Upstream Project Manager - Field Development

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary

Health coverage

Retirement fund participation

Annual performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Upstream Project Manager for a major energy producer in South Africa. Based in Soweto, you will lead field development projects from conception through handover, coordinating scope, budget, and schedule.

You will manage multidisciplinary teams, contracts, and KPIs while upholding safety standards, delivering complex upstream initiatives on time and within budget. The role requires 12+ years in Oil & Gas, with 7+ years in project leadership; a Bachelor's in Engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil) or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 7 years in project management roles, specifically managing upstream development projects.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong technical understanding of reservoir engineering, drilling operations, subsea systems, and production facilities.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control project costs effectively.
• Experience in stakeholder management and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead upstream oil and gas field development projects from feasibility to commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans including scope, budget, and schedule.
• Oversee execution ensuring quality, safety, and environmental standards.
• Manage risks, issues, and changes to minimize impact.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams of engineers, geoscientists, contractors, and suppliers.
• Manage contracts and procurement processes.
• Monitor financial performance and KPIs.
• Prepare and present status reports to senior management.
• Ensure effective communication among project participants.
• Champion a strong safety culture across activities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil) or related field

Master's degree or PMP certification

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major energy producer with significant upstream operations, is seeking an accomplished Upstream Project Manager to lead crucial field development projects. This senior role, based in Soweto, Gauteng , is responsible for the planning, execution, and successful delivery of complex exploration and production projects from conception through to handover. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in project management within the Oil & Gas industry, coupled with strong technical knowledge of upstream operations, including drilling, completions, and facility design. This leadership position requires exceptional organizational skills, financial acumen, and the ability to manage diverse stakeholder relationships. You will be at the forefront of developing vital energy resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of upstream oil and gas field development projects, from feasibility studies to final commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, budget, schedule, and resource allocation.
• Oversee project execution, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and environmental standards.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes effectively to minimize impact on project objectives.
• Coordinate activities of multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, geoscientists, contractors, and suppliers.
• Manage project contracts, procurement processes, and contractor performance.
• Monitor project progress, financial performance, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Prepare and present regular project status reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration among all project participants.
• Champion a strong safety culture throughout all project activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil) or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 12years of progressive experience in the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 7years in project management roles, specifically managing upstream development projects.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong technical understanding of reservoir engineering, drilling operations, subsea systems, and production facilities.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control project costs effectively.
• Experience in stakeholder management and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory frameworks in SouthAfrica .
• Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers an executive-level salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous health coverage, retirement fund participation, and annual performance bonuses.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and career advancement are provided.
• Employees work on challenging and strategically important projects within a leading energy company.
• This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's growth and success.