Upstream Project Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Performance bonuses

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Training programs

Paid time off

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Upstream Project Manager for a globally leading energy company. Based near Pretoria but remote-first, you will lead major upstream oil and gas projects from conception to completion, ensuring schedules, budgets and quality targets are met in a virtual environment.

You will oversee cross-functional teams, manage procurement, and engage regulators and JV partners, delivering strategic value while maintaining a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• PMP certification is desirable.
• 10+ years of project management experience in Oil & Gas, upstream focus.
• Proven capability to lead remote/distributed teams.
• Strong budget, risk, and change-management skills.
• Proficiency with project management software (MS Project/Primavera).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans for upstream oil and gas projects including scope, budget, schedule, and resources.
• Manage project execution remotely, monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams in a virtual setting.
• Oversee procurement, contractor selection and management.
• Engage with stakeholders and provide regular project updates.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage budgets and change-control processes.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned.

Skills

Remote leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget control

MS Project

Oil & Gas

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished global energy corporation, is seeking a seasoned and results-oriented Upstream Project Manager to lead significant development projects from a remote operational base. While the role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, it is a remote-first position, offering the flexibility to manage projects from anywhere with reliable connectivity. This role is pivotal in overseeing the execution of complex upstream oil and gas projects, from conceptualization through to completion, ensuring adherence to strict timelines, budgets, and quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of technical understanding of upstream operations and exceptional project management acumen. They will be responsible for strategic planning, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and team leadership, driving project success in a virtual environment. This is a unique opportunity to take on substantial responsibility within a leading Oil & Gas organization while enjoying the benefits of a fully remote work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans for upstream oil and gas projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and resource allocation.
• Manage project execution remotely, closely monitoring progress, identifying potential risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective communication in a virtual setting.
• Oversee the procurement process, including contractor selection and management, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including internal management, regulatory bodies, and joint venture partners, providing regular project updates.
• Ensure all projects comply with relevant health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project budgets effectively, controlling costs and ensuring financial objectives are met.Implement robust change management processes to address any deviations from the project plan.
• Conduct post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in project management practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil) or a related technical field.
• PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management within the Oil & Gas industry, with a significant focus on upstream operations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex upstream projects from inception to completion.
• Demonstrated experience in remote project leadership and managing distributed teams.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Excellent financial acumen and experience in budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Ability to work effectively in a remote-first environment, with strong self-discipline and organizational skills.
• Deep knowledge of the upstream Oil & Gas lifecycle and associated technologies.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive annual salary, performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a generous retirement plan.
• Access to extensive online training resources, professional development programs, and support for advanced certifications.
• Flexibility of remote work allows for an excellent work-life balance.
• Paid time off.
• Company-sponsored virtual social events.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects within the global energy landscape.
• Significant autonomy and the chance to make a real difference from anywhere.