Job Description – Shift In-Charge – HDPE Plant
Position: Shift In-Charge – HDPE Production
Department: Production / Operations
Industry: Petrochemical / Polymer / Chemical Manufacturing
Reporting To: Production Manager / Plant Head
Location: Plant Site
Shift: Rotational Shift
Job Purpose
To independently manage and supervise HDPE plant operations during the assigned shift, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient production as per production plan, quality specifications and operating procedures. The position will be responsible for process monitoring, troubleshooting, manpower deployment, coordination with Maintenance/Quality/EHS/Utilities and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day HDPE plant shift operations and ensure achievement of production targets.
- Monitor critical process parameters through DCS/PLC/SCADA and ensure operation within defined limits.
- Supervise field and panel operations and ensure proper coordination between field operators and control-room operators.
- Ensure safe and smooth plant start-up, shutdown, grade change/changeover and normal operation.
- Monitor reactor, extrusion/pelletizing, material handling, conveying, blending and packing operations, as applicable to the plant configuration.
- Troubleshoot process deviations, equipment abnormalities, quality issues and production losses during the shift.
- Ensure optimum production, yield, energy consumption and equipment utilization.
- Coordinate with Maintenance, Instrumentation, Electrical, Utilities, Quality Control and EHS teams for smooth plant operation.
- Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, operating procedures, work permits, LOTO, MOC and process-safety requirements.
- Take immediate and appropriate action during abnormal/emergency plant conditions and coordinate emergency response as required.
- Monitor equipment health and report abnormalities to the concerned maintenance team to minimize breakdown and downtime.
- Ensure proper implementation of production plans and communicate any deviations to the Production Manager.
- Supervise and allocate manpower among panel operators, field operators, technicians and contract manpower.
- Conduct effective shift handover and maintain accurate shift logs and operational records.
- Prepare daily/shift production reports covering production, quality, consumption, downtime, deviations and operational issues.
Required Qualification
Essential:
- B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from a recognized institution.
Preferred:
- M.Tech / Postgraduate qualification in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology or related field.
- Additional certification/training in Process Safety, DCS, HAZOP, HAZID, RCA, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing will be advantageous.
A Chemical Engineering degree is consistent with current HDPE shift-superintendent requirements as well as broader chemical-industry Shift In-Charge roles. LLinkedIn+1
Required Experience
Ideal experience: 5–10 years in chemical/petrochemical/polymer manufacturing.
For a true HDPE Shift In-Charge, I would recommend making the following experience mandatory:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical/petrochemical/polymer process industry.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in HDPE/Polyethylene plant operations preferred.
- Experience in shift operations and independent shift handling.
- Hands-on experience with DCS/PLC-based process control systems.
- Experience in plant start-up, shutdown, grade change and troubleshooting.
- Experience in handling abnormal/emergency operating conditions.
- Experience in leading operators and technicians during rotational shifts.
For a senior position, 7–10 years total experience with significant HDPE/PE plant exposure would be preferable. Current chemical-industry postings commonly seek approximately 4–8 years for Shift In-Charge roles, while HDPE-specific supervisory roles can require 5–9 years of relevant experienc
- Ensure product quality is maintained as per approved specifications in coordination with QC/QA.
- Investigate process deviations and participate in RCA, CAPA and continuous improvement activities.
- Ensure proper housekeeping, 5S and safe working conditions within the operating area.
- Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings and ensure PPE compliance.
- Ensure compliance with applicable EHS, environmental and statutory requirements.
- Train and develop operators on SOPs, process safety, emergency procedures and operating practices.
- Drive reduction in off-specification production, material losses, energy consumption and unplanned downtime.
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Leave encashment
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
