Operations Manager - Downstream

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + bonus

Health & life insurance

Company car

Relocation support

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead downstream operations in the Oil & Gas industry, based in Paarl. You will oversee refining, storage, and distribution, driving efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance while managing budgets and a team.

In this hybrid role, you will balance on-site leadership with off-site strategic tasks, develop operational strategies, ensure asset integrity, and contribute to profitability through strong P&L oversight and continuous

Qualifications

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

Skills

Downstream ops

P&L management

Safety management

Leadership

Strategic planning

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor's degree 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.