Independent Refinery & Petrochemical Recruiter – UAE (Hybrid/Flexible)

About the Role:

We are seeking an Independent Refinery & Petrochemical Recruiter to source, assess, and place highly skilled professionals within the refinery and petrochemical industry across the UAE. This role requires a deep understanding of refinery operations, petrochemical processes, engineering technologies, health and safety regulations, and environmental compliance. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Market Research & Candidate Sourcing

• Conduct in-depth market research on the refinery and petrochemical industry in the UAE, analyzing hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and employment types (permanent, contract, and project-based).
• Source qualified candidates using job boards, LinkedIn, industry-specific platforms, and professional referrals.
• Build strong relationships with refineries, petrochemical manufacturers, energy companies, and construction contractors to expand the talent pipeline and stay updated on staffing needs.

2. Candidate Screening & Assessment

• Initial Screening: Review CVs, certifications, and work experience related to refinery operations, chemical processing, safety regulations, and maintenance.
• Technical & Management Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews in collaboration with industry experts and clients to assess candidates' knowledge in:
  • Refinery operations and processes (distillation, cracking, refining technologies)
  • Petrochemical process engineering (polymerization, separation processes)
  • Health, safety, and environmental regulations (OSHA, HAZOP studies)
  • Project management for refinery and petrochemical plant installations
  • Maintenance and troubleshooting of petrochemical and refinery equipment
• Skills & Certification Verification: Ensure candidates hold relevant industry certifications such as:
  • NEBOSH or OSHA (for safety management)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) for project management positions
  • Engineering certifications (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering certificates)
  • Petrochemical-specific certifications (e.g., Six Sigma for process optimization)
• Competency & Compliance Assessment: Evaluate candidates' knowledge of refinery-specific regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management in refinery operations.

3. Client Collaboration

• Partner with refinery companies, petrochemical manufacturers, engineering firms, and energy sector clients to understand their staffing needs.
• Provide industry insights on wage expectations, in-demand skills, and advancements in petrochemical technologies such as advanced refining techniques, sustainable energy solutions, and green petrochemical production.
• Assist clients in creating tailored job descriptions for roles in refinery operations, process engineering, and maintenance.

4. Interview Coordination & Feedback

• Schedule and facilitate interviews between candidates and clients, managing logistics, feedback collection, and follow-ups.
• Gather feedback from both candidates and clients post-interviews, providing constructive feedback and facilitating candidate selection.
• Offer interview coaching to candidates on refinery operations, health and safety protocols, and emerging petrochemical trends.

5. Talent Database Management

• Maintain a comprehensive database of refinery and petrochemical professionals, including qualifications, certifications, skills, and availability.
• Regularly update candidate profiles with new certifications, relevant project experience, and availability for permanent or contract roles.
• Ensure that the database reflects compliance with UAE-specific laws, refinery operational standards, and environmental regulations.

6. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure that all placements comply with UAE labor laws, health and safety regulations, and refinery industry standards.
• Verify work permits, visa status, and professional certifications to ensure that candidates meet all legal and technical requirements for refinery and petrochemical operations.
• Stay informed about evolving environmental regulations and refinery safety standards to ensure that candidates adhere to the highest compliance levels.

7. Onboarding & Post-Placement Support

• Assist newly placed candidates with the onboarding process, ensuring they understand refinery operations, safety protocols, and client-specific policies.
• Act as a point of contact for both clients and candidates to address any post-placement concerns.
• Provide ongoing support to ensure job satisfaction, employee retention, and operational efficiency within refinery and petrochemical projects.

8. Continuous Industry Insights & Improvement

• Stay updated on the latest refinery and petrochemical industry trends, such as advances in refining technologies, sustainable petrochemical practices, and emerging global energy standards.
• Recommend improvements to recruitment strategies based on the evolving needs of the refinery and petrochemical sectors.
• Offer clients insights on new technologies such as green chemistry, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable petrochemical processes.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or HR certification is a plus.
• Experience: 2-5 years of recruitment experience in the refinery, petrochemical, or energy sectors.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong familiarity with refinery operations, petrochemical production, chemical processing, and health and safety regulations in petrochemical industries.
• Legal & Compliance: Understanding of UAE labor laws, environmental regulations, and refinery-specific safety and operational standards.
• Recruitment & Client Management: Proven ability to manage multiple recruitment processes and maintain relationships with refinery and petrochemical industry clients.
• Independence & Efficiency: Capable of working autonomously while ensuring high-quality recruitment processes.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), LinkedIn Recruiter, and industry-specific platforms.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or other languages relevant to the region is a plus.