Shutdown Manager - Decatur, IL

Job Summary

Plant shutdowns are critical operations that demand meticulous planning and execution to ensure continued productivity and operational safety.

The Shutdown Manager is accountable for the successful planning, coordination, and execution of plant or facility shutdown, turnaround, or outage.  This role encompasses developing the project scope, creating detailed schedules, managing budgets, allocating resources, and ensuring strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.

This individual plays a key leadership role in driving operational excellence by ensuring that all shutdown activities are executed safely, on time, and within budget. The position requires cross-functional collaboration, effective stakeholder communication, and the ability to lead diverse teams in high-pressure environments.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, safety-focused professional with strong leadership capabilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a history of successfully managing complex shutdown projects. A results-driven mindset, coupled with the ability to inspire and lead teams, is essential for success in this role.

Key ResponsibilitiesWorklist Development and Management
Compile, organize, and maintain a comprehensive worklist of all tasks (maintenance, inspections, modifications, compliance-related activities) required for shutdowns, sourced from maintenance backlogs, audits, and inspection reportsTask Prioritization and Scope Definition
Evaluate and classify worklist items by criticality—safety, production impact, legal compliance—to determine execution sequence and ensure optimal resource utilizationIntegrated Scheduling and Resource Planning
Manage and maintain detailed shutdown schedules, assigning accurate durations, manpower, materials, equipment, and contractor requirements using project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project, AKWIRE)Execution Oversight and Coordination
Lead and manage the shutdown execution phase, ensuring real-time tracking of work progress (e.g., Not Started, In Progress, Completed, Delayed), and resolve conflicts or delays as they ariseTeam Leadership and Communication
Lead cross-functional shutdown teams including internal departments (operations, maintenance, engineering, HSE) and external contractors; facilitate daily update meetings, core team reviews, and steering committee briefings to ensure alignment and transparencyRisk Management and Safety Compliance
Conduct thorough risk assessments and ensure all shutdown activities comply with corporate and regulatory health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standardsBudgeting and Cost Control
Establish and manage shutdown budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost-control measures throughout the planning and execution phasesCritical Path Management
Identify and monitor critical and near-critical path activities, proactively resolving roadblocks to maintain schedule integrityStakeholder Engagement and Reporting
Provide timely and accurate updates to stakeholders, including the Shutdown Director and plant leadership, on readiness status, progress, and emerging risksPost-Shutdown Review and Continuous Improvement
Conduct post-event evaluations to capture lessons learned, analyze actual vs. planned performance, and recommend improvements for future shutdownsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience)Minimum of 5 years of direct experience managing industrial shutdowns in sectors such as oil & gas, chemical processing, mining, or manufacturingProficient in project planning and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, AKWIRE)Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systemsDemonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and manage large-scale, high-risk projects in a fast-paced environmentFamiliarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), such as SAP or MaximoStrong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvementDeep knowledge of HSE standards, regulations, and best practicesExcited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? Studies have shown that applicants will self "select-out" of consideration if they don't meet every requirement.  We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.  Relocation assistance may be available for this opportunity.

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