Chemical Treatment Department Head

Employer Overview

A leading provider of integrated solutions within the oil and gas services sector, offering technical expertise and field support across various operational environments. The organization is known for delivering high-quality service standards and innovative technical solutions.

Job Summary

The Chemical Treatment Department Head oversees all chemical treatment operations, ensuring the effective design, implementation, and optimisation of treatment programs across client sites. The role ensures operational excellence, technical accuracy, and alignment with industry standards while supporting strategic decision-making. This position reports directly to the Technical Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure laboratory operations comply with regulatory, quality and safety standards, maintain safety plans, manuals and SDS documentation, and coordinate with EHS during inspections.
• Plan, supervise and execute crude oil and formation water analyses in accordance with ASTM, NACE, API and APHA standards, oversee heat treatment processes, chemical dosing and sample analysis to meet production specifications.
• Develop, implement and optimise chemical treatment programs for crude oil, water flood and injection systems; select, test and manage demulsifiers, pour point depressants, corrosion and scale inhibitors, biocides and other speciality chemicals.
• Operate and monitor water injection and reverse osmosis plants; ensure injection water quality, monitor corrosion and scale rates, and maintain plant performance.
• Conduct specialised laboratory tests (pour point, paraffin inhibition, asphaltene dispersion, wax deposition, rheological studies, demulsifier bottle tests, corrosion inhibition, scale inhibition, biocide efficiency) and evaluate test results; provide detailed technical reports.
• Lead and mentor teams of chemists, technicians and junior engineers; provide training in laboratory methodology, safety protocols, chemical treatment applications and analytical techniques.
• Coordinate chemical tenders, vendor assessments and procurement, liaise with suppliers to select cost-effective chemicals, manage inventories of chemicals and laboratory equipment.
• Implement risk assessment and emergency response plans for chemical handling, ensure continuous improvement in HSE performance and maintain ISO/OHSAS certifications.
• Provide technical support and field services, including on-site measurements, chemical injection surveys, field trials, process troubleshooting and start-up support for production facilities.
• Develop and update laboratory procedures, ensure accurate record keeping and reporting; manage quality assurance programs, including audits and customer feedback, drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree or higher; NACE or NEBOSH certifications (is a plus).
• 12+ years of experience in chemical treatment within the oil and gas industry.
• Strong background in production chemicals, water treatment, and field operations.
• Problem-solving mindset with strategic thinking abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical treatment programs for oilfield applications.
• Experience in lab testing, product evaluation, and field performance analysis.
• Understanding of corrosion control, scale inhibition, demulsifiers, and other oilfield chemical categories.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• ICDL certification; proficiency with standard office software (MS Office) and specialised laboratory and chemical treatment software; ability to prepare technical reports and data analysis.
• Strong proficiency in English (written and verbal).
• Native Arabic Speaker.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams.
• Ability to diagnose complex chemical treatment issues and propose effective solutions.