Upstream Operations Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base + bonuses

Health, life, and disability insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Upstream Operations Manager to oversee its Richards Bay operations in KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role focuses on safe, efficient, and cost-effective upstream oil and gas production activities, leading a diverse team and managing operating budgets.

The successful candidate will have a strong engineering background, 12+ years in upstream O&G with at least 5 years in leadership, and a proven ability to drive performance while ensuring regulatory compliance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical) or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience in upstream oil and gas, with at least 5 years in a leadership/management role.
• Proven track record in field development and production optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling, completions, production engineering, and asset integrity.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management in the O&G sector.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Experience with project management and contract negotiation.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day upstream operations, including drilling, completions, production, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure operations are conducted safely, reliably, and in compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement operational plans and budgets, monitoring performance against targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, supervisors, and field personnel.
• Oversee the maintenance and integrity of all production facilities and equipment.
• Optimize production levels and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and service providers.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
• Prepare operational reports and present performance updates to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Safety Compliance

Team Management

Communication

Project Management

Cost Control

Stakeholder Management

Operational Excellence

Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Upstream Operations Manager to oversee their operations in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region. This senior leadership position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of all upstream oil and gas production activities. You will lead a diverse team, manage operational budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in operational management, a deep understanding of upstream processes, and a proven ability to achieve strategic objectives in a challenging environment. This role requires a strong presence at our Richards Bay facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day upstream operations, including drilling, completions, production, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure operations are conducted safely, reliably, and in compliance with all environmental regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement operational plans and budgets, monitoring performance against targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, supervisors, and field personnel.
• Oversee the maintenance and integrity of all production facilities and equipment.
• Optimize production levels and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and service providers.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
• Prepare operational reports and present performance updates to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record in managing complex upstream operations, including field development and production optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling, completions, production engineering, and asset integrity.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management in the O&G sector.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Experience with project management and contract negotiation.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with the geological and operational context of the KwaZulu-Natal region is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly attractive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits program covering health, life, and disability insurance, as well as a robust retirement plan.
• We invest in our employees' growth through continuous training, leadership development programs, and opportunities for international assignments.
• This role is based in the key industrial hub of Richards Bay , offering a vibrant coastal lifestyle and excellent amenities.