Oil & Gas Operations Manager
Job Description:Oil and gas operations managers plan and co-ordinate onshore and offshore exploration and production.
Job Category:What you will do:
As an operations manager, you will;
- make decisions about where to explore for fuel reserves
- carry out risk assessments
- manage a technical team and subcontractors (leadership skills)
- make sure production facilities are working efficiently
- meet production targets
- control budgets
- manage emergency response teams
- make sure production processes, facilities and refineries meet safety standards
Skills:
You’ll need:
- business management skills
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- maths knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- leadership skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure (adaptability skills)
- the ability to sell products and services
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- excellent verbal communication skills
Entry Requirements:
To become an Oil & Gas Operations Manager, you will need a combination of education, experience, and skills. While there are no specific high school qualifications required for this role, certain subjects and qualifications can be helpful in building a foundation for a career in the oil and gas industry. Here’s a list of subjects and qualifications that can be relevant:
- Mathematics: A strong foundation in mathematics is essential for various aspects of oil and gas operations, including calculations, data analysis, and budgeting.
- Physics: Physics can provide a fundamental understanding of scientific principles, which are relevant in the oil and gas industry, especially in areas like reservoir engineering and fluid dynamics.
- Chemistry: Knowledge of chemistry is valuable for understanding the chemical properties of hydrocarbons and other substances involved in the industry.
- Geography (Optional): Geography can provide insights into the geographic distribution of oil and gas reserves, which is important for exploration and production.
- Environmental Science (Optional): Understanding environmental regulations and sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the oil and gas sector, so studying environmental science can be beneficial.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software and technology is essential for data analysis, reporting, and management in the industry.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification before applying to join an oil and gas company’s management training scheme. Relevant subjects include:
- engineering
- science
- mining
- geology
Work
You may be able to move into this role through training and promotion if you’re already experienced in the industry. For example, if you’re a project engineer, production manager or quality controller.
Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll need to:
- complete basic offshore safety induction and emergency training
have an offshore medical certificate
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work in an office, on a rig or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Career Path & Progression:
You could become an operations director or work independently as an oil and gas consultant, travelling to production sites all over the world.