OPERATIONS MANAGER

Department: Engineering & Projects
Location: Warri, Delta State
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Direct Reports: O&M Operations Personnel
Employment Type: Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY

PREMIUM HR SOLUTION LIMITED is currently recruiting for our client, for an experienced Operations Manager to provide effective leadership and oversight of the company's operational activities and project execution.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that operations and projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, within approved budgets and in line with client requirements, company standards and applicable industry regulations.

The role will coordinate field operations, Operations & Maintenance, project execution, resource utilization, client engagement and operational performance, while working closely with Engineering, Sales & Business Development, QHSSE, Finance and other relevant functions.

The Operations Manager will also contribute to business growth by identifying operational and commercial opportunities, strengthening client relationships and supporting the development of new and existing business opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Field Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of operational activities.
• Lead and supervise day-to-day field operations and project execution.
• Regularly visit and supervise project sites, client locations and field operations.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent operational assignments and projects.
• Ensure effective deployment of manpower, equipment, materials and other resources.
• Coordinate Operations & Maintenance activities and maintenance planning.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for efficiency and cost optimization.
• Identify operational risks, bottlenecks and opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Provide hands-on support in resolving operational, technical and execution challenges.
• Ensure operational readiness of equipment and resources.
• Respond appropriately to operational emergencies and urgent client/site requirements.

Project Planning & Execution

• Plan, organize, coordinate and manage projects from mobilization through execution and close-out.
• Develop and monitor project execution plans, schedules, budgets, resources and deliverables.
• Monitor projects against approved scope, cost, quality and schedule.
• Ensure activities comply with client specifications, contractual requirements and approved methodologies.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, QHSSE, Finance and other functions.
• Review project scopes, method statements, technical documents and execution requirements.
• Track project performance and escalate risks, delays and cost overruns.
• Ensure proper project documentation, reports, work completion certificates and close-out requirements.
• Minimize project rework, wastage, delays and avoidable costs.
• Support project forecasting and resource planning.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Serve as a key operational contact for assigned clients.
• Participate in client meetings, site visits, project reviews and technical discussions.
• Understand client expectations and ensure agreed requirements are delivered.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and strengthen client relationships.
• Obtain and respond to client feedback.
• Support contract performance and ensure agreed deliverables are met.

Business Development

• Work with Sales & Business Development to identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Identify opportunities from existing clients, ongoing projects and market activities.
• Identify opportunities for additional services, cross-selling and account expansion.
• Support technical and commercial proposals, tenders and bid submissions.
• Participate in client visits, pre-bid meetings, site surveys and technical clarification meetings.
• Provide operational and technical input into business development strategies.
• Monitor market developments, client needs and competitor activities.
• Contribute to revenue growth and improved market penetration.

Resource, Cost & Commercial Management

• Develop and manage operational resource plans.
• Monitor manpower, equipment and material utilization.
• Prepare and review project cost estimates and operational budgets.
• Monitor actual costs against approved budgets.
• Support measures to improve project profitability and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
• Review contracts, scopes of work and commercial requirements.
• Ensure timely submission of work completion and invoice-supporting documentation.
• Work with Finance to monitor project financial performance.

People Leadership

• Lead, supervise and develop operations and field personnel.
• Allocate work and resources based on project requirements.
• Set clear expectations and monitor team performance.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching and performance management.
• Identify competency gaps and recommend development interventions.
• Foster accountability, teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Ensure field personnel understand and comply with company and client requirements.

QHSSE & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with QHSSE policies, procedures and client requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture across operational and project activities.
• Ensure risk assessments, permits, toolbox meetings and required controls are implemented.
• Identify unsafe acts, conditions and operational risks and ensure corrective action.
• Ensure incidents and near misses are reported, investigated and closed out.
• Participate in QHSSE audits, inspections and investigations.

Reporting & Management Information

• Prepare regular operational and project performance reports.
• Provide accurate information on project progress, costs, manpower, equipment, risks and client issues.
• Provide timely updates to Management on operational, technical, commercial and client matters.
• Track operational and project KPIs and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain appropriate operational records and documentation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering or another relevant Engineering discipline.
• 10–15 years of relevant experience in oil & gas operations, project execution, Operations & Maintenance, field services or related technical services.
• Demonstrated experience managing field operations and multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience in upstream, midstream or downstream oil & gas operations is strongly preferred.
• Experience in production operations, O&M, oilfield services, equipment servicing or technical services is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of engineering, asset integrity, operations and maintenance practices.
• Proven experience supervising field personnel, contractors, vendors and service providers.
• Demonstrated experience in client management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience supporting tenders, proposals and business development activities is desirable.
• Strong experience in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, execution and reporting.
• PMP, PRINCE2 or relevant project management certification is an advantage.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies, particularly COREN, is an advantage.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of oil & gas operations and field services.
• Strong project execution and operational management skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex operational and technical challenges.
• Knowledge of equipment, maintenance and asset management.
• Strong planning, scheduling and resource management.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Understanding of project cost control and profitability.
• Strong client relationship and negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of accountability, integrity and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant project/operations management systems.
• Good understanding of QHSSE standards and safe working practices.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance will be measured across:

• Revenue and profitability targets.
• New business opportunities identified and converted.
• Project delivery within approved time and budget.
• Reduction in project rework and avoidable operational costs.
• Equipment and operational resource availability.
• Reduction in operational downtime.
• Client satisfaction, retention and repeat business.
• Timely resolution of client operational issues.
• QHSSE compliance and closure of corrective actions.
• Team performance, productivity and development.

ROLE REQUIREMENT

The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel frequently to project sites, client locations and other operational locations as required.

This is a hands-on, field-oriented management role and is not primarily office-based. The candidate must be comfortable working directly with field teams, clients, contractors and operational activities.

The successful candidate must also demonstrate the ability to think beyond technical execution, identify opportunities, understand client needs and contribute to the growth and profitability of the organization.