Instrument Sub-system Lead

**What’s the role**

The Instrument Sub-System Lead is accountable for availability, arrangement of any necessary service or support contracts, and lifecycle management of Qatar Shell Gas To Liquid (QSGTL) PLC-based Control and Safeguarding Systems (Sub-Systems). In QSGTL, there are 25 Sub-Systems deployed offshore and onshore process areas, and the office buildings.

The Instrument Sub-System Lead must maintain skill-level competence in primary role dimensions and act as the ultimate Subject Matter Expert in PLC-based Control Automation and Safeguarding Technologies present in QSGTL. This role is a Line Manager for the Sub-System team with diverse team members consisting of Shell staff and Direct contractors.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in:

- Complex Operations Management: Oversee daily administration and lifecycle activities of a large, intricate Sub-Systems landscape while maintaining reliability and availability.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the primary interface across diverse teams—Production Operations, Engineering, Technology, IDT, and vendors—navigating varied work cultures and dependencies.
- Operational Continuity: Execute work within a live plant environment without disrupting production, relying on multiple contractors and remote support organizations.

**What you’ll be doing**
You will be accountable for the following role dimensions:

- Sub-Systems Control System Custodian - maintain PLC-based Control and Safeguarding systems (Sub-Systems), accountable for Sub-Systems overall availability and arrangement of any necessary service or support contracts, manage Lifecycle Upgrade activities and oversee Project funnel for Sub-Systems.
- Ensure Sub-System Reliability: Oversee maintenance strategies, inspections, and performance monitoring to minimize downtime and optimize operations.
- Manage Contracts & Budgets: Handle R&M and project contracts with OEM vendors, ensuring performance and budget compliance.
- Support Strategic Maintenance Planning: Assist in developing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs, including Honeywell A360 and turnaround lifecycle planning.
- Drive Risk & Obsolescence Management: Conduct root cause investigations, manage obsolescence risks, and implement mitigation strategies for aging equipment.
- Ensure Compliance & Security: Support deployment of QSGTL PCD-I Program, manage asset inventory, access control, and ensure alignment with OEM and internal standards.
- Technical Authority - QSGTL Instrument Sub-System Lead must maintain Process Automation Control and Optimization (PACO) TA-3 competencies or be ready to get PACO TA-3 assessment.
- Support business ability to make quality risk-based decisions.
- Assure as necessary design and effectiveness of QSGTL Sub-Systems controls.
- Evaluate QSGTL Sub-Systems related changes as part of its Management of Change process.
- Identify alternative risk reduction methods, mitigations, and considerations.
- Line Manager - Instrument Sub-System Lead is responsible for management of Instrument Sub-System team consisting of Shell staff and Direct Contractors.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead the Sub-System team, ensuring competency, mentoring, and career growth through succession planning and training.
- Operational Coordination: Align team activities with QSGTL goals to ensure efficient and effective Sub-System operations.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to QSGTL’s HSSE, HR, PTW, MOC, and Qatarization processes while promoting technical standards and best practices.
- Strategic Alignment: Translate instrumentation strategy into actionable Sub-System roadmaps and drive continuous improvement using data.
- Culture & Agility: Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture, manage conflicts, and implement agile practices for team adaptability.

**What you bring**
- Bachelor’s in Control Automation & Instrumentation Engineering with 10+ years in large-scale industrial environments; professional accreditations are a plus.
- Proven ability to manage control systems and lead technical teams across various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, GE, HIMA).
- Project & Contract Management: Background in managing engineering projects and vendor contracts; FEED and Detailed Design.
- Deep understanding of automation system design, scientific principles, and interdependent technologies.
- Communication & Leadership: Effective communicator with leadership capabilities to mentor, motivate, and collaborate across teams.
- Hands-On Technical Skills: Proficient in instrumentation assembly, loop testing, network validation, and smart instrumentation integration.
- Documentation & Standards: Capable of preparing and evaluating engineering documents including wiring diagrams, control narratives, and network architectures.
- Problem Solving & Analysis: Strong analytical skills for diagnosing complex issues and implementing effective solutions.
- Process Knowledge: Skilled in Production Operations proces