Operations Manager - Upstream

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Executive health benefits package

Generous retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a senior Operations Manager to oversee upstream energy operations from the Durban, KwaZulu-Natal region. You will lead field operations, manage budgets and personnel, and optimize production while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Role offers remote work flexibility with a strong focus on cost efficiency, risk management, and strategic development of field plans. Extensive leadership experience in oil & gas is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum 12 years in oil and gas upstream operations, with 5+ years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of field development, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee upstream oil and gas field operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Develop and implement plans, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Lead field operations teams with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions.
• Report performance metrics to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

HSE management

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Production optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum/Chemical Engineering or related

MBA or advanced degree (a plus)

Tools

Operational planning tools

Production monitoring systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the energy sector, is actively recruiting for a seasoned Operations Manager to oversee upstream activities from their **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal** hub. This senior position demands a leader with extensive experience in managing oil and gas field operations, focusing on safety, efficiency, and profitability. The Operations Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of field operations, managing personnel, resources, and budgets to achieve production targets and strategic goals. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of field development, production optimization, and operational risk management. This role offers a significant opportunity to influence and shape the operational landscape for a key player in the industry, with the flexibility of a remote work arrangement. This is an exciting opportunity to lead critical operations from virtually anywhere, while maintaining strong ties to our **Durban** operational center.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of upstream oil and gas field operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution.
• Develop and implement operational plans, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Manage and lead field operations teams, fostering a culture of safety, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor production performance, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Implement and maintain robust operational risk management processes.
• Drive initiatives for process optimization and cost reduction within operations.
• Provide regular reports on operational performance, key metrics, and challenges to senior management.
• Contribute to the development of field development plans and production forecasts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in oil and gas upstream operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing field operations, production, and maintenance activities.
• Strong understanding of oil and gas production processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Demonstrated expertise in HSE management and regulatory compliance within the oil and gas industry.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Proficiency in operational planning and performance monitoring tools.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and performance-driven bonus.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits package.
• Substantial retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Significant annual leave allowance and paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and leadership training.
• Remote work flexibility.
• Access to cutting-edge operational technology and systems.
• A culture that prioritizes safety, innovation, and employee growth.
• Opportunity to lead significant operational initiatives for a major energy company.
• Regular opportunities for global travel and industry engagement.