Senior Operations Manager - Upstream

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leadership development opportunities

Influence over operational strategy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee upstream oil and gas operations from their Vereeniging office, with a hybrid schedule. This leadership role ensures safe, efficient, and profitable exploration and production activities, managing operational teams and optimizing production.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, at least 9 years in oil and gas operations, and a proven track record in upstream production, drilling and field

Qualifications

• Minimum 9 years of experience in oil and gas operations management.
• Experience with upstream production, drilling, and field operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with operational budgeting and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day upstream operations, including production, maintenance, and field support.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize hydrocarbon recovery and minimize costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Manage operational budgets, resource allocation, and capital expenditure planning.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the teams.
• Oversee the performance of key operational metrics and report to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Problem solving

Cost control

HSE awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Maintenance management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a results-driven Senior Operations Manager to oversee upstream oil and gas operations, working a hybrid schedule from their Vereeniging office. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable execution of exploration and production activities. You will manage operational teams, optimize production, control costs, and implement best practices across the assets. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of upstream operations, and a commitment to driving operational excellence in a challenging industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day upstream operations, including production, maintenance, and field support.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize hydrocarbon recovery and minimize costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Manage operational budgets, resource allocation, and capital expenditure planning.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the teams.
• Oversee the performance of key operational metrics and report to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in oil and gas operations management.
• Proven track record in managing upstream production, drilling, and field operations.
• Strong understanding of asset integrity and maintenance management systems.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with operational budgeting and cost control.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and home.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training and leadership development.
• Significant influence over operational strategy and execution in Gauteng province.