Operations Manager - Gabon

Operations Manager – Gabon

The Operations Manager exercises control over all operations and production activities, ensuring operational delivery and the highest standards of service across employees and contractors. He/she is responsible for planning, directing and managing the performance of all offshore operations in Gabon — including human and material resources — in order to sustain and develop business growth in line with the company's overall strategy and safety objectives.

CONTEXT & ENVIRONMENT

Our client operates offshore oil & gas production assets in Gabon, working in close coordination with an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) unit for crude oil production and removal. The role sits within a multicultural, safety-driven offshore environment and requires close collaboration with project teams (drilling, SURF, construction), the FPSO fleet management, reservoir and production engineering functions, and an international engineering organisation based in Houston. The Operations Manager also acts as the primary operational liaison with Gabonese regulatory authorities, including the Direction Générale des Hydrocarbures (DGH) and the Direction Générale de l'Environnement (DGE).

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Production Management

• Manage field production operations for the client's assets in Gabon.

• Coordinate field development activities with the project team (drilling, SURF and construction) and with FPSO operations.

• Oversee performance management of production and crude oil removal operations.

• Prepare and control operating budgets, taking into account FPSO variance orders.

• Coordinate all phases of production, well workover, drilling and well completion during the drilling programme.

• Coordinate crude oil removal operations.

Well & Reservoir Performance

• Analyse and optimise the performance of each well, using appropriate production monitoring techniques to control well productivity on a daily basis.

• Work with field operations staff to ensure production targets and cost controls are met.

• In collaboration with reservoir engineers and geologists, determine the most efficient approach to well/field development, taking into account crude oil characteristics, reservoir type and project economics.

• Identify wells with potential for production improvement and recommend appropriate procedures or processes.

• Monitor multiple well operations, including workovers, production activities and related facilities.

• Evaluate, develop and implement short- and long-term production plans and forecasts for wells and fields.

• Participate in setting up and optimising procedures and supervise well start-up, including artificial lift methods (gas lift or ESP).

HSE, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure that all tasks performed by staff and contractors comply with HSE requirements.

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations as well as environmental and corporate objectives.

• Coordinate with the DGH and other relevant government agencies, such as the DGE.

• Coordinate with the DGH on hazard studies and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

• Maintain required safety training and compliance across the operation.

Logistics & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate helicopter and vessel movements to the field with the logistics, production and drilling departments, including prioritisation and justification of production personnel (PAX) and equipment movements.

• Liaise with local contractors.

• Act as a key member of the zone assets team.

• Work collaboratively with the production engineer, offshore company representatives and the Houston-based engineering team, as well as the FPSO fleet manager.

Strategic & Financial Contribution

• Work closely with management to achieve financial, production and other corporate objectives.

• Advise management, technical and engineering staff on production operations and on optimising efforts to increase oil recovery.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

Master's degree in Engineering preferred.

Experience

• 15 years or more of experience in production and operations, including at least 5 years in an Operations Manager role.

• Experience in the offshore and FPSO industry strongly preferred.

• Prior experience in the Oil & Gas sector in Gabon and in a multicultural environment is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

• Sound knowledge of a range of engineering tools, including economic evaluation and production engineering.

• Holds the necessary authority to carry out the responsibilities detailed in this job description.

Languages

• Fluent in French and English (spoken and written).

Qualities

• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation.

• Collaborative mindset, able to operate effectively across multicultural and cross-functional teams.

Job Conditions

• Position based in Gabon, covering offshore operations with associated rotational schedule.

• Requires availability for offshore travel by helicopter and vessel as part of routine duties.

• Full compliance with HSE requirements and corporate safety standards is mandatory.