Field Operations Manager - Oil & Gas Facilities

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement funds

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Field Operations Manager to oversee and manage our Durban facilities. This on-site role requires leading production, maintenance and logistics to meet targets while ensuring safety and compliance in a complex oil & gas environment.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in oil & gas field operations with 3–5 years in a supervisory role, strong leadership, and expertise in production optimization and maintenance strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Petroleum) or related field.
• 10+ years in oil and gas field operations with 3–5 years in supervision.
• Proven track record managing large-scale oil and gas facilities.
• Strong knowledge of production optimization, maintenance strategies and HSE.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day field operations, including production, maintenance and logistics.
• Develop strategies to meet production targets, cost efficiencies and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations and company policies.
• Oversee maintenance and integrity of facilities and equipment to minimize downtime.
• Manage budgets, control costs and optimize resource use.
• Lead and develop the field operations team to sustain high performance.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement and HSE for seamless operations.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supervise contractor activities on site with safety and performance standards.
• Oversee emergency response planning and site incident readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Oil & gas operations

HSE compliance

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Petroleum)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Oil & Gas sector, is looking for an experienced and results-oriented Field Operations Manager to oversee and manage their extensive facilities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role involves ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all production and processing units. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of oil and gas production processes, and a proven ability to manage complex operational challenges. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the field operations team. This is a hands-on position based at our Durban facility, requiring dedicated on-site presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day field operations activities, including production, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as company policies.
• Oversee the maintenance and integrity of all production facilities and equipment, minimizing downtime.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and optimize resource utilization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the field operations team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Coordinate with other departments, including engineering, procurement, and HSE, to ensure seamless operations.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage contractor activities on site, ensuring adherence to safety and performance standards.
• Oversee emergency response planning and execution for the operational site.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Petroleum preferred) or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in oil and gas field operations, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale oil and gas production facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of oil and gas processing, production optimization techniques, and maintenance strategies.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations and best practices in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with operational budgeting, cost control, and performance management.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with the operational landscape in Durban and surrounding regions is advantageous.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Durban.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement funds.

You will have the opportunity to lead significant operational initiatives in a challenging and rewarding environment. This role provides a platform for career growth within a leading organization in the Oil & Gas industry.

The position is based in Durban , offering a dynamic work environment within a key industrial hub.