a must, French is a plus.

JOB DIMENSIONS
The job holder reports hierarchically to the Pipeline Package Manager. The job holder is responsible, within the team and under the Pipeline Package Manager during the EPC Pipeline execution phase, for the control and following up, monitoring and supervising the overall construction activities carried out by the EPC Pipeline Contractor (and Subcontractors) at the worksites.
The Pipeline Construction Manager represents the Company on the construction worksite in direct relation with the EPC Pipeline Contractor to protect Company’s interest. He manages the Company supervision team assigned on site.
The job holder ensures that all HSSE, Quality and Technical contractual requirements are duly applied by EPC Pipeline Contractor and all Subcontractors on the construction site.
The job holder will have a deep understanding of pipeline engineering standards, a proven track record of delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This role demands strategic oversight, operational excellence, and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Iraq.
The job holder is responsible to:

• Manage, evaluate and challenge EPC Pipeline Contractor on daily/weekly basis.
• Provide oversight of EPC Pipeline Contractor performance/productivity including Health and Safety, Environmental, Community Relations, Quality assurance, Schedule and Cost including measurable items.
• Ensure that the EPC Pipeline Contractor effectively manages the Subcontractors to perform Construction works in accordance with the project plans and specifications.
• Manage and provide direction to project team (Superintendents, Supervisors).
• Seamless transition of responsibility via handover form.
• Liaise with HSE, Quality and Logistics teams
• Lead and coordinate the internal and external Construction interfaces
• Assist in trouble shooting the resolution and escalation of Construction problems/issues on Site including to technical and logistic matters
• Ensure that the EPC contractor effectively implements the Community relations plans and maintain a good relationship with Communities on the site, if any
• Participate in Job Safety Analysis, make suggestions, stop dangerous situations, and report irregularities and dangerous acts.
• Ensure proper reporting, highlight the critical issues to the Project Management and submit remedial actions
• The job holder is also accountable for demonstrating, individually, an exemplary behavior about HSE, ethics and “code of conduct”.

ACTIVITES
Among his/her activities, the job holder is required to with the support of his supervision team:

• Participate to all Construction / site meetings with EPC Pipeline Contractor/Subcontractors;
• Ensure all construction/fabrications documents are verified and compliant to technical requirements;
• Ensure that for all disciplines, EPC Pipeline Contractor have adequate resources (equipment and manpower) mobilized in due time to performed the job;
• Ensure that all required inspections, audits or equipment certification required are performed in time and that all corrective action plan is properly implemented by EPC Pipeline Contractor;
• Ensure the timely completion of the works and monitor closely EPC Pipeline Contractor performance, work schedule and progress;
• Ensure completion of all construction steps, pre-commissioning, commissioning;
• Ensure that uncompleted activities are properly tracked and recorded under the punch list system;
• Validate or correct the monthly site progress;
• Stop the work when necessary & report immediately to Contractor any anomaly, violation & unsafe practice;
• Participate as Company Representative in the regular HSSE meetings & Safety Tours;
• Maintain good relationships with EPC Pipeline Contractor, but being strict to achieve the project objectives.
• Manage, control and drive efficiently his Supervisions team (supervisors and superintendents) assigned on site. As such he:
• Establishes a clear policy for delegation and responsibilities to his team in term of scope of work, schedule and deliverable requirements;
• Provides HSSE advises or technical support to his construction team as necessary;
• Analyses / resolves issues and problems encountered by his Construction supervision team and make necessary arbitration between different disciplines (the only criteria being the benefit of the overall project);
• Motivates all members of the team to perform the job at highest quality level respecting planning and cost objectives;
• informs and ensures that relevant decisions/directions taken at Management level, as correctly understood by the team and enforced on the sites;
• Controls that supervision team is well performing and that sufficient resources are in place to secure properly the activity;
• Provide adequate supports and assistance during commissioning activities.
• Report on regular basis to Pipeline Package Manager about Construction efficiency, and potential drifts on quality, planning and/or cost.
• Propose actions plan and corrective actions to Pipeline Package Manager for any supervision or control process improvement.
• Propose actions plan and corrective actions to EPC Pipeline Contractor for any Construction deficiency, anomaly or non-compliance.
• Ensure confidentiality of all the documentation issued or matters raised under his area of responsibility.

REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced qualification preferred.
• Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in construction management within the oil and gas pipeline projects.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, complex projects with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Extensive knowledge of oil and gas industry standards, construction methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership capabilities with exceptional skills in team management, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural business environment.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools, with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Significant experience working in Iraq or similar challenging environments is highly preferred.
• Language: Fluent in English and Arabic, French is a plus

Certifications:

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent is preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly desirable

Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge and skills of gas/liquid onshore pipelines and piping design/construction, engineering principles and practices, regulatory codes, pipeline inspection, and pipeline integrity management

*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.