Operations Manager - Oil & Gas Facilities

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus potential

Executive health benefits

Top-tier retirement plan

Company vehicle

International assignments

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Operations Manager to oversee a major oil and gas portfolio in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead a large operations team to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of production facilities, pipelines, and related assets.

You will develop strategic plans, manage budgets, drive asset integrity, and ensure HSSE compliance while coordinating with regulators and partners. Travel to multiple sites is required; a strong engineering background with an MBA is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical) or related field; MBA or advanced degree is advantageous.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive Oil & Gas experience, with at least 5 in a management/supervisory role overseeing complex operations.
• Strong understanding of HSSE, risk management, asset integrity, and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for oil and gas facility operations and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Develop and implement operational plans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Oversee maintenance, integrity programs and reliability of all assets.
• Lead a large operations team, manage hiring, training, and performance.
• Liaise with regulators, stakeholders, and joint venture partners.
• Drive adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance operations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Asset integrity

Communication

Education

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

MBA or advanced degree (advantageous)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a seasoned and dynamic Operations Manager to oversee their extensive facilities in the Sandton, Gauteng, ZA region. This senior leadership position is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of all production facilities, pipelines, and associated infrastructure. You will lead a large team of operational professionals, driving performance excellence and implementing strategic initiatives to optimize production and asset integrity. This role requires strong leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of upstream and midstream operations. We are looking for a results-oriented leader to manage complex operations in the bustling economic hub of Sandton.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of oil and gas facility operations, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Develop and implement operational plans, budgets, and performance targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) standards and regulations.
• Manage the operational team, including hiring, training, performance management, and fostering a positive work culture.
• Oversee maintenance, integrity management, and reliability programs for all assets.
• Optimize production efficiency, manage operational costs, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and joint venture partners.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance operational performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical) or a related technical field; MBA or advanced degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role overseeing complex operations.
• Proven experience in managing large operational teams and diverse facilities (e.g., production plants, terminals, pipelines).
• Strong understanding of operational processes, asset integrity, risk management, and HSSE principles.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Willingness to travel as required to various operational sites.
• Must possess valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a significant bonus potential, comprehensive executive health benefits, a top-tier retirement plan, and company vehicle. Opportunities for international assignments and advanced leadership training are available. The position is based in the prominent business district of Sandton, Gauteng, ZA , offering access to excellent amenities and transport links.