🔥 Now Hiring: Top Refinery Operation Jobs in Nigeria (GM, Engineers & Operators)
The Nigerian oil and gas downstream sector is witnessing an unprecedented renaissance. With the expansion of domestic refining capacity, the demand for skilled technical and managerial talent has hit an all-time high. If you are a seed professional looking to transition into a high-impact role, this is your gateway.
The Architecture of Modern Downstream Excellence: Key Roles in Nigerian Refinery Operations
The evolution of the Nigerian energy landscape in 2026 has transitioned from a purely extractive model to a sophisticated, value-added refining powerhouse. At the heart of this industrial revolution lies a specialized workforce, where the Petroleum Refinery Operations Manager stands as the ultimate custodian of operational integrity. This role is far more than administrative; it requires a profound understanding of crude oil assay management, blending strategies, and the mitigation of "bottom of the barrel" inefficiencies. A Petroleum Refinery Operations Manager must navigate the complexities of global oil price volatility while ensuring that internal refinery margins (GRMs) remain positive through rigorous feedstock optimization. Their leadership extends into the digital realm, overseeing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into predictive maintenance schedules to prevent costly unplanned shutdowns. Parallel to this leadership is the Senior Process Engineer Oil and Gas, the technical architect who ensures that the chemical kinetics within the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) and the Hydrocracker remain within optimal parameters. These engineers are tasked with the daily challenge of mass and energy balance, ensuring that every barrel of Nigerian Bonny Light or Qua Iboe crude is squeezed for maximum high-value yields like Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). In the context of the Nigerian market, the Senior Process Engineer is also a guardian of environmental standards, implementing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies and sulfur recovery units to meet the stringent "Green Refinery" mandates of 2026.
As Nigeria continues to build out its infrastructure, the role of the EPC Project Manager Nigeria (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) has become the backbone of national development. These managers oversee the lifecycle of refinery expansions and modular setups, navigating the intricate logistical landscape of the Niger Delta and Lagos industrial zones. An EPC Project Manager in Nigeria must be a master of "Local Content" laws, ensuring that project execution involves domestic fabrication yards while maintaining international ISO standards. Their expertise is often tested during the critical handover phase, where the FPSO and Refinery Commissioning Lead takes center stage. This specialized lead manages the high-stakes transition from a "dry" construction site to a "live" hydrocarbon environment. Whether it is an Offshore Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel or a land-based refinery, the Commissioning Lead manages the "Ready for Start-up" (RFSU) sequence, conducting rigorous hydro-testing, leak tests, and functional safety audits. This phase is where theoretical design meets physical reality, and the Lead must ensure that every Safety Instrumented System (SIS) is calibrated to prevent catastrophic failures during the initial "first oil" introduction.
The pulse of the refinery is monitored 24/7 by those in Control Room Operator DCS Jobs. These individuals are the digital pilots of the facility, utilizing Distributed Control Systems (DCS) like Honeywell Experion or Yokogawa Centum to manage thousands of data points in real-time. A DCS Operator must possess a preternatural ability to detect process deviations—a slight rise in column pressure or a drop in heat exchanger efficiency—before they escalate into emergency flare events. Their role is increasingly intertwined with cybersecurity, as refinery control networks in 2026 are prime targets for digital threats, requiring Operators to be as proficient in network security as they are in thermodynamics. Supporting these digital efforts on the physical plant floor is the Maintenance Manager Rotating Equipment. In a refinery, the "rotating" assets—the massive centrifugal pumps, multi-stage compressors, and steam turbines—are the most prone to wear and tear. The Maintenance Manager employs vibration analysis and thermography to monitor the health of these machines, ensuring that the "heartbeat" of the refinery never skips.
Currently, Sinclus is shortlisting qualified candidates for several critical roles within refinery operations in Nigeria. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the vacancies, the technical requirements, and how you can position yourself for success.
1. General Manager - Refinery Operations
The Strategic Anchor of Downstream Excellence
The General Manager (GM) of Operations is the highest technical authority on-site. This role is not merely about oversight; it is about steering a multi-billion-dollar asset toward maximum efficiency, safety, and profitability.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning: Aligning refinery throughput with national demand and export quotas.
Opex & Capex Management: Overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets to ensure lean operations without compromising on safety or maintenance schedules.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the facility adheres to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and international environmental standards.
Crisis Management: Serving as the primary decision-maker during operational upsets or emergency shutdowns.
Requirements & Qualifications:
A minimum of 20+ years in the Oil & Gas sector, with at least 10 years in senior refinery management.
Deep expertise in Linear Programming (LP) models for refinery optimization.
Master’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering; MBA is highly preferred.
2. Managers - Refinery Operations
Bridging Strategy and Execution
Operations Managers act as the "engine room" of the leadership team. They translate the GM’s high-level strategy into daily production targets.
Technical Focus Areas:
Yield Accounting: Monitoring the conversion rates of crude oil into premium products like PMS (Petrol), AGO (Diesel), and ATK (Jet Fuel).
Asset Integrity: Collaborating with maintenance teams to minimize unplanned downtime.
Process Safety Management (PSM): Implementing rigorous safety protocols to prevent Loss of Primary Containment (LOPC) events.
Candidate Profile:
We are looking for leaders who understand the nuances of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCCU) and Hydrocracking units. You must possess the ability to lead diverse teams of engineers and operators under high-pressure scenarios.
3. Engineers - Refinery Operations
The Architects of Process Flow
Refinery Engineers are responsible for the technical health of the plant. From process design to troubleshooting, they ensure that the chemical reactions and mechanical systems are functioning within their Operating Envelopes.
Specialized Roles Available:
Process Engineers: Focus on heat and material balances, catalyst performance, and energy efficiency.
Mechanical Engineers: Oversight of rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines) and static equipment (heat exchangers, pressure vessels).
Control/Instrumentation Engineers: Management of the Distributed Control System (DCS) and safety instrumented systems.
Essential Skills:
Proficiency in simulation software like HYSYS or Petro-SIM.
Working knowledge of API (American Petroleum Institute) standards.
Minimum of 8–12 years of hands-on experience in a continuous process environment.
4. Supervisors - Refinery Operations
The Frontline of Operational Discipline
Supervisors are the vital link between the engineering office and the field. They are responsible for the direct oversight of the shift teams, ensuring that every valve turn and pump start-up follows the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Core Duties:
Permit to Work (PTW) Coordination: Managing the safety of maintenance activities within their assigned units.
Shift Handover Management: Ensuring seamless transitions between crews to prevent operational gaps.
Emergency Response: Leading the initial response to any onsite incidents.
What We Look For:
Practical experience is king here. We value candidates who have risen through the ranks and have a "boots-on-the-ground" understanding of how a refinery breathes. Certification in NEBOSH or similar safety standards is a significant advantage.
5. Field Operators
The Eyes and Ears of the Refinery
Field Operators are the heartbeat of the plant. They perform the physical rounds, monitor gauges, and manually adjust equipment to maintain the delicate balance of temperature and pressure.
Critical Tasks:
Equipment Monitoring: Identifying unusual vibrations, leaks, or noises before they become failures.
Sampling: Collecting product samples for laboratory analysis to ensure fuel quality meets Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) specs.
Startup/Shutdown Procedures: Physically executing the complex steps required to bring a unit online or offline.
Requirements:
National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering or Science.
High physical stamina and the ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts.
A "Safety First" mindset.
Why Work in the Nigerian Refinery Sector?
Nigeria is currently the hub of the African energy transition. Working in a local refinery offers:
Competitive Remuneration: Oil and gas roles in Nigeria remain among the highest-paid positions in West Africa.
Professional Growth: Exposure to some of the world’s most advanced refining technologies.
National Impact: Directly contributing to Nigeria's energy independence and economic stability.
| Role | Experience Required | Education Level |
| General Manager | 20+ Years | Masters/MBA |
| Manager | 15+ Years | B.Eng./B.Sc. |
| Engineer | 8-12 Years | B.Eng. |
| Supervisor | 10+ Years | HND/B.Eng. |
| Field Operator | 3-7 Years | ND/HND |
How to Apply
If you meet the requirements for any of the positions listed above, please follow the application instructions strictly to ensure your profile reaches the hiring team.
Application Steps:
Prepare your updated CV in PDF format.
Attach all supporting documents (Certifications, Degree, NYSC Discharge Certificate).
Use the Job Title as the subject of your email.
Send your application to: onb@sinclus.com
Note: Only shortlisted candidates who meet the specific technical criteria will be contacted for interviews.
Tips for a Winning Application
To increase your chances of being shortlisted for these high-CPC roles:
Keyword Optimization: Include specific refinery units you have worked on (e.g., CDU, VDU, Reformer, Alkylation).
Quantifiable Achievements: Instead of saying "managed a team," say "managed a team of 40 and reduced downtime by 15%."
Certifications: Highlight your COREN, NSE, or international equivalent memberships.
The future of Nigerian energy is being built today. Be a part of it.
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