Operations Engineer

HAVE YOU GOT SPIRIT?
 
In operation since 1985, Barrow Gas Terminal is a key piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure and supports the Morecambe Bay gas fields. The terminal has played a long‑standing role in processing and delivering natural gas, supporting both local employment and national energy supply.
 
With a focus on safety, environmental sustainability and community engagement, we believe in operational excellence at every stage of production. If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a dynamic and energetic team, then we are keen to hear from you.
 
 
THE OPPORTUNITY – OPERATIONS ENGINEER
The Operations Support Engineer is responsible for supporting safe, efficient, and optimised production operations through the effective application of the production framework (PLR) and performance monitoring processes. The role provides technical and operational support to ensure production systems are performing reliably and opportunities for optimisation are identified and delivered.
The position leads production surveillance and optimisation activities, analysing performance, identifying losses, and driving improvements to maximise asset efficiency and throughput. The role is accountable for the coordination and accuracy of the Business Management System (BMS), ensuring high-quality data and reporting to support decision-making and performance tracking.
The Operations Support Engineer plays a key role in forward planning, supporting long-term activities and job preparation, including risk assessments such as HAZOP and HAZID, to ensure safe and effective execution of future work scopes.
In addition, the role provides operational resilience by supporting and, where required, covering Production Supervisor responsibilities, including permit-to-work and production delivery activities. The role also holds ownership for defined elements of the Integrity Operating framework, ensuring compliance, governance, and continuous improvement of operational processes.
Through strong analytical capability, coordination, and operational insight, the Operations Support Engineer enhances production performance, supports safe execution, and drives continuous improvement across the asset.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Duration: 2-year contract
Contract Type: PAYE
Day Rate: TBC - For your application to be progressed, please ensure you provide a PAYE day rate banding expectation.  Please note that there is no travel and accommodation allowance provided.
 

• Please only apply if you have existing right-to-work in the UK.
• Please outline notice period/availability to start.

 
Closing Date for Applications: 16th July 2026
 
Spirit Energy currently have a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement for all office-based workers. 4 days must be worked in the office with compulsory days being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The fourth day worked in-office (either Monday or Friday) is of the worker’s choosing but should be in keeping with what is most efficient and effective for their team. The office is open 5 days a week for full time, in-office working if this is the contractor’s preference.  
 
 
AND NOW FOR THE TECHNICAL BIT…
In role, you will be required to:
 
Production Performance & Optimisation

• Lead production surveillance activities to monitor plant performance and identify losses.
• Drive optimisation initiatives to maximise throughput, efficiency, and reliability.
• Apply the production framework (PLR) to improve performance and sustain gains.

 
Production Reporting & Data Integrity (BMS)

• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting within the Business Management System (BMS).
• Provide high-quality production data and insights to support operational decision-making.
• Maintain alignment between reported performance and actual plant conditions.

 
Operational Support & Coverage

• Provide competent cover for Production Supervisor, including permit-to-work (IA/AA) and production delivery responsibilities.
• Support safe and stable operations during normal and abnormal conditions.
• Assist with coordination of daily operational activities as required.

 
Planning & Job Preparation

• Support long-term planning and preparation of work scopes.
• Contribute to risk assessments and studies (e.g. HAZOP, HAZID).
• Ensure operational readiness for upcoming activities and projects.

 
Operating Integrity (OI) & IO Governance

• Own and govern defined elements of the Integrity Operating (IO) framework.
• Ensure compliance with Operating Integrity (OI) standards and procedures.
• Identify gaps and drive continuous improvement in operational processes.

 
Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Integrity teams.
• Align production priorities with maintenance and project activities.
• Facilitate effective communication of performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Act as a dedicated focal point to support Decommissioning and Project activities.

 
Continuous Improvement & Assurance

• Identify and implement improvements in production processes and systems.
• Support audits, assurance activities, and performance reviews.
• Promote operational discipline and best practice across the asset.

 
 
 
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, we are looking for:
 

• Qualified to degree level or similar
• Ideally Chartered Engineer or advanced Process Engineering Qualification.
• Demonstrable record in Health, Safety and Environment management, complying with legislation.
• ‘Management of Major Emergency’ preparedness, for Oil & Gas offshore or onshore facility, OIM Regulations or equivalent (IOSH/NEBOSH), Offshore Safety/Survival training and other relevant competencies.
• Proven people management experience and a flexible leadership style dependent on the situation – e.g. collaborative to authoritative.
• Demonstratable process safety awareness.
• Proven experience of and the ability to stimulate creativity, innovation and change culture, coach individuals and manage real change across a diverse workforce.

 
 
In addition to technical knowledge and credibility, we are looking for someone who lives our values - Agility, Collaboration, Courage, Care, and Delivery. A person who embraces and supports change, while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a mature asset. 


People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.