Upstream Operations Manager

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 193,000 - 342,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 client, a major Oil & Gas operator, seeks an Upstream Operations Manager to oversee Queenstown, Eastern Cape field activities. This executive leadership role drives safe, efficient production, budget discipline and continuous improvement on-site.

You will lead well operations, facility maintenance, and cross-functional teams, align with HSE standards, and report KPIs to senior management, while delivering production targets and cost optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical) or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years in upstream oil and gas operations, with 5+ years in management.
• Proven track record in managing oil and gas production facilities and field operations.
• Strong understanding of production processes, well performance, and asset integrity.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of HSE regulations and best practices in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work on-site in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
• Experience managing diverse operational challenges and implementing improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of upstream oil and gas production operations, including well operations, facility management, and field maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize production, reduce costs, and maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
• Manage the operational budget and ensure financial performance targets are met.
• Oversee the performance of operational teams, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with other departments, including drilling, reservoir engineering, and HSE, to ensure integrated field management.
• Manage relationships with key vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Implement best practices in asset integrity management and operational risk reduction.
• Monitor KPIs and report on operational performance to senior management.
• Lead emergency response planning and execution for upstream operations.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

HSE compliance

Oil & Gas operations

Team development

Operations strategy

KPI reporting

Problem solving

Decision making

On-site leadership

Education

Engineering degree (Petroleum/Mechanical/Chemical) or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the **Oil & Gas** exploration and production sector, is seeking a results-driven and experienced Upstream Operations Manager to oversee their operations in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**. This senior leadership position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of all upstream oil and gas production activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of field operations, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and teams. This role demands significant on-site presence to ensure operational excellence and the achievement of production targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of upstream oil and gas production operations, including well operations, facility management, and field maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize production, reduce costs, and maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
• Manage the operational budget and ensure financial performance targets are met.
• Oversee the performance of operational teams, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with other departments, including drilling, reservoir engineering, and HSE, to ensure integrated field management.
• Manage relationships with key vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Implement best practices in asset integrity management and operational risk reduction.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on operational performance to senior management.
• Lead emergency response planning and execution for upstream operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in upstream oil and gas operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing oil and gas production facilities and field operations.
• Strong understanding of production processes, well performance, and asset integrity.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop personnel.
• In-depth knowledge of HSE regulations and best practices in the **Oil & Gas** industry.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**.
• Experience in managing diverse operational challenges and implementing improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a substantial retirement fund.
• This leadership role provides significant career advancement opportunities within a prominent **Oil & Gas** company operating in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**.
• Employees benefit from the challenge of managing critical operations, contributing to the energy supply, and working within a dedicated and professional team.