Strategic Upstream Project Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Health insurance

Flexible working

Leadership training

Hybrid work in Sandton

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Upstream Project Manager in Sandton, Gauteng, to lead exploration and production projects from feasibility through handover. You will drive scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in upstream Oil & Gas with strong leadership, negotiation, and financial management capabilities, plus proficiency in MS Project/Primavera and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical) or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• 10+ years in upstream Oil & Gas project management with large-scale projects.
• Experience in planning, scheduling, cost control, and risk management.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in project management software and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery across the project lifecycle.
• Develop execution plans including scope, schedule, budget, and resources.
• Manage cross-functional teams for high performance.
• Oversee budgets, costs, and variances.
• Ensure safety, health, environmental and quality standards are met.
• Identify and mitigate project risks throughout lifecycle.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders and authorities.
• Report progress to senior management with regular status updates.
• Ensure smooth handover to operations at completion.
• Promote best practices in upstream project management.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Project planning

Scheduling

Cost control

Risk management

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's or MBA advantageous

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

ERP systems

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Upstream Project Manager in Sandton, Gauteng, to lead exploration and production projects from feasibility through handover. You will drive scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in upstream Oil & Gas with strong leadership, negotiation, and financial management capabilities, plus proficiency in MS Project/Primavera and ERP systems.