Paragon is supporting an upstream oil & gas operator in the search for an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead one of its onshore production sites in Gabon on a 28/28 rotational basis.

We are seeking candidates with a strong production and operations background, rather than a maintenance-led profile, with significant experience managing onshore producing assets. Previous operational experience in Africa, ideally within Francophone Africa, is highly desirable.

Candidates should have held senior site-based positions such as Field Operations Manager, Field Manager, Site Manager, or Operations Superintendent, with responsibility for production performance, optimisation, HSE, asset integrity and multidisciplinary teams.

Fluency in both French and English is essential for this position.

Position Title: Field Operations Manager
Staff or Temp: Staff
Rotation: 28x28
Expected package: To be discussed
Location: Site based- Gabon

We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead the safe, reliable and efficient operation of one of our production sites. Reporting to the Asset Manager, the Field Operations Manager will be accountable for the overall performance, integrity and operational leadership of the site, ensuring the delivery of production targets while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental performance and workforce engagement.

The successful candidate will act as the custodian of facility integrity and will provide visible leadership to a multidisciplinary team, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and production optimisation across the asset.

This is a rotational position based in Gabon operating on a 28 days on / 28 days off schedule. The role requires a highly accountable leader capable of maintaining operational continuity through effective planning, communication and handovers. Working closely with the rotational counterpart, the Field Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of production, maintenance, asset integrity and workforce management objectives across all rotations.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Environment & Asset Integrity

Demonstrate visible leadership in Health, Safety, Environment and Social Performance, fostering a proactive and positive safety culture across the site.
Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, Environment & Social Performance policies, standards and procedures.
Act as the custodian of site operational and technical integrity, ensuring facilities remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
Lead site risk management activities, including risk assessments, management of change (MOC), operational risk assessments and integrity reviews.
Ensure environmental risks are effectively managed and that all activities are conducted in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
Act as Site IMT Lead during emergency situations and ensure emergency preparedness plans, drills and response capabilities are maintained.

Production & Operational Performance

Accountable for the safe delivery of agreed production targets and operational objectives.
Drive continuous production optimisation by identifying bottlenecks, improving plant performance and implementing initiatives to maximise production efficiency.
Lead efforts to minimise production deferment, reduce unplanned downtime and improve asset reliability.
Monitor operational performance and implement actions to enhance equipment availability, operational efficiency and overall asset performance.
Ensure production activities are planned and executed safely while balancing operational, maintenance and business priorities.
Oversee the preparation, review and approval of operational plans, work programmes and performance reports.

Leadership & People Management

Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary and multicultural workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance.
Promote positive behaviours aligned with company’s values and leadership expectations.
Ensure workforce competency, training, succession planning and development needs are effectively managed.
Drive employee engagement and maintain a motivated, competent and safety-focused workforce.
Facilitate daily operational meetings and ensure effective communication and alignment across all teams and contractors.

Maintenance, Projects & Continuous Improvement

Establish strong working relationships with Operations, Maintenance, Wells, Engineering and Projects teams to deliver integrated operational solutions.
Coordinate and supervise contractors to ensure maintenance and project activities are executed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.
Drive equipment reliability, operational readiness and preventive maintenance effectiveness across the asset.
Identify and implement value-adding improvement initiatives that enhance production performance, reduce operating costs and improve operational efficiency.
Approve and manage emergency or urgent work activities while ensuring appropriate risk assessments and controls are in place.
Ensure effective equipment handovers following maintenance activities and verify operational readiness before return to service.

Financial & Commercial Accountability

Manage site operating expenditure (OPEX) budgets and resource utilisation to achieve cost-effective operations.
Monitor site expenditure, identify efficiency opportunities and support delivery of business performance objectives.
Contribute to long-term asset performance through operational improvement and cost reduction initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years' progressive experience in upstream oil and gas operations, including production, maintenance and production technology disciplines.
Significant experience in a site-based senior operational leadership role such as Field Operations Manager, Site Manager, Operations Superintendent or Production Superintendent.
Proven experience managing large multidisciplinary teams within remote or operationally complex environments.
Demonstrated success in delivering production targets while maintaining strong safety performance.
Strong knowledge of production operations, production optimisation, asset integrity management and operational risk management.
Experience leading emergency response activities and managing operational incidents.
Proven ability to deliver operational improvements, reliability initiatives and cost optimisation projects.
Strong stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills.
Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments and make sound operational decisions.
Fluent in both English and French.