Operations Manager - Downstream

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary and bonus

Health, life & disability insurance

Company car and relocation assistance

Career advancement opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee downstream operations in the Oil & Gas sector in Paarl. You will lead a team, manage budgets, and drive improvements in production efficiency while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role blends on-site leadership with remote strategic input. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, an MBA or advanced degree is a plus, and at least 10 years in downstream oil & gas with 5+ in management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in downstream Oil & Gas operations, with at least 5 years in management.
• Proven track record in operational excellence, safety management, and P&L responsibility.
• Strong understanding of refinery processes, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to manage a hybrid work model with on-site and off-site tasks.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of downstream operations, including refining, storage, and distribution.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team to foster high performance and continuous improvement.
• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure plans, and P&L responsibilities.
• Oversee maintenance programs and asset integrity to minimize downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication

Safety Management

P&L Responsibility

Education

Bachelors in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

MBA or Advanced Degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee downstream operations in the Oil & Gas industry, based in Paarl. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of refining, processing, and distribution facilities. You will lead a team of operational staff, manage budgets, optimize production processes, and uphold the highest standards of safety and environmental performance. This is a key leadership position offering the opportunity to significantly impact operational efficiency and profitability within a vital sector of the energy market, with a blend of on-site and remote responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of downstream operations, including refining, storage, and distribution.


• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.


• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.


• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.


• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure plans, and P&L responsibilities.


• Oversee maintenance programs and asset integrity to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.


• MBA or advanced degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in downstream Oil & Gas operations, with at least 5 years in a management role.


• Proven track record in operational excellence, safety management, and P&L responsibility.


• Strong understanding of refinery processes, logistics, and supply chain management.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.


• Ability to manage a hybrid work model, balancing on-site operational demands with off-site strategic tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and bonus structure.


• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance.


• Company car and relocation assistance if applicable.


• Significant opportunities for career advancement within the energy sector.


• A dynamic work environment with a blend of on-site leadership and remote strategic input.