Paul Zutz

Over 20 years of progressive leadership experience with BP, including 12 years in senior-level roles directing high-output operational teams. Responsibilities have expanded to encompass safety, risk management, contract ownership, global workforce leadership, and oversight of a $240M budget. Proven success in driving continuous improvement initiatives and developing strategic programs aligned with corporate objectives.

I serve as Incident Commander within my company’s emergency response organization, leading disaster recovery efforts in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies. In this role, I establish priorities to safeguard people, protect the environment, and ensure business continuity.

December 2024 - Present (BP America)

Global Senior Level Leader, Life of Field Organization

• Overseeing global teams supporting projects and operations, including safe planning and execution of offshore activities within our deepwater oil and gas production fields.
• Contract Account Manager for aftermarket services with the company’s key suppliers.
• Manage $240+ million USD in budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.
• Deeply skilled in Continuous Improvement processes, challenging the status quo to drive product and service improvements
• Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
• Maintain team flexibility and embraced change to adapt within dynamic markets.
• Spearheaded database systems to track and analyze key performance indicators.
• Mentor and train staff, including skills evaluation, fostering a collaborative work environment and enhancing team performance.
• Develop comprehensive risk management plans, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
• Identify the need for and manage shift changes to uphold successful and safe activities during critical operational periods
• Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.

January 2021 to December 2024 (BP America)

Subsea Support Squad Manager

Senior level leader providing daily direction and activity prioritization for subsea production operations across 5 major offshore production fields. Managed 5 key engineering disciplines supporting system integrity, environmental safety, risk reduction and performance management. Additional supervisory oversight to the planner/scheduler and 3rd party support while instilling inclusivity across the entire team and organization

• Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Visibly led the company’s Safety Leadership Principals and created an environment for immediate action when something doesn’t feel right.
• Budget Responsible Officer - Financial accountabilities for in-year cost management and setting outer-year financial forecasts ($26-$35 million/year)
• Initiated and delivered on more than $27 million long-term savings through continuous improvement plans
• Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
• Enhanced team and stakeholder satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
• Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
• Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices

January 2014 to January 2021 (BP America)

Subsea Systems Operations Manager

Senior level operations leader responsible for the Gulf of America's deepwater subsea production systems reliability, integrity management, risk mitigation and rapid response to system failures.

• Led the team accountability for safe and compliant daily operations, while maintaining overall system reliability and operating efficiency.
• Identified future risks to production and determined mitigating actions including preparedness response plans.
• Above-role activities included "Women in BP" committee member, Crisis Response team (Operations Section Chief), American Petroleum Institute committee chair, Senior Mentor Program and bp Learning Committee

May 2010 to January 2014 (BP America)

Subsea Operations & Projects Team Lead

First-level operations leader responsible for the Gulf of Mexico Subsea Operations and special projects. Provided leadership, coaching & performance management to my direct reports while managing the day-to-day subsea operations’ integrity and reliability. Maintained team prioritization on operational risk reduction and defect elimination measures.

• Conducted regular audits of operational procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.

January 2006 to May 2010 (BP America)

Subsea Well Completions Engineer

Lead engineer for deepwater subsea well completions. Responsible for writing procedures, and equipment readiness, installation, & testing of the subsea-related equipment. Devoted significant time offshore overseeing activities as they occurred.

• Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with safety standards.
• Streamlined workflow processes, reducing bottlenecks and improving productivity.
• Mentored team members, enhancing skills and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Implemented process improvements resulting in significant reductions in operational costs.
• Managed and allocated contactor staff and material resources to meet business goals.

Accountable for the supervision & management of 10+ engineers and drafters while ensuring that all assignments were completed in a timely manner and technical specifications were met. Responsible for all aspects of design, manufacturing, assembly, qualification testing, shipping, rig-site operational procedures, and shop-based HSE compliance. Delivered non-typical well equipment designs that met stringent customer demands for several worldwide projects (e.g. BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Statoil)

• Developed proposals for clients outlining project scope and timeline.
• Collaborated with sales teams to provide technical expertise during client presentations, resulting in increased contract wins.
• Led the successful completion of multiple high-profile projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
• Increased customer satisfaction, addressing technical issues promptly and effectively through close communication with clients.
• Recipient of two patents for engineering designs

Lead design engineer for the Alaska region and cross-functional team member on various projects. Responsibilities included design and stress calculations for all saleable and rental tools, manufacturing cost efficiencies, checking/approving detailed drawings, creating operational and “final analysis testing” procedures, providing solutions to manufacturing errors, maintaining project schedules, and field support.

• Developed high-quality mechanical designs for complex projects, ensuring adherence to industry standards and client specifications.

Engineering team member at consulting firm for deepwater development projects, providing technical reviews on new technology for various operators.

• Due to company layoff concerns shortly after hiring in, decided to pursue other opportunities.

Project Team member responsible for design, calculations, and detailed drawings of various equipment product lines.

• Supported the subsea product line and worldwide field locations with troubleshooting and onsite support.
• Led extensive qualification testing for new-design equipment, learning and then leading safety compliance at the research facility.
• Created CAD models and drawings for equipment designs.
• Temporary assignment in Louisiana supporting the manufacturing plant with equipment refurbishment

Helicopter Crew Chief, 4th Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fulda West Germany

• Honorable Discharge
• Responsible for the maintenance of the Troop Commander’s aircraft and the safety of its passengers.
• Aided the pilots in navigation & reconnaissance during border patrols along the East/West German border.
• Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Air Assault Wings, Crewmember Wings, Expert Marksmanship badges with four weapons, Squadron Soldier of the Month, and 4 safety awards
• Additionally served in the US Army National Guard and Army Reserve between 1989 and 2001