Subsurface Manager

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote leadership role

International events

Professional development

Training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Subsurface Manager to lead exploration and development subsurface teams remotely from South Africa. The role encompasses geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and petrophysics to shape strategy, generate opportunities, and maintain technical integrity across field development plans.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in upstream oil and gas with proven leadership, and can guide multinational teams from a remote location while ensuring strong stakeholder management

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, or related earth science.
• 15+ years in upstream oil and gas with significant leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary subsurface teams and deliver complex projects.
• Experience in remote/international team environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead geological, geophysical, reservoir engineering, and petrophysics teams.
• Develop and implement subsurface exploration and development strategy.
• Oversee evaluation of acreage and generation of new opportunities.
• Ensure quality of interpretations, models, and resource estimates.
• Oversee budgets and resource allocation for subsurface work.

Skills

Geology

Geophysics

Reservoir Eng

Petrophysics

Leadership

Strategy

Stakeholder Mgmt

Remote Team

Education

Master's or PhD in Geoscience

Tools

Petrel

Geovia

Roxar

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international energy company, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Subsurface Manager to lead their exploration and development subsurface teams. This is a fully remote leadership position, offering the opportunity to guide expert teams from anywhere in South Africa. The Subsurface Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of subsurface evaluation, including geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and petrophysics, for current and future projects. You will play a critical role in defining the subsurface strategy, driving prospect generation, and ensuring the technical integrity of field development plans. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in the upstream oil and gas sector, capable of inspiring multidisciplinary teams and delivering exceptional technical results in a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering teams.
• Develop and implement the company's subsurface exploration and development strategy.
• Oversee the evaluation of exploration acreage and the generation of new business opportunities.
• Ensure the technical quality and accuracy of subsurface interpretations, models, and resource estimates.
• Drive the integrated subsurface characterization and performance monitoring of producing assets.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance for field development planning and execution.
• Manage subsurface budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance subsurface team culture.
• Represent the subsurface function in executive management meetings and with external stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop talent within the subsurface disciplines.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, or a related earth science field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, with a significant portion in leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary subsurface teams and delivering complex projects.
• Broad expertise across geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and petrophysics.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful exploration and development strategies.
• Strong understanding of risk management and decision-making frameworks in subsurface E&P.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working effectively in a remote and international team environment.
• Proficiency in relevant subsurface software and technologies.

Benefits

This exceptional leadership role offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits package including top-tier medical aid, robust retirement fund contributions, and potential for significant performance-based bonuses. The fully remote nature of this position provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life integration. Our client is committed to the professional growth of its employees, offering extensive training, development programs, and opportunities to attend international industry events. You will lead critical subsurface efforts for a global energy player, shaping future strategies and driving impactful results from your chosen location.