The Vice President (VP) of Operations & Maintenance – Mechanical is a strategic executive leader responsible for overseeing the mechanical integrity, performance, and reliability of upstream, midstream, or downstream oil and gas operations. This role directs multi-site mechanical maintenance, asset management, and operations excellence initiatives across facilities, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, uptime, and cost-effectiveness. The VP serves as a key decision-maker in aligning engineering, maintenance, and production functions to support business growth, sustainability, and operational resilience.
Develop and implement long-term operations and mechanical maintenance strategies across oil & gas assets (e.g., drilling platforms, pipelines, refineries, gas processing plants).
Lead initiatives focused on asset reliability, lifecycle extension, mechanical availability, and operational excellence.
Drive alignment of mechanical maintenance goals with production targets, safety standards, and business KPIs.
Direct day-to-day performance of field operations and maintenance teams, including rotating/static equipment, piping systems, and utility infrastructure.
Oversee mechanical integrity programs, including preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance practices.
Ensure execution of shutdowns, turnarounds, and major maintenance projects with optimal cost, time, and safety outcomes.
Lead mechanical integrity programs for critical equipment such as compressors, turbines, pumps, pressure vessels, and pipelines.
Mitigate asset risks through rigorous inspection, failure analysis, and risk-based maintenance frameworks.
Ensure compliance with ASME, API, OSHA, and other international codes and industry best practices.
Oversee CAPEX planning for mechanical upgrades, replacements, and operational infrastructure.
Champion implementation of digital tools (e.g., CMMS, IoT sensors, APM platforms) to enhance predictive maintenance and asset reliability.
Review and approve mechanical designs, specifications, and vendor performance for major projects.
Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary teams including mechanical engineers, field supervisors, planners, and maintenance managers.
Build a high-performance operations culture focused on safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Promote knowledge sharing and standardization of mechanical maintenance best practices across the enterprise.
Drive operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and energy optimization through mechanical systems improvements.
Support ESG goals by ensuring equipment performance aligns with environmental and safety targets.
Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., hydrogen systems, carbon capture, rotating equipment efficiency) for operational integration.
Executive leadership in mechanical maintenance and oil & gas operations
Asset integrity, reliability, and lifecycle management
Risk mitigation and regulatory compliance (API, ASME, OSHA, ISO)
Capital project oversight and shutdown/turnaround execution
Organizational development and safety leadership
Strategic alignment of operations with ESG and performance goals
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or related field required
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Business Administration (MBA), or related field preferred
API, PMP, PE license, or CMRP certification is advantageous
Formal training in maintenance and reliability (e.g., RCM, FMEA, RBI) preferred
15+ years in oil & gas operations and mechanical maintenance leadership roles
Proven track record managing large-scale operations, maintenance teams, and high-risk assets
Experience with upstream, midstream, or downstream facilities (or integrated portfolios)
Expertise in rotating/static equipment maintenance, asset performance management, and mechanical system design
Proficiency with CMMS (SAP PM, Maximo), condition monitoring tools, and industry benchmarking frameworks
Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, mechanical codes, and operational safety standards
Visionary leadership with strong strategic thinking and operational execution
Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration
Crisis management and decision-making under high-pressure and safety-critical environments