Nathan Christensen
Spring,TX
Summary
Results-Oriented Oil Refinery Plant Manager with extensive experience in streamlining refining processes, ensuring regulatory adherence, and leading cross-functional teams. Demonstrated expertise in optimizing plant operations, enhancing safety standards, and managing complex projects within budgetary constraints.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Manager
New Rise Renewables Reno
Reno, NV
04.2024 - Current
- Developed training and processes for new equipment.
- Optimized resource utilization for various projects under management by prioritizing tasks based on criticality while maintaining focus on timeframes and deliverables.
- Conducted performance assessments and provided valuable feedback to team members, fostering an environment of growth and improvement.
- Reduced project delays by proactively identifying and resolving issues during the commissioning phase.
- Managed budgets effectively, allocating resources strategically to maximize efficiency and achieve cost savings where possible.
- Managed safety, process and documentation, installation quality, proprietary software and products.
- Oversaw hiring, training, scheduling and support.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization.
- Enhanced project efficiency by coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Streamlined commissioning processes by implementing standardized protocols and documentation procedures.
Plant Manager
Air Products
Houston, TX
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Administer Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) standards to ensure the protection of employees, contractors, and the community
- Act as a senior leader, collaborating with the General Manager and Business Manager to drive profitability and optimize asset performance across the sub-region
- Direct plant production operations to efficiently meet customer demands, while identifying and implementing cost reduction strategies
- Organize and manage maintenance functions to optimize reliability and reduce costs, ensuring adherence to preventive maintenance and mechanical integrity programs
- Provide leadership for growth initiatives, including merger and acquisition activities and capacity expansions
- Achieved “Goal Zero” for injury prevention by engaging teams and contractors in comprehensive safety processes and practices
- Develop and oversee annual budgets, represent the site in regulatory and corporate compliance audits, and foster strong relationships with customers and community stakeholders.
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
Senior Project Engineer/PM
Worley
Billings, MT
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Contributed to the development of project execution plans, defining objectives, work scope, risk management strategies, and quality requirements
- Administered contract agreements with subcontractors, ensuring cost management and protection of client interests
- Monitored and controlled project performance against budget, schedule, and quality metrics, providing regular updates to clients
- Identified scope changes and managed change requests, ensuring proper documentation and client approval
- Led multi-discipline engineering teams, facilitating resolution of technical issues and promoting quality and safety throughout the project lifecycle
- Directed project close-out activities, securing final acceptance and contract release from clients.
- Identified potential risks early in the process, allowing proactive mitigation measures to prevent delays or setbacks.
- Reduced project completion times for increased client satisfaction by consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results.
- Navigated challenging situations through creative problem-solving abilities which often resulted in expedited resolutions.
- Oversaw worksite construction to coordinate with supervisors and guide projects.
Operations Manager
Cleveland Cliffs/US Steel
Hibbing, MN
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Supervised union employees responsible for maintaining and operating equipment, focusing on time-based, predictive, and emergency actions
- Analyzed and improved organizational processes to enhance quality, productivity, and efficiency, driving continuous improvement
- Developed and implemented Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to support company objectives and performance measurement
- Enforced safety and environmental regulations, conducted safety communications, and performed inspections to ensure compliance
- Coordinated with other supervisors to optimize operations and maintenance activities, addressing personnel matters and resolving employee concerns.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
Turnaround Coordinator/Startup and Commissioning Lead/PM
Phillips 66 Billings Oil Refinery
Billings, MT
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Planned and executed turnaround activities, including energized and dynamic testing of process units, ensuring compliance with project designs and safety standards
- Conducted system walk-downs to verify mechanical completion and readiness for pre-commissioning activities
- Developed and implemented pre-commissioning and commissioning procedures, managed vendor and subcontractor support, and ensured documentation accuracy
- Supervised operations and personnel during startup and procedure updates, managing multiple projects within budget constraints.
- Managed budgets for multiple turnaround projects, ensuring optimal use of resources while maintaining cost control measures.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining turnaround processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and contractors for cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or safety standards.
- Facilitated clear communication channels among all stakeholders, fostering a collaborative work environment that promoted successful turnarounds.
DCS/SCADA Board Controlman
Phillips 66 Billings Refinery
Billings, MT
03.2014 - 01.2020
- Monitored and adjusted unit process variables using Delta V DCS, ensuring safe and efficient operation of refinery units
- Reported operational disturbances and optimized refinery processes according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Led procedure reviews and updates, including emergency and startup/shutdown procedures.
Head Operator FGRU/Cryogenic/Coker/Stabilizer Units
Phillips 66 Billings Oil Refinery
Billings, MT
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Operated and monitored various refinery units, including Delayed Coker, Flare Gas Recovery, Cryogenic, and Stabilizer, ensuring effective operation and safety compliance
- Prepared equipment for maintenance, used Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and analyzed process variables to maintain product quality
- Managed emergency and non-emergency procedures, trained new operators, and coordinated hazard analyses for process efficiency
- Achieved safety recognition awards and served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for capital projects and process reviews.
- Improved production efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing equipment usage.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing comprehensive training on equipment operation and safety procedures.
- Developed contingency plans for potential disruptions in production, mitigating risks and minimizing delays.
- Regularly reviewed employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to promote growth opportunities within the organization.
HazMat Inspector/Aircraft Load Planner
United States Air Force
Ramstein AFB, Germany/Osan AFB, ROK
12.2003 - 05.2011
- Managed and inspected hazardous materials and cargo, ensuring compliance with safety and handling procedures
- Created and maintained transport records, calculated load distribution for aircraft, and coordinated cargo shipments and passenger travel.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management and Communications -
Montana State University Billings
Associate of Science - Process Plant Technology
MSU College of Technology
Billings, MTSkills
- Plant Management
- Project Management
- Project Engineering
- Process Optimization
- Process Variable Evaluation
- Safety Standard Adherence
- Regulatory Compliance
- Team Leadership and Development
- Budget Management and Cost Control
- TAR Management
- Targets Accomplishment
- Production Planning
- Operations Management
- Plant and warehouse operations
Certification
OSHA -10
TWIC
HAZWOPER
NERC
FERC
QEW
HAZMAT Technician
HAZMAT Inspector
First Aid/CPR
Timeline
Plant Manager
New Rise Renewables Reno
04.2024 - Current
Plant Manager
Air Products
01.2023 - 04.2024
Senior Project Engineer/PM
Worley
01.2022 - 01.2023
Operations Manager
Cleveland Cliffs/US Steel
01.2021 - 01.2022
Turnaround Coordinator/Startup and Commissioning Lead/PM
Phillips 66 Billings Oil Refinery
01.2016 - 01.2021
DCS/SCADA Board Controlman
Phillips 66 Billings Refinery
03.2014 - 01.2020
Head Operator FGRU/Cryogenic/Coker/Stabilizer Units
Phillips 66 Billings Oil Refinery
01.2014 - 01.2020
HazMat Inspector/Aircraft Load Planner
United States Air Force
12.2003 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management and Communications -
Montana State University Billings
Associate of Science - Process Plant Technology
MSU College of Technology