Head of Operations (m/w/d)

Company Overview

Gasfin has been pioneering LNG infrastructure projects worldwide since 2009, offering end-to-end solutions from conceptualization to execution. Serving a diverse clientele including governments, energy firms, and infrastructure operators, the company is committed to delivering stable, secure, and sustainable energy solutions. In 2023, Gasfin took over as lead consultant and by 2025 will assume the role of On-Site Operations Manager for Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH (DET), the German state-run LNG terminal operator addressing national energy security after the Ukraine crisis.

Role Summary

The Head of Operations will provide senior-level leadership overseeing the technical and operational functionality of LNG Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) terminals. This pivotal position demands deep expertise in LNG or natural gas sectors, excellent technical judgment, and the capacity to handle intricate operational, regulatory, and business challenges. Serving as the top technical and operational authority, this role has decision-making power in the Managing Director’s absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic management of daily technical operations at LNG FSRU terminals, covering regasification, cryogenic storage, boil-off gas control, and gas grid integration.
• Act as the main technical authority, advising operational and engineering teams on complex technical challenges and providing escalation support.
• Ensure top-level performance in operations, maintenance, engineering, and asset integrity.
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting and root cause investigations for critical equipment and processes.
• Guarantee compliance with European and national legal standards, safety regulations, classification rules, and internal policies.
• Assess and approve capital and operational expenditure plans, engineering changes, and technical upgrades, managing their operational impact and budgets.
• Drive initiatives to improve asset performance, technical efficiency, energy conservation, and safety culture.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Terminal Management, and Health, Safety & Environment teams to align operational and strategic goals.
• Represent the company as a senior technical liaison with regulators, contractors, suppliers, classification societies, and external stakeholders.
• Engage with gas grid operators and regulators on technical gas network integration requirements.
• Lead senior technical efforts during incident management, emergency response, and contingency planning.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and report findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare regular internal and external reports.
• Manage a team comprising at least four direct reports along with multiple indirect reports.

Candidate Profile

• At least 10 years of experience in LNG, natural gas or gas processing sectors within senior operations, engineering, or project leadership roles.
• In-depth understanding of the LNG value chain, including liquefaction, marine logistics, storage, regasification, and grid feed-in.
• Demonstrated success in senior technical leadership roles such as Lead Engineer, Engineering Manager, Chief Engineer, or Technical Superintendent.
• Expertise in LNG regasification and cryogenic processes, boil-off gas management, and related marine and terminal systems.
• Experience in asset integrity, reliability engineering, maintenance planning, and HSE frameworks.
• Strong familiarity with European and German regulations, safety codes, classification standards, and permitting procedures.
• Capability to make independent, critical technical decisions under pressure in safety-sensitive environments.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies, classification societies, contractors, suppliers, and gas grid operators.
• Business acumen with skill assessing CAPEX/OPEX proposals and technical design modifications.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, influencing senior and operational teams effectively.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German is a strong plus.

Advantages & Benefits

• Engage actively in shaping the future of innovative LNG terminals.
• Take responsibility for complex tasks in a technologically challenging setting.
• Work within a supportive team environment promoting open communication and flat organizational structures.
• Receive competitive pay along with opportunities for long-term career advancement.