Senior Operations Manager - Gas Processing

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing or housing allowance

Full medical aid (family)

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee gas processing facilities in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role demands strategic leadership, deep process knowledge, and a track record of safe, efficient operations in large-scale industrial settings.

The ideal candidate has a chemical or mechanical engineering background, an MBA is a plus, and at least 10 years of operations leadership experience in oil and gas or petrochemicals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering required.
• MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years in operations management within oil, gas, petrochemical, or gas processing sectors.
• Proven track record leading large-scale industrial operations and complex facilities.
• Strong knowledge of gas processing technologies, plant operations, and maintenance strategies.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Solid HSEQ regulatory knowledge and practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of gas processing facilities, ensuring safety, reliability and efficiency.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet production targets and business objectives.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify efficiency improvements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing operations team of engineers, supervisors and technicians.
• Oversee maintenance planning and asset integrity to minimize downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practices in operations management.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, contractors and regulatory bodies.
• Guide implementation of new technologies and process upgrades.
• Promote a strong safety culture and compliance with company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Safety management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

MBA or relevant advanced degree (plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major energy infrastructure company, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to oversee their gas processing facilities in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. This pivotal role demands strong leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and a deep understanding of gas processing technologies, plant operations, and safety management. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the facilities, optimizing production, managing operational budgets, and leading a large team of technical and operational staff. This is an exceptional opportunity to take charge of significant operations within a critical sector of the South African energy landscape and drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily operations for gas processing facilities, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to meet production targets and business objectives.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, including engineers, supervisors, and technicians.
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution to minimize downtime and ensure asset integrity.
• Implement best practices in operational management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and process upgrades.
• Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• An MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management within the oil & gas, petrochemical, or gas processing industries.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale industrial operations and complex facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of gas processing technologies, plant operations, and maintenance strategies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant operational budgets.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, Quality) regulations and best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in the **Nelspruit** area or the Mpumalanga region is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Company provided housing or housing allowance.
• Full medical aid coverage including family.
• Generous pension fund contribution.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Significant role in managing critical energy infrastructure.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment.