Area Operations Manager – Bear Creek or Natchitoches, LA

The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for the daily operations and maintenance of Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and compression facilities in the Bear Creek, LA Operating Area.  The Bear Creek Operating Area is generally located in northwest Louisiana.  The position can be based out of either Natchitoches or the Bear Creek office.  Specifically, the Bear Creek Area Manager will be responsible for Bear Creek Storage Field, SNG’s (Southern Natural Gas) compressor stations at Bienville and Logansport; TGP’s (Tennessee Gas Pipeline) compressors stations at Natchitoches, Alexandria, Pitkin, and Mansfield; and associated pipelines.  Responsibilities include all operational and maintenance activities, employee performance management, safety, financial budget/forecasting, all regulatory compliance, asset reliability, and other aspects of prudent operation and maintenance of natural gas pipeline assets. In addition, the Manager has to interact with customers, including power generation plants, local distribution companies and pipeline transmission interconnects. Direct reports include two Operations Supervisors and an Area Ops Administrative Assistant. Total number of approved personnel within the Area is 27.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages all compressor stations, pipelines, and personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations for the Area described above.
• Responsible for all aspects of employee and asset safety to include safety leadership for the Area, compliance with all safety policies and procedures, focus on required safety training, and development/execution of the Area Safety Action Plan.
• Responsible for the hiring/promotion of staff, salary change considerations, and employee performance management including performance reviews and all disciplinary matters.
• Manage O&M and Sustaining Capex financials including preparation of budgets, cost control, monthly forecast/variance reporting, and management of emergent costs.
• Monitors workloads, staff assignments, reviews progress, direct changes in priorities and schedules as needed to assure work is completed in an efficient and timely manner.
• Coordinates safety and emergency response.
• Develops short and long-range plans, goals and objectives for the area operation.
• Coordinates with other departments, governmental agencies, and customers.
• Manages projects within assigned area of responsibility.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations affecting pipeline system operations
• Oversee 3rd party contractors working on company property or in company Right-of-Way in order to protect company interests.
• Reviews contracts pertaining to work around company facilities to ensure company property is protected. Includes screening and reviewing leases, foreign crossing permits, highway expansion, or any Right-of-Way intrusion.
• Oversees inspections of station and pipeline facilities for compliance with maintenance, housekeeping, environmental, regulatory and safety requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required. A Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred, especially in the areas of Engineering or Business Management. 

Experience / Specific Knowledge:

• A minimum of 7-10 years, well-rounded experience in pipeline system operations, maintenance and/or engineering is highly desirable.
• Effective use of time management is of key importance in order to properly identify priorities and to ensure that all job requirements are satisfied.

Certification, Licenses, Registrations:

• A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver's license are required.

Competencies, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project and Outlook.
• Well-balanced interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential.
• Must be a problem solver with the ability to find resolutions.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision and/or direction.
• Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, customers, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

Knowledge of:

• Management and supervisory principles and practices
• Gas pipeline system operations and maintenance
• General engineering practices, including drafting, piping, valves, hydraulics, etc.
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques as they relate to all functional areas.
• Regulatory requirements for operation of DOT facilities

Required Skills:

• Planning and Organization: Establish a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish specific goals; plan and prioritize proper assignments of personnel and/or appropriate allocation of resources.
• Leadership: Utilize appropriate interpersonal styles and methods in guiding individuals/departments (subordinates, peers, superiors) or groups toward task accomplishment. Consistently adhere to Kinder Morgan’s policies and procedures and be a positive example for others by demonstrating the Company’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect for people.
• Analysis: Identify problems and/or cause-effect relationships; identify key issues; secure relevant information from all appropriate sources; identify possible root causes of problems and develop and implement corrective actions for resolution of problems.
• Sound Judgment: Make decisions and/or take action based on logical assumptions derived from factual information gathered; seek out information from established policies and procedures and/or knowledge experts; seek input from others.
• Effective and Professional Communication: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management, employees, customers, vendors, and outside regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal level; clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing, using good grammatical form, on general issues, as well as on technical issues pertaining to area of responsibility.
• Computer Applications: Operate a computer at a functional level as it relates to software programs utilized.
• Mathematics: Apply good math skills for calculating and conversion work.
• Maximizes Performance: Responsible for establishing performance goals for staff, coaching performance, providing training, and evaluating performance; including taking disciplinary action when necessary.
• Integrity: Maintaining and promoting social, ethical and organizational values when conducting internal and external activities.
• Initiative: Actively attempts to influence events to achieve goals; does not wait to be told, but is a self-starter who takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required. Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients and vendors.
• Teamwork/Cooperation: Works effectively with team/workgroup, as well as with other departments and/or outside contractors/agencies and customers to accomplish organizational goals; takes action that respect the needs and contributions of others; takes responsibility for actively participating and contributing to team efforts; supports a team consensus or decision; acts as team facilitator when appropriate.

Physical Demands:

• Employee must be physically capable of completing and satisfying all training requirements as stipulated by local, state or federal agencies and/or Company Policy.
• Must be able to survey and inspect facilities, work areas, and work processes, under varying weather and temperature conditions and while wearing all required PPE. Working Conditions:
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for planning and administrative activities.
• May be required to climb steps and ladders to access and inspect facilities and work. Walking, bending, and stooping may be required on a routine basis.
• From time to time, work areas that will be inspected include indoor areas which can become very hot as well as out outdoor remote areas where ground conditions vary and may be heavily vegetated.
• Must carry a cell phone and be able and willing to respond at any hour of the day or night to all after hours and/or weekend and holiday issues, including emergency situations. This includes being in possession of required equipment and tools, designated forms, policies, regulations, and manuals.
• Must be willing and able to travel, as required.

Other Responsibilities: 

• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Kinder Morgan is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.