Technical Authority - Process in Aberdeen

The Technical Authority job description and roles and responsibilities are fully documented in the Dana Technical Authority Framework UK-UK-IN-ASS-PRO-0001 and can be summarised as follows: The primary role of the Technical Authorities is the safeguarding of technical integrity on Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets. Key role in ensuring that the risks associated with Major Accident Hazards are fully understood and are being effectively managed. The Technical Authority (TA) is a senior role within the company and they will be a recognised subject matter expert (SME) for their particular discipline. The TA will support and share the company’s drive for technical excellence. The position will also provide technical direction and contribute to the introduction of appropriate new technology and procedural changes that will benefit the overall asset safety & environmental performance, operability and sustainability.

Provide independent direct and impartial feedback on the integrity status of Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets and where concerns exist ensure these are effectively communicated to Dana Asset Management. Provide practical and pragmatic technical advice which may also include, at times, the need to challenge proposed strategies or solutions. This challenge function will be exercised in a tactful and diplomatic way, in order to maintain a constructive relationship between all parties. Where requested and when identified as safety critical, the TA will also provide input to the review of HS&E alerts, both internally and externally, to determine if they are applicable to Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets.

Roles and Responsibilities

The TA reports to the Corporate Governance and Compliance Manager and is accountable for:

• Setting performance standards and assurance for safety & environmental critical elements (SECEs)
• Undertaking periodic formal technical assessments of SECE status and optimise maintenance / assurance activities in terms of scope and frequency to deliver required SECE performance.
• Supporting other Technical Authorities where there is overlap in performance standards.
• Maintaining an awareness of other SECE impairments in order to maintain an oversight of cumulative MAH risk within the business and highlight significant risks to relevant stakeholders where appropriate.
• Setting technical standards for both safety & environmental critical and non-safety & environmental critical systems within their discipline.
• Delegating appropriate decisions to competent personnel who understand the technical decisions they can make.
• Visible technical leadership in their discipline demonstrated through offshore assessments of the SECE barriers in their remit.

The TA’s responsibilities are wide ranging and span the following areas:

• Procedures, Technical Standards & Specifications.
• Deviations & Technical Queries.
• ODMS Technical documentation ownership as assigned to the role.
• Management of risks associated with Major Accident Hazards.
• Assurance Implementation.
• Non-Standard Operations.
• Technical Integrity / SECE audits.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strive to create a safe workplace and to protect the environment.
• Ensure technical conformity and compliance with legislation, EU directives, engineering standards and industry best practice/guidelines. This responsibility shall include providing interpretation and guidance on these documents to the benefit of the Dana Petroleum UK Operated Assets and ensuring Dana internal documents are updated accordingly.
• Resolution of any in service Verification Findings, as reported by Independent Competent Person (DNV at present).
• The Operational Risk Assessment (ORA) process where required and approve ORAs for assigned SECEs.
• The deferral process where required and approve deferrals for assigned SECEs.
• Ensure that Maintenance Strategies are developed and managed to ensure they are effective.
• Provide guidance, advice and direction to asset facilities, operational onshore and offshore teams as required.
• Provide input to the Engineering Management of Change process as required for modifications / projects.
• Define, commission, review and approve technical studies completed by external companies and consultants.
• Support and / or lead investigations of accidents and near misses where applicable to their discipline.
• Support risk assessments, studies and formal safety assessments (e.g. HAZID, HAZOP, QRA, LOPA, etc.).
• Support Regulator inspections and associated action close outs for discipline.

Discipline Specific Roles and Responsibilities: Process

• Supporting HAZOPS, HAZIDs, LOPAs and other technical safety studies where required.
• Approval of all process flow diagrams, P&IDs, heat and mass balances, PSV register, LO/LC register, hazardous area drawings and process C&E updates.
• Authority for all process / utility system operating manuals, PSV recertification procedure, SIRPS procedure, weeps and leaks procedure and blowdown testing procedure.

Everyone working for or on behalf of Dana Petroleum has the following responsibilities with regard to work to:

• Familiarise with the Dana Policies, including the policies on HSE, Risk Management and Major Hazards ensuring they are fully conversant with the One Dana Management System.
• Familiarise with the work and be aware of all associated risks for People, the Environment, Assets and Reputation (PEAR);
• Understand and comply with their roles and responsibilities.
• Maintain assigned competence profiles in line with company provided KPI’s and line manager expectations.
• Ensure that all Synergi actions assigned are completed within the designated time period.
• Fully participate in the Dana Serious About Safety Program and additional HSEQ training or instruction by or on behalf of Dana Petroleum;

Safety Oversight: Ensure all safety standards and procedures are strictly followed. Report any incident, near miss, hazards (unsafe acts/situations) and improvement suggestions;

Risk Management: Conduct regular risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate identified risks. Ensure all risk assessments are correctly documented.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with relevant regulations and standards, ensuring all correspondence is correctly recorded and cascaded.

Major Accident Hazards: As a Dana leader, we will take an active and informed role in fulfilling the objectives of the Corporate Major Accident Prevention Policy (CMAPP) including achieving the highest practicable standards of health, safety, environmental protection, and asset integrity are achieved across day-to-day operations.

Job specific skills and knowledge

• Degree in relevant discipline engineering subject.
• Chartered accreditation with relevant engineering institute and/or MSc in Risk and Reliability.
• Proven track record with >25 years industry experience.
• Previous experience in a similar role, preferably gained within the oil and gas industry.
• Proven track record of identifying and developing sound and innovative technical solutions.
• Knowledge of associated technical/engineering disciplines e.g. process, mechanical engineering etc.
• Technical proficiency in IT programmes/systems e.g. Excel, Maximo, engineering software.
• Familiar with UK industry regulations relating to the oil and gas industry.
• Experience of dealing with HSEx, BEIS and industry workgroups.
• Effective relationship-builder at all levels, internally and externally.
• Effective communicator both written and verbal.
• Displays business acumen and judgment, as well as emotional and professional maturity.
• Able to gain the confidence of shareholder and senior management team with excellent relationship building and management skills.
• Results-oriented, articulate, persuasive.
• Highest standards of ethical and professional behaviour, consistent with the company’s values and business conduct policies.