Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Manager

Overview

Kent is seeking an experienced Pre‑Commissioning and Commissioning Manager to support a major EPC project, initially based in Woking before transitioning to site in Saudi Arabia. The role is central to implementing a “right‑to‑left” execution philosophy, ensuring that commissioning, start‑up, and operational requirements are embedded from the earliest project stages. A key focus is establishing the commissioning handover network (Path of Construction), influencing construction sequencing, Advanced Work Packaging, and engineering priorities to optimise delivery.

In the early phases, the role leads the definition of system boundaries and Limits of System Handover (LOSH), aligning multiple disciplines including process, piping, mechanical, and electrical & instrumentation. This ensures the facility is designed and built to support efficient system completion, pre‑commissioning, commissioning, and final handover. The position works closely with engineering, construction, and project controls teams to integrate commissioning requirements throughout the project lifecycle, including constructability, SIMOPS planning, and completions strategy.

During execution, the manager transitions to site to lead a multi‑disciplinary commissioning team of around 40 personnel. They are accountable for the safe and predictable delivery of all pre‑commissioning and commissioning activities, including test pack preparation, system turnover, and final handover to operations. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that quality, safety, and operability standards are achieved through start‑up and successful project completion.

• Provides strategic direction across pre‑commissioning, commissioning, completions and construction from early engineering through to start‑up and handover, embedding right‑to‑left thinking, constructability, AWP and sequencing
• Leads the development of the commissioning handover network (Path of Construction) and system turnover strategy, influencing engineering deliverables, procurement priorities and construction logic
• Establishes and governs System Boundaries and Limits of System Handover (LOSH), ensuring alignment across all disciplines to maximise system completion efficiency
• Acts as the primary authority on commissioning, systemisation and handover, advising on sequencing, constructability and execution constraints
• Holds accountability for safe, predictable and high‑quality delivery aligned with HSSEQ, schedule, cost and quality objectives
• Champions a zero‑incident culture, embedding HSE in design, SIMOPS planning and safe system energisation principles
• Ensures compliance with Saudi Aramco standards, commissioning procedures, and quality requirements across the project lifecycle
• Leads mobilisation and management of a multi‑disciplinary commissioning team (~40 personnel), setting clear objectives and performance expectations
• Develops and implements the Commissioning Execution Strategy integrated with construction and AWP programmes
• Oversees system completion, pre‑commissioning, commissioning, start‑up and final handover readiness
• Manages preparation, execution and close‑out of Test Packs, ensuring compliance and readiness for energisation
• Ensures QA/QC processes including inspection, testing, certification and documentation are fully implemented
• Oversees contractor and subcontractor performance across complex environments, ensuring strong interface management
• Coordinates activities across engineering, construction, commissioning and operations teams
• Implements governance systems such as SIMOPS, permit to work, completions and document control
• Identifies risks and constraints related to commissioning, sequencing and interfaces, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place
• Supports construction methodologies, shutdown planning and execution strategies to align with commissioning requirements
• Maintains accountability for productivity, schedule adherence and readiness for start‑up
• Builds strong relationships with client PMT and operations, ensuring alignment with operational expectations
• Leads system handover, energisation and hydrocarbon introduction in…