Upstream Project Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Health insurance

Flexible working

Leadership training

Hybrid work in Sandton

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Upstream Project Manager in Sandton, Gauteng, to lead exploration and production projects from feasibility through handover. You will drive scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in upstream Oil & Gas with strong leadership, negotiation, and financial management capabilities, plus proficiency in MS Project/Primavera and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical) or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• 10+ years in upstream Oil & Gas project management with large-scale projects.
• Experience in planning, scheduling, cost control, and risk management.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in project management software and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery across the project lifecycle.
• Develop execution plans including scope, schedule, budget, and resources.
• Manage cross-functional teams for high performance.
• Oversee budgets, costs, and variances.
• Ensure safety, health, environmental and quality standards are met.
• Identify and mitigate project risks throughout lifecycle.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders and authorities.
• Report progress to senior management with regular status updates.
• Ensure smooth handover to operations at completion.
• Promote best practices in upstream project management.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Project planning

Scheduling

Cost control

Risk management

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's or MBA advantageous

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the Oil & Gas industry , is seeking an accomplished and strategic Upstream Project Manager to lead key exploration and production projects. This high-impact role, based in the heart of Sandton, Gauteng , involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of upstream projects, from initial feasibility studies and conceptual design through to execution, commissioning, and handover. The successful candidate will possess a strong technical background in upstream operations, combined with exceptional leadership, financial management, and stakeholder engagement skills. We are looking for a results-driven professional who can ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This position offers the opportunity to manage significant capital expenditure projects and contribute to the company's growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of upstream oil and gas projects, managing all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Develop comprehensive project execution plans, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Manage project teams, fostering collaboration and high performance among multidisciplinary personnel.
• Oversee project finances, ensuring adherence to budgets, managing costs, and controlling variances.
• Ensure projects are executed in strict compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality standards.
• Manage risks, identify potential issues, and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project duration.
• Liaise effectively with internal stakeholders, government authorities, contractors, and other external parties.
• Monitor project progress, prepare regular status reports, and communicate project performance to senior management.
• Ensure effective handover of projects to operations upon completion.
• Champion best practices in project management within the upstream segment of the Oil & Gas industry .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical) or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management within the upstream Oil & Gas industry , with a proven track record of successfully managing large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, scheduling, cost control, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of upstream exploration, development, and production operations.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage complex contracts and relationships with third-party vendors and service providers.
• PMP certification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Strong business acumen and financial management capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive benefits include premium health, dental, and vision insurance, executive life assurance, and a top-tier retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements are provided.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and executive leadership training are available.
• This hybrid role, based in Sandton, Gauteng , is central to driving progress in the Oil & Gas sector.