Upstream Project Manager - Greenfield Development

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 2,964,000 - 3,953,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Bonuses tied to project success

Generous paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Access to PM tools & tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Upstream Project Manager to lead ambitious greenfield development projects in a fully remote role. You will drive the full lifecycle from concept through execution, with oversight of budgets, timelines, and stakeholders in a global Oil & Gas context.

You should bring 12+ years in Oil & Gas, 7+ years in PM, and proven leadership, budgeting, and risk-management capabilities. Excellent remote-work communication and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering or related field; MBA is a plus.
• 12+ years in Oil & Gas with 7+ years in project management.
• Experience leading large-scale upstream E&P projects, greenfield preferable.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, risk assessment, and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication and ability to work effectively in a remote role.

Responsibilities

• Lead upstream oil and gas projects from concept to handover.
• Develop project plans: scope, budget, schedule, resources and risks.
• Manage engineers, geoscientists, and contractors; foster collaboration.
• Oversee procurement, contracts, and vendor management.
• Monitor progress, take corrective actions to protect timelines and budgets.
• Provide regular reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure HSE and regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mitigate risks and drive continuous improvement in execution.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Budgeting

Risk management

Communication

Negotiation

Remote work readiness

Education

Bachelor's in Petroleum/Chemical Eng

MBA or Advanced degree

Tools

Primavera

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major international energy company, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Upstream Project Manager to lead ambitious greenfield development projects. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to leverage your expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from concept development and feasibility studies through to execution, commissioning, and handover. This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and extensive experience in managing large-scale exploration and production (E&P) projects within the Oil & Gas industry. You will oversee budgets, timelines, resources, and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful project delivery, driving innovation and efficiency in new ventures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of upstream oil and gas projects, ensuring alignment with company strategy and objectives.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, budget, schedule, resources, and risk management strategies.
• Manage project teams, including engineers, geoscientists, contractors, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee procurement, contracting, and vendor management processes.
• Monitor project progress, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to maintain project timelines and budgets.
• Conduct regular project reviews and provide detailed reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, environmental (HSE), and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project risks and develop mitigation plans to address potential challenges.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among all project participants.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in project execution methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field. An advanced degree or MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 7 years in project management roles.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale upstream E&P projects, including greenfield developments.
• Strong understanding of exploration, appraisal, and development phases of oil and gas projects.
• Expertise in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Proven leadership, team-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Strong risk assessment and mitigation capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, suitable for a remote role.
• Ability to work independently, make strategic decisions, and drive complex projects to completion.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, comprehensive remote benefits including health insurance and retirement planning, and significant bonus opportunities tied to project success.
• This fully remote position provides maximum flexibility and the chance to lead transformative projects in the global Oil & Gas landscape.
• You will be part of an innovative and forward-thinking company committed to sustainable energy development.
• Benefits include generous paid time off, opportunities for professional growth, and access to cutting-edge project management technologies.
• Embrace a challenging and rewarding career from any location, contributing to significant energy infrastructure development.