RAUL BLANCO MANTILLA

Transitioned into a U.S. downstream operator environment, focusing on terminal infrastructure, execution of the Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection Program (ASTIP), and regulatory-driven capital projects

• Driving tank integrity and risk mitigation initiatives through inspection coordination, repair scope development, and post-repair validation under the ASTIP program
• Managed EPC execution of small capital projects, including storage tank upgrades and product slate changes, enhancing operational flexibility and safety.
• Coordinated stakeholders and contractors to align safety, quality, and execution requirements within operating terminal environment, ensuring project success.
• Oversaw project planning, SAP cost tracking, and contractor coordination to achieve schedule, budget, and regulatory compliance objectives.
• Delivered approximately $5MM in ASTIP & capital projects, supporting terminal integrity and regulatory compliance, achieving zero recordable incidents and consistent on-schedule performance against KPIs

Led development and execution planning of a $1B+ fuel storage and pipeline strategic infrastructure program, including multiple tank farms and associated logistics systems supporting national refined product import and distribution

• Directed FEED execution and EPIC tendering strategy for large-scale storage and pipeline projects, ensuring alignment with lump sum contracting structures and project objectives
• Managed simultaneous FEED packages, including two 100,000 m³ tank farm developments, ensuring alignment with corporate stage-gate approvals
• Led technical and commercial bid evaluations and drove recommendation for award of a $450MM EPIC contract, enabling early contractor mobilization through identification of project enablers.
• Directed early-stage construction planning, and site development for tank farm projects, including site preparation, foundations, piping systems, electrical substations, buildings, and equipment installation
• Led project engineers and cross-functional teams in risk workshops, MoC initiatives, and lessons learned integration, enhancing safety and effectiveness of project execution
• Oversaw procurement activities, expedited RFIs, provided technical direction during construction, and supported issuance of partial handover certificates
• Advanced project readiness and execution strategy, facilitating transition from FEED to EPIC and early-stage construction mobilization, resulting in successful award to first-time contractor under owner approval

Managed EPCm execution of brownfield scope within a $1.5B GT5 gas treatment plant integration program at Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery and associated grassroots processing facilities.

• Delivered $150MM brownfield scope, executing tie-ins and interconnections to optimize operations of refinery units
• Led multidisciplinary coordination across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
• Supervised 12 engineers and construction personnel, managing contractor performance while enhancing execution planning and subcontracting strategy
• Coordinated with regulatory bodies and operational stakeholders to secure project approvals and ensure execution readiness
• Successfully executed brownfield integration within a live refinery environment, securing critical approvals for concurrent multi-contractor execution, including large-diameter tie-ins and high-pressure hot taps while maintaining safe operations and minimal disruption

Acted as Owner's representative for detailed design of a $600MM Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) within the Sturgeon Refinery major grassroots refinery project.

• Directed engineering execution, approving engineering schedules and progress measurement systems to ensure project alignment
• Led oversight of contractor engineering activities, ensuring compliance with project specifications, design criteria, and quality standards
• Managed team of 7 discipline engineers, reviewing and approving contractor deliverables to meet project standards
• Delivered engineering scope on schedule, enabling timely procurement and construction execution, and supporting commissioning-driven sequencing across interdependent refinery units
• Ensured engineering deliverables aligned with project quality requirements and coordinated interdependent refinery unit interfaces
• Coordinated technical reviews, design workshops, and resolution of engineering deviations and technical queries

Managed execution of a $115MM environmental water management project involving installation of an Evaporator / Crystallizer Unit for the central unit facility at the Leismer Demonstration Plant

• Led a team of 25+ personnel, including engineering, procurement, and construction resources
• Served as owner's representative, overseeing licensor lump sum and EPC reimbursable contracts to ensure alignment with project goals
• Maintained project delivery within approved budget and schedule baselines through active monitoring and construction mitigation planning
• Successfully delivered mechanical completion and commissioning on schedule while managing complex modular execution and installation logistics
• Coordinated modularization, fabrication, FAT inspections, and logistics for major equipment and module installation, enhancing project efficiency
• Ensured adherence to project management systems, execution procedures, and QA/QC standards, contributing to project quality and consistency

Coordinated multidisciplinary engineering and supply chain activities for tank farm scope of $900MM Kirby North SAGD Central Processing Facility (CPF), ensuring timely project delivery.

• Delivered FEED package for ExxonMobil Sulfur Recovery Unit (Malaysia), including ±15% cost estimate and engineering deliverables
• Executed multiple small-cap and fast-track projects concurrently, including corrosion inhibitor system installations at NOVA Chemicals (Joffre Petrochemical Plant), demonstrating ability to manage parallel project delivery alongside major capital projects
• Delivered large-scale scope alongside parallel small-cap and fast-track initiatives, facilitating project development and enhancing operational readiness.
• Conducted feasibility studies from HAZOP recommendations, defining scope of work for BP stage-gate project development to support decision-making.
• Led engineering coordination and FEED development for a portfolio of major oil sands and small-cap projects.

Executed multiple refinery capital projects from feasibility through detailed design, ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Developed feasibility studies and Design Basis Memorandums (DBMs) for maintenance and capital projects to guide decision-making.
• Managed EPCM contractor engineering deliverables, ensuring adherence to schedule and cost targets
• Coordinated project scope definition and FEED development, facilitating clear project objectives and deliverables.
• Supported project execution, including cost control, scheduling, and change management

Facilitated refinery operations and capital project execution within Cardón and Amuay refining complex, enhancing operational efficiency and project alignment.

• Acted as Mechanical Engineering representative and project coordinator with Shell Global Solutions (The Hague) for a major FCC revamp project
• Reviewed and approved engineering deliverables, ensuring compliance with design specifications and project requirements
• Led in-house reliability and improvement initiatives, executing small-cap capital projects with in-house design and field follow-up, ensuring successful implementation.
• Supported inspection and repair activities for FCCU reactor, regenerator, and CO boiler during turnarounds, ensuring compliance with pressure vessel codes and mechanical integrity standards
• Contributed to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) programs for static equipment across Distillation and FCC units, driving failure investigations and corrective actions to enhance equipment reliability.