Director of Global Operations – Valmet, Analytical Products & Integration (API) Business Unit

Valmet•Houston, TX

About The Position

Valmet’s Analytical Products & Integration (API) Business Unit is seeking a highly accomplished Global Director of Operations to lead worldwide operations, product delivery, and project execution for Valmet’s analytical measurement technologies and solutions —including the company’s flagship, patented Maxum II Online Process Gas Chromatograph (GC). This role requires a uniquely deep blend of technical chemistry expertise, online process analyzer engineering, petrochemical process knowledge, systems integration understanding, and global operational leadership. The successful candidate will be recognized as an industry expert in online process gas chromatography, online process analyzer solutions, and advanced measurement technologies used in midstream and downstream chemical, petrochemical, and refining facilities. They will also bring extensive experience directly supporting, deploying, and optimizing process GC and analyzer solutions serving oil and chemical companies globally.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate extensive, hands-on expertise in the following areas: Online Process Gas Chromatography Extensive experience with online process gas chromatographs, including method development, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Expert knowledge of hydrocarbon and chemical component separation, advanced separation techniques, and operational chemistries used in GC analytical methods.
Deep understanding of process sampling systems, interfaces, network protocols, and global industry standards and requirements.
Valmet Maxum II GC – Advanced-Level Expertise Demonstrated experience with Maxum II GC, or other competitor GC products.
Knowledge of hardware, including ovens, columns, detectors (TCD, FID, PDHID, etc.), valve technologies, multiplexing, and modular expansions.
In-depth knowledge of GC software platforms, including: Analytical method configuration Diagnostic systems Smart-maintenance tools Networking & cybersecurity requirements
Proven experience delivering Maxum II applications across refineries, chemical plants, LNG terminals, GTL plants, petrochemical complexes, etc.
Ability to diagnose and resolve complex Maxum II issues that require chemical, electrical, mechanical, and systemic understanding.
Process Analyzer Systems Integration Proven experience in executing global analytical projects, including large-scale mega projects.
Broad expertise across process analyzers such as: Tunable diode laser analyzers (TDL) Mass spectrometers Process FTIR/IR/UV Continuous gas analyzers Moisture analyzers Physical property analyzers
Knowledge of analyzer shelters, integration systems, communications protocols, and plant DCS connectivity.
Required Professional Experience 15+ years in process GC, process analytical technologies, or petrochemical/chemical instrumentation engineering.
10+ years in global operations leadership or multi-regional technical management roles in both GC and Systems Integration businesses.
Proven engagement with major oil companies and chemical producers (e.g., ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, Sabic, Dow, BASF, Ineos, LyondellBasell, Sinopec, Saudi Aramco).
Demonstrated success leading global engineering, manufacturing, or product delivery teams.
Expertise in Lean operations, continuous improvement, cost optimization, and large-scale transformation programs.
Strong capability in cross-functional leadership spanning engineering, R&D, quality, supply chain, and customer service.

Nice To Haves

B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
Advanced degrees (Masters or PhD) in the above fields are not required, but beneficial.
Prior experience with Valmet Maxum II GC or applicable competitor GC products and Systems Integration.
Experience leading multi-million-dollar global product lines, solutions businesses, and multi-site operations.
Competencies & Leadership Attributes Exceptional problem-solving ability rooted in technical chemistry, engineering knowledge, project execution methodologies, and change management.
Commitment to leadership principles and values, employee development, and customer satisfaction.
Experience and knowledge of both Product and Project business.
Knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards and multi-site certification.
Ability to translate complex analytical concepts into operational plans.
Strong communication and executive-level presentation skills.
Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to scale global operations with demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic operational plans.
Proven track record of leading diverse, cross-cultural global teams.
Customer first mentality focused on finding mutually beneficial solutions, building relationships, and earning repeat customer business.

Responsibilities

Global Operational Leadership Direct all global operations for the Analytical Products & Integration (API) business unit, ensuring alignment with Valmet’s strategic, financial, and technological goals. Responsible for complete value chain from front end quotations through product and project execution and delivery.
Oversee global application development, GC and system engineering, production, project management, product support, supply chain, and testing.
Implement standardized processes to assure product quality, regulatory compliance, market competitiveness, and customer satisfaction across all regions.
Develop and manage global capacity planning, operational KPIs, escalation structures, and continuous improvement programs.
Technical Leadership – Maxum II GC & Analytical Technologies Serve as the organization’s executive technical authority for Valmet’s Maxum II Online Process Gas Chromatograph, including deep expertise in: Column chemistries, detectors, valves, and sample-handling systems Analytical method development, validation, and optimization System integration, testing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting Maxum II hardware architecture, modular design, oven technologies, electronics, and I/O subsystems Maxum II software, networking, and application configuration
Provide technical direction to the operations team while liaising with product management, R&D, and other disciplines on emerging technologies, application enhancements, and competitive differentiation in process analytics.
Industry, Application & Process Expertise Act as subject matter expert on midstream and downstream petrochemical, refining, gas processing, and chemical manufacturing processes, including: Steam cracking, reforming, alkylation, polymerization, aromatics, syngas, LNG, sulfur recovery, and other major unit operations Gas composition monitoring, hydrocarbon dewpoint control, purity certification, environmental emissions, and safety-related measurements Complex process‐license requirements from licensors such as Honeywell UOP, Shell, BASF, Linde, Dow, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Sabic, Ineos, and others
Translate process requirements into analyzer system designs, GC applications, and measurement strategies to meet customer and licensor specifications.
Customer & Market Engagement Serve as the senior technical and operational interface for Valmet Analytical Products & Integration and respective global oil & gas and chemical customer partners.
Support key accounts with application expertise, root-cause analysis, continuous improvement recommendations, preferred standards, and long-term analytical strategies.
Support customer-facing initiatives for technology innovation, value differentiation, market competitiveness, product upgrades, and migration plans.
Collaborate with global sales, business development, product management, R&D, and executive leadership to expand Valmet’s global footprint in the focused market areas.