What Are the Responsibilities of a Turnaround Planner?

What Is a Turnaround Planner?

A turnaround planner is the backbone of any successful shutdown, turnaround or outage (STO) event. These planned maintenance events are crucial for keeping machinery running safely and efficiently in industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing. Turnaround planners are the guys who make sure everything gets done right, on time and without a hitch. They develop detailed plans, coordinate resources and keep the whole operation running smoothly.

What Does a Turnaround Planner Do All Day?

Turnaround planners wear a lot of hats, each one critical to getting the job done. Here’s what their day-to-day looks like:

1. Building the Plan: First and foremost, they craft a comprehensive plan for your STO, capital project or maintenance event. This means identifying every task that needs doing, rounding up the necessary resources and laying out a schedule that covers shutdown, maintenance and start-up operations.
2. Coordinating the Crew: They work closely with all departments to make sure the event runs like a well-oiled machine. Their job is to ensure that everyone knows what they’re doing and when they’re doing it, so the event wraps up on time and on budget.
3. Managing Materials: Whether it’s tools, parts or heavy equipment, the turnaround planner ensures everything is on-site and ready to go when needed. No delays, no excuses.
4. Overseeing Contractors: They keep a close eye on contractors and vendors, making sure their work meets the required specs and timelines.
5. Prioritizing Safety: Safety is non-negotiable. Planners make sure all safety protocols are followed to the letter, keeping the crew safe and the operation compliant.

What Is a Turnaround Planner Responsible For?

Turnaround planners are responsible for more than just putting together a schedule. They’re the ones who:

• Define the Scope: They figure out what needs to be done and prioritize tasks to ensure the critical stuff gets handled first.
• Coordinate Resources: They make sure every tool, piece of equipment and team member is where they need to be, when they need to be there.
• Manage the Schedule: Planners set and manage a timeline that keeps the project moving, avoiding costly delays.
• Mitigate Risks: They identify potential risks and have a backup plan ready. When things don’t go as planned, they pivot to keep the event on track.
• Control the Budget: Planners keep a close watch on costs, ensuring the project stays within budget, from labor to materials to any unexpected expenses.

How Do You Become a Turnaround Planner?

If you’re thinking about becoming a turnaround planner, here’s the path:

1. Get Educated: Most professionals in this role hold degrees in engineering, project management, or related disciplines. However, significant experience in maintenance or operations can also provide a solid foundation for success in this field.
2. Gain Experience: You need hands-on experience. Many planners start out as maintenance supervisors or project coordinators before moving into planning.
3. Sharpen Your Skills: Planners need a solid technical understanding of operations. You’ve also got to be good with modern maintenance tech and software. Certifications like PMP or turnaround planning courses can give you an edge.
4. Be Detail-Oriented and Agile: Attention to detail and the ability to adapt on the fly are key. Planners have to stay on top of every little thing and be ready to pivot when the situation calls for it.

Turnaround planners are essential to the success of any STO event. They’re the ones who keep everything on track, from planning to execution, ensuring that downtime is minimized and operations are safe and efficient. At KAP Project Services, we connect you with top-tier planners who know how to get the job done right.

If you’re looking to step into this role, focus on gaining the right experience, sharpening your technical skills and becoming the go-to guy for planning and executing these critical events.