Exploration Manager

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Exploration Manager

  • Location:

    Cairo, Egypt

  • Contact:

    Salem Mubarak

  • Contact email:

    salem@paragon-ge.com

  • Job ref:

    304

  • Published:

    about 2 hours ago

  • Expiry date:

    2026-04-25


Position Title: Exploration Manager
Contract type: Direct hire
Expected package: To be discussed
Location: Egypt

Job Purpose

The Exploration Manager is responsible for leading and executing the company’s exploration strategy in Egypt, with a focus on maximizing value from mature basins through near-field exploration, play extension, and integration with development opportunities. The role owns the exploration portfolio, drives prospect generation and maturation, and ensures effective collaboration with Joint Venture (JV) partners and government stakeholders to deliver new discoveries and sustain production growth.

Key Responsibilities

Exploration Strategy & Portfolio Management (Egypt Focus)
  • Develop and implement exploration strategies tailored to mature basins and concession areas in Egypt.
  • Build and manage a balanced portfolio including near-field exploration, field extensions, and selective frontier opportunities.
  • Identify and evaluate new venture opportunities, including farm-ins, bid rounds (e.g., EGPC/EGAS), and asset acquisitions.
  • Optimize value from existing acreage through integrated exploration and development planning.
  • Define exploration roadmaps aligned with JV work programs and contractual obligations.

Technical Leadership & Prospect Generation
  • Lead multi-disciplinary teams (geology, geophysics, petrophysics) in generating and maturing prospects within mature and structurally complex basins.
  • Oversee basin re-evaluation, play fairway analysis, and identification of bypassed or underexplored opportunities.
  • Ensure robust risking, volumetrics, and chance of success assessments appropriate for mature basin exploration.
  • Promote integration of legacy data, new seismic reprocessing, and advanced interpretation techniques.
  • Apply innovative and cost-effective exploration technologies suited to brownfield and near-field environments.

Exploration & Appraisal Well Planning (JV Environment)
  • Lead planning and design of exploration and appraisal wells within JV-operated and partner-operated assets.
  • Define well objectives, data acquisition programs, and success criteria aligned with JV partners.
  • Work closely with drilling, operations, and partner teams to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution.
  • Ensure alignment of well proposals with JV approval processes and governance structures.
  • Integrate well results rapidly into subsurface models and portfolio decisions.

Joint Venture & Stakeholder Management
 
  • Act as the primary technical interface with JV partners, EGPC/EGAS, and other regulatory authorities.
  • Lead technical discussions, committees, and work program negotiations within JV frameworks.
  • Ensure alignment on exploration priorities, budgets, and execution plans across partners.
  • Support preparation and defense of work programs, budgets, and exploration proposals in JV forums.

Team Leadership & Capability Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing exploration team within a JV and multicultural environment.
  • Establish clear objectives, KPIs, and accountability aligned with corporate and JV goals.
  • Foster collaboration across subsurface, development, and operations teams.
  • Promote knowledge sharing and continuous technical development, particularly in mature basin exploration.

Budgeting, Planning & Performance Management
  • Develop and manage exploration budgets in coordination with JV partners and corporate finance.
  • Ensure cost discipline and optimization in line with JV agreements and approval processes.
  • Track performance against exploration KPIs, including prospect maturation, drilling outcomes, and value delivery.
  • Ensure timely execution of JV-approved work programs and commitments.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting
  • Present exploration opportunities, risks, and results to senior management and JV committees.
  • Prepare high-quality technical and commercial documentation for internal and partner review.
  • Support external reporting requirements to government authorities and regulatory bodies.

HSE & Compliance
  • Ensure all exploration activities comply with Egyptian regulations, JV agreements, and company HSE standards.
  • Promote a strong safety culture across all exploration and drilling activities.

Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience, Geology, Geophysics, or a related discipline.
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in oil & gas exploration, with significant exposure to mature basins.
  • Proven experience working within Joint Venture (JV) structures and partner-operated environments.
  • Demonstrated success in near-field exploration, field extensions, and prospect maturation.
  • Strong understanding of Egyptian petroleum systems and regulatory frameworks is preferred.
  • Experience managing exploration portfolios, budgets, and JV governance processes.
  • Proven leadership capability in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Key Competencies
  • Strong understanding of mature basin exploration and brownfield opportunities
  • JV management and stakeholder alignment
  • Strategic thinking with commercial awareness
  • Technical excellence in geoscience disciplines
  • Leadership and team development
  • Negotiation and influencing skills

Success Measures
  • Delivery of economically viable near-field and extension discoveries
  • Effective execution of JV exploration work programs
  • Alignment and satisfaction of JV partners and stakeholders
  • Exploration value creation within mature asset base
  • On-time and on-budget delivery of exploration and appraisal wells
  • Strength and capability of the exploration team