Chief Operating Officer

Pacific Energy; Singapore; On-site; SGD 326,000 - 392,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Singapore is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to enhance operational performance across its global energy portfolio. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of deep experience in energy asset management, especially in LNG construction and operations. This role demands strong leadership skills to build a high-performing team and ensure effective project execution across North America and China, with a focus on driving operational excellence and accountability.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive experience in energy asset management.
• Track record in large-scale project execution, particularly in LNG.
• Direct experience in Upstream E&P operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global energy portfolio for operational excellence.
• Ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of major LNG projects.
• Build and mentor a high-performing operational team.

Skills

Operational oversight

Project execution and management

LNG liquefaction plant construction

Cross-cultural adaptability

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Job description

Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Energy

Position Summary & Purpose

This is a pivotal senior leadership role for our Energy Business. We are seeking a world‑class operational leader to partner with the President, providing complementary, hands‑on expertise to drive performance, discipline, and excellence across our entire global energy portfolio in North America and China. The primary mandate is to enhance the operational performance of all existing assets, provide senior oversight for the successful delivery of our flagship LNG project, and instill a culture of industry‑leading operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drive Operational Performance & Excellence

• Assume full operational oversight for the global energy portfolio, driving efficiency, reliability, safety, and cost‑consciousness across all assets.
• Directly manage the performance of:
• Upstream: E&P production assets in Canada.
• Midstream: The Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) project, through construction and into steady‑state operations.
• Downstream: A portfolio of assets in China, including LNG receiving terminals and combined-cycle power plants.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for all assets, challenging existing plans and implementing industry best practices to optimize performance.
• Hold full accountability for the EBITDA, project CAPEX, and operational budgets of the asset portfolio.

2. Major Project Delivery & Oversight

• Provide senior executive leadership and oversight for the successful construction, commissioning, and startup of the WLNG project Phase 1, ensuring delivery on‑time, on‑budget, and to specifications.
• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks, working closely with the project team, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure a seamless transition from the project execution phase to a safe, reliable, and efficient operational phase for the WLNG facility.

3. Leadership & Organizational Capability

• Lead from the front, fostering a hands‑on, accountable, and nimble operational culture.
• Build and mentor a world‑class operational team, developing internal talent and ensuring the organization has the capability and capacity to meet future growth objectives.
• Act as a key strategic partner to the President, Energy, bringing an operational and project‑execution perspective to complement the President's commercial and strategic expertise.
• Represent the company's operations with key stakeholders, including partners, government/regulatory bodies, and local communities, particularly in Canada and China.

Required Experience & Skills

Core Operational & Project Expertise

• A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience, with a deep, hands‑on background in running integrated energy assets.
• A proven track record in large‑scale project execution and management, with specific experience in LNG liquefaction plant construction is essential.
• Direct experience in the operation and maintenance of LNG plants is a significant asset.
• Demonstrated, direct experience in Upstream E&P operations is preferred.

Geographic & Market Exposure

• Direct experience operating assets in Canada or North America is essential.
• A deep understanding of, or direct experience in, the China energy market is preferred.
• Excellent cross‑cultural adaptability is a must; Mandarin proficiency is a plus.

Leadership Profile & Cultural Fit

• A proven leader with a hands‑on, lead‑from‑the‑front style, who is visible on‑site and deeply engaged in the details of the operations.
• Must be a self‑starter who can "get things done" and thrives in a nimble, entrepreneurial, and non‑bureaucratic environment without the support structure of a large MNC.
• Results‑oriented, decisive, and performance‑driven with a strong sense of urgency.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of influencing and building trust with staff, executive leadership, and external partners.
• An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to undertake extensive international travel.