Sr Specialist, Lab Chemist, Ponca City Refinery

Phillips 66

6d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Sr Specialist, Lab Chemist you will lead the daily operations of a high-performing laboratory that helps ensure safe, reliable fuel production for our customers. You will guide a team of chemists and technicians, oversee product quality and clean fuels compliance, and partner closely with refinery and commercial teams to solve complex problems. This role gives you the opportunity to turn strategy into action, grow others, and shape how we deliver quality and compliance across the site.
At Phillips 66, Lead Forward is our leadership approach. It defines how leaders show up, make decisions, and support their teams while delivering results in a complex, fast‑changing environment. Leaders at this level focus on setting clear direction, building trust, and helping their teams succeed. You’re expected to model integrity, make timely and thoughtful decisions, and take ownership of outcomes while supporting collaboration across teams. This role is about leading people well, even when priorities change or the path forward isn’t always clear.

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the job posting country
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other chemical-related scientific field
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• 3 or more years of applicable working experience in a laboratory environment
• 1 or more years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Proficiency reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and regulatory documents (such as ASTM methods and EPA regulations)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Must be willing and able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to comply with the following:
• Operate company vehicles on site premises and/or public roads up to 10%
• Work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Respond to refinery emergencies during off-hours
• Work safely near large, hot, high-speed machines and equipment
• Lift and transport articles up to 50 pounds
• Work around chemicals, including acids and bases
• Work around hydrocarbons under high pressure and heat
• Wear fire-retardant clothing and personal protective equipment (such as steel-toe shoes and eye and ear protection)
• Maintain a daily facial condition that allows a respirator or face mask to seal properly (for example, being free of facial hair where the mask seals)

Nice To Haves

• 10 or more years of experience in oil and gas or other petrochemical industry
• 2 or more years of supervisory experience, ideally in a laboratory or quality assurance environment
• Experience supervising in a refinery laboratory or similar technical environment
• Knowledge of refinery operations and fuel manufacturing processes
• Experience with hydrocarbon testing, including instrumentation, test materials, fuels regulations, and ASTM testing methods
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and quality management systems
• Ability to interpret complex technical instructions, data, and standards to resolve non-routine quality or operational issues
• Track record of leading teams through change, building collaboration across functions, and using data to make timely, high-quality decisions in line with Phillips 66 Lead Forward expectations

Responsibilities

• Lead daily laboratory operations, including workload management, sample prioritization, and evaluation of all incoming and outgoing products, ensuring safe, reliable testing and compliance with product specifications and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical leadership for quality assurance testing by validating and interpreting complex test data, developing and refining test methods and procedures, and using quality data to drive timely, well-informed decisions.
• Champion a strong safety and integrity culture in the laboratory by modeling ethical behavior, overseeing health, safety, and environmental programs, and ensuring strict adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise, coach, and develop chemists and technicians by managing staffing and schedules, setting clear expectations, conducting performance reviews, and creating development plans that build a cohesive, high-performing team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the laboratory, collaborating closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Commercial, Environmental, and other partners to share insights, align priorities, and remove barriers to quality and delivery.
• Act as the refinery Clean Fuels Compliance Specialist by overseeing product quality specifications, investigating product quality issues, and interpreting and applying standards such as ASTM methods and EPA regulations.
• Use the quality management system and related tools to document processes, monitor key metrics, identify trends, and lead continuous improvement efforts that enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability.

Benefits

• Annual Variable Cash Incentive Program (VCIP) bonus
• 8% 401k company match
• Cash Balance Account pension
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with an annual company contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees on HDHP
• Total well-being programs and incentives, including Employee Assistance Plan, well-being reimbursement, and backup family care services

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees