Field Operations Manager - Upstream Operations

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Travel allowance

Relocation assistance

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to oversee upstream field assets in the Polokwane, Limpopo region. You will lead a diverse team of field technicians, engineers and supervisors to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-efficient operations across wells, facilities and infrastructure.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and at least 10 years of progressive upstream O&G experience, including 5+ years in a supervisory capacity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a technical field related to upstream oil & gas.
• 10+ years of progressive upstream O&G experience.
• Proven track record in field operations management.
• Strong knowledge of production operations and surface facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with budget management and project execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and production data management.
• Eligible to work in South Africa and willing to work in Polokwane.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day field operations with focus on safety, environment and production targets.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production, minimize downtime, and control costs.
• Lead and mentor the field operations team including performance management and development.
• Maintain integrity and reliability of production facilities, equipment and wells.
• Plan and execute maintenance activities, workovers and facility upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, permits and company policies.
• Manage operational budgets and capital expenditure within the field.
• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with engineering, HSE and commercial teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Team development

Maintenance planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SCADA

ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Field Operations Manager to oversee their upstream operations in the Polokwane, Limpopo region. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of all field assets, including wells, production facilities, and associated infrastructure. You will lead and manage a diverse team of field technicians, engineers, and supervisors, fostering a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of production operations, maintenance strategies, and regulatory compliance within the upstream segment of the energy industry. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the operational success of significant assets in a growing region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day field operations, ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and production targets.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize production, minimize downtime, and control costs.
• Manage and mentor the field operations team, including performance management, training, and development.
• Ensure the integrity and reliability of production facilities, equipment, and wells through effective maintenance and inspection programs.
• Oversee the planning and execution of maintenance activities, workovers, and facility upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, permits, and company policies.
• Manage operational budgets and capital expenditure projects within the field.
• Implement and promote a strong safety culture, leading by example and ensuring all safety procedures are followed.
• Liaise with corporate functions, including engineering, HSE, and commercial teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in upstream Oil & Gas operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record in managing field operations, production facilities, and production teams.
• Strong understanding of production operations, artificial lift systems, and surface facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with budget management and project execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and production data management.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and willing to work in the Polokwane area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance-based bonus and incentive programs.
• Company vehicle and travel allowance.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading energy company.
• Exposure to diverse operational challenges and innovative solutions.
• Relocation assistance available for the successful candidate.
• Located in the heart of Limpopo, offering access to natural beauty and growing infrastructure.