Operations Preparator

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 PREPARATOR
The Operations Preparator is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and well-prepared execution of operational and maintenance activities through robust long-term planning and work preparation. The role plays a key part in campaign planning and Turnaround (TAR) Integrated Control Centre coordination, ensuring operational readiness and alignment across functions.
The position supports engineering activities and risk assessments, including HAZOPs and technical reviews, ensuring that operational risks are identified, understood, and mitigated ahead of execution. The role also contributes to the preparation and execution of non-routine maintenance activities, ensuring work scopes are clearly defined, risk assessed, and deliverable.
The role will also be competent to support PSSR requirements to return the plant to safe and stable operations post any operational upset.
The Operations Preparator supports the effective planning and execution of production Safety and Environmentally Critical Equipment (SECE) obligations, including management of backlog and deferrals, to ensure ongoing asset integrity and compliance.
In addition, the role holds ownership of production equipment and associated stores, ensuring availability, control, and readiness to support operational requirements. Through strong coordination, preparation, and attention to detail, the Operations Preparator enables safe, efficient, and reliable execution of operational activities 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:
 
Long-Term Planning & TAR Preparation

• Support long-term operational preparation, including campaign planning and TAR ICC coordination.
• Ensure operational readiness and alignment of activities ahead of execution.
• Contribute to safe, efficient, and well-structured turnaround and campaign delivery.

 
Engineering Support & Risk Assessment

• Support engineering reviews and studies, including HAZOPs and technical assessments.
• Ensure operational risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated during planning stages.
• Provide operational input to ensure practicality and safe execution of designs and scopes.

 
Non-Routine Maintenance Preparation

• Support preparation and execution of non-routine and complex maintenance activities.
• Ensure work scopes are clearly defined, risk assessed, and executable.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to enable safe delivery.

 
SECE Management & Compliance

• Support planning and execution of production SECE obligations, including backlog and deferral management.
• Ensure critical safety barriers are maintained and effective in line with compliance requirements.
• Actively participate in and contribute to HAZIDs/HAZOPs.

 
Equipment & Stores Ownership

• Maintain ownership of production equipment and associated stores.
• Ensure availability, control, and readiness of materials and equipment.
• Optimise inventory to support operational efficiency and minimise delays.

 
Planning & Execution Assurance

• Ensure quality and completeness of operational preparation activities.
• Identify and resolve potential execution risks and constraints in advance.
• Support smooth transition from planning to execution phases.

 
PSSR & Safe Start-Up Assurance

• Act as a competent person supporting Pre-Start-Up Safety Review (PSSR) requirements.
• Ensure plant and systems are verified as safe, compliant, and ready prior to return to service.
• Support safe and controlled restart of plant following maintenance or shutdown activities.

 
Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Planning teams.
• Align preparation activities with operational priorities and schedules.
• Facilitate clear communication of plans, risks, and requirements.

 
Continuous Improvement & Discipline

• Identify opportunities to improve preparation processes and planning quality.
• Promote operational discipline and adherence to procedures.
• Support lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

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

• Qualified to degree level or similar.
• Demonstrable record in Health, Safety and Environment management, complying with legislation with (IOSH/NEBOSH) and other relevant competencies.
• Ability to influence across stakeholders.
• 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.