Upstream Operations Leader - Drive Efficiency & Growth

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an experienced Operations Manager - Upstream to oversee exploration, drilling, completion and production activities in the Gauteng region, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and profitability.

You will lead a skilled team, manage budgets, ensure HSE compliance, and drive continuous improvement while reporting to senior management. A strong technical background in petroleum or mechanical engineering and at least 10 years in upstream Ops is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering (MBA a plus).
• 10+ years upstream Oil & Gas with 5+ years in management.
• Strong HSE knowledge and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee upstream operations including exploration, drilling, completion, and production.
• Develop strategic operational plans aligned with objectives and best practices.
• Manage budgets and optimize resource utilization.
• Lead and develop the operations team for high performance.
• Report performance and challenges to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Budgeting

HSE Knowledge

Negotiation

Communication

Project Management

Education

Petroleum Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

MBA (advantage)

Job description

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an experienced Operations Manager - Upstream to oversee exploration, drilling, completion and production activities in the Gauteng region, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and profitability.

You will lead a skilled team, manage budgets, ensure HSE compliance, and drive continuous improvement while reporting to senior management. A strong technical background in petroleum or mechanical engineering and at least 10 years in upstream Ops is required.