Area Lead for Utilities

Job description

The Area Lead for Utilities will be responsible for the management and execution of the Utilities and Buildings area of a gas treatment facility throughout the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and start-up phases. The role will cover utilities systems and associated infrastructure, including MEG systems, fire water and firefighting systems, air, nitrogen, sewage and water distribution systems, buildings, roads, fencing, electrical substations, and third-party utility connections. Key responsibilities include: • Coordinate and supervise engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities related to utilities systems and buildings • Ensure execution is aligned with project objectives, budget, schedule, quality, HSE, and fitness-for-purpose requirements • Plan upcoming activities, identify potential issues, and implement appropriate solutions in coordination with other project teams • Drive decision-making and alignment between internal and external stakeholders • Manage technical issue resolution in coordination with discipline specialists • Ensure timely review and validation of contractor deliverables • Coordinate with other package areas and disciplines to ensure full system integration • Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with contractual, technical, HSE, QA/QC, cost, and schedule requirements • Oversee procurement activities for major utilities equipment and packages, including technical bid evaluations and vendor follow-up • Supervise construction and pre-commissioning activities related to utilities systems, buildings, and electrical substations • Participate in technical reviews such as HAZOP, HAZID, SIL, 3D model reviews, and constructability reviews • Ensure technical deviations and changes are properly managed and documented • Support the Operations team in the preparation of operating manuals and training materials • Support commissioning dossier preparation and commissioning execution • Ensure timely preparation and submission of technical dossiers and required permits • Provide regular reporting on progress, risks, and key issues • Engineering degree or equivalent • Minimum 10 years of professional experience in Oil & Gas projects • Strong experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing technical issues • Solid technical background with broad knowledge of utilities systems, buildings, infrastructure, construction, commissioning, and start-up specificities • Good understanding of project planning, scheduling, cost control, and change management • Ability to assess the impact of decisions and non-decisions on project execution • Strong HSE awareness and ability to work in compliance with safety procedures • Open-minded, solution-oriented, self-driven, and curious mindset • Fluent English is mandatory • Location: Beijing, China, then Baku, Azerbaijan • Working schedule: Resident, 5 days per week • Start date: 1 September 2026 • Duration: 12 months • Sector: Oil & Gas / Gas Processing / Utilities IOTA GROUP is an international engineering and services company supporting major players in the energy, oil & gas, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. We provide technical expertise and project support through experienced consultants across complex international environments. We are currently looking for an Area Lead for Utilities to support a major Oil & Gas project, with an initial assignment in Beijing, China, followed by a relocation to Baku, Azerbaijan.