Russell Taylor Group
Project Lead (Mechanical)
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Project Lead / Project Manager 2028 Turnaround
Two-Year Agency Contract | Major Brownfield Refinery Project | Mechanical Engineering Focus
Are you a Lead specialist in crackers within refinery environments? Are you looking for a long term (2 year) contract based in the Northwest? Are you an experienced Mechanical Project Manager / Project Lead with a strong background in refinery, petrochemical, process or other high-hazard environments?
We are looking for an experienced Project Lead / Project Manager to take a leading role in the preparation and delivery of a major 2028 Turnaround (TA) project portfolio.
This is a high-profile opportunity to lead complex mechanical projects from early scope development through design, procurement, execution and close-out, working alongside Engineering, Turnaround, Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and specialist contractors.
The Opportunity
You take ownership of several critical turnaround projects, including:
- S2151/R2151 Stripper & Pre-Stripper re-life
- S2155 Third Stage Separator swirl can / potential head-off strategy
- CO Boiler renewal and repair options
- R2152 Regenerator scope
With a strong mechanical engineering bias, you will bring the technical judgement needed to challenge proposals, manage complex brownfield interfaces and ensure projects are safe, practical, cost-effective and ready for execution.
What You'll Be Doing
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Lead projects from concept maturity through estimating, funding, design, procurement, workpack preparation, execution and close-out.
- Own project scope, cost, schedule, risk, procurement and governance.
- Coordinate mechanical, civil, inspection, integrity, operations, maintenance and contractor inputs.
- Provide technical leadership on pressure equipment, vessels, boilers, exchangers, piping, FCCU internals and major equipment.
- Drive constructability reviews and resolve risks relating to access, isolation, lifting, SIMOPS, temporary works and sequencing.
- Challenge contractor and EPC deliverables to ensure they meet technical, safety, quality, cost and schedule requirements.
- Lead project readiness for the 2028 Turnaround and provide hands-on support during execution.
- Ensure appropriate MOC, HAZOP, ALARP, ORA, design and readiness reviews are completed.
- Maintain strong field presence and provide decisive leadership when issues arise.
- Lead and coordinate contractors and multidisciplinary teams, even where you do not have direct line authority.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines strong mechanical engineering knowledge with proven project delivery leadership.
You should have:
- 10+ years' experience in mechanical engineering, project delivery, turnaround or major maintenance.
- Experience within refining, petrochemical, process, power, heavy industrial or other high-hazard environments.
- Proven experience delivering multidisciplinary projects from concept through execution.
- Strong knowledge of pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers, piping, valves and brownfield modifications.
- Experience with heavy lifts, equipment removal, temporary supports, structural interfaces, access and reinstatement.
- Strong contractor/EPC management and experience with estimates, schedules, procurement and project controls.
- The confidence to challenge technical assumptions and make practical engineering decisions under significant schedule pressure.
- A strong understanding of UK engineering, safety and regulatory requirements, including COMAH and PSSR.
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status is desirable.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Important Information: We endeavour to process your personal data in a fair and transparent manner. In applying for this role, Russell Taylor will be acting within your interest and will contact you in relation to the role, either by email, phone or text message. For more information see our Privacy Policy on our website. It is important you are aware of your individual rights and the provisions the company has put in place to protect your data. If you would like further information on the policy or GDPR please get in touch with us here. LNKD1_UKTJ
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills