Upstream Exploration Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 3,000,000 - 5,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Company car or car allowance

Relocation assistance

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced Upstream Exploration Manager to define and drive the company's exploration strategy from our Vereeniging hub. You will lead a geoscience team, oversee prospect generation, risk assessment, and commercial evaluation, and build partnerships with regulators and industry players to unlock value from global exploration assets.

This senior role demands a strategic thinker with 15+ years in upstream oil and gas and a proven track

Qualifications

• 15+ years in upstream oil and gas exploration with leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of exploration economics, commercial evaluation and risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the upstream exploration strategy and business plan.
• Identify, evaluate and prioritize global exploration opportunities.
• Oversee geological and geophysical interpretation, seismic data processing and modeling.
• Manage exploration budgets and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, governments and stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations for exploration licenses and joint ventures.
• Communicate strategies and results to senior management and board.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Team management

Risk management

Education

Master's degree in Geology/Geophysics

PhD (advantage)

Tools

Seismic interpretation software

Geophysical data processing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking energy company, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Upstream Exploration Manager to lead their exploration initiatives based in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This senior leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the company's exploration strategy, identifying and evaluating new business opportunities, and managing the exploration portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in geology and geophysics, coupled with extensive experience in exploration project management and commercial evaluation. You will lead a team of geoscientists and be responsible for prospect generation, technical risk assessment, and business development. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the global oil and gas exploration landscape. We are looking for an individual who can drive innovation and deliver significant value from our exploration assets, operating from our Vereeniging hub. Your strategic direction will shape the future growth of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's upstream exploration strategy and business plan.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of exploration opportunities globally.
• Manage the exploration portfolio, including technical and commercial risk assessment.
• Oversee geological and geophysical interpretation, seismic acquisition, and data processing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, governments, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations for exploration licenses and joint venture agreements.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the exploration team.
• Develop and manage exploration budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Stay abreast of market trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes impacting exploration.
• Communicate exploration strategies and results to senior management and the board.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geology, Geophysics, or a related geoscience field; PhD is an advantage.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in upstream oil and gas exploration, with significant leadership experience.
• Proven track record in successful exploration ventures and prospect generation.
• Expertise in geological modeling, seismic interpretation, and basin analysis.
• Strong understanding of exploration economics, commercial evaluation, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating exploration agreements and joint ventures.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with international exploration plays and licensing rounds.
• Experience working with diverse cultural and regulatory environments.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary and substantial bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Top-tier retirement savings plan with generous company match.
• Company car or executive car allowance.
• Significant paid time off and leave benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Vereeniging, Gauteng.
• Access to cutting-edge exploration technologies and industry networks.
• A challenging and highly rewarding leadership opportunity.
• Contribution to shaping the future of energy exploration in the region.