Vice President Projects and Operations

JOB PURPOSE

The VP Projects and Operations will provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of all QHSE, engineering, operations and project related activities for RAK Gas, and provide technical input, guidance and support to executive management and the Board of Directors.

The position will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream projects and operations, including potential exploration and production operations and natural gas processing, pipeline design and construction all elements of natural gas distribution, and potential future growth opportunities in the downstream sector (CNG, downstream LNG, etc.).

The position will also provide technical advisory and oversight to the RAK Petroleum Authority.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the QHSE, engineering, operations and projects teams, ensuring that all activities are conducted efficiently and in compliance with regulatory standards, industry best practices, company's policies, and procedures.
• Overseeing and managing the company's engineering, quality, health, safety, environmental (QHSE), and operational activities
• Develop, implement, and refine strategies, policies, standards, and procedures to suit project requirements, and identify opportunities for growth and improved profitability.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the extended leadership team to ensure that projects and operational activities are aligned with the overall corporate objectives and business strategy.
• Develop short, mid and long-term professional development and succession plans to achieve desired business objectives, and ensure that the QHSE, engineering, operations and projects teams have the necessary training and resources to perform their jobs effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, key suppliers, and regional peers.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams, including business development, commercial, finance, procurement, HR and legal, to ensure the successful delivery of projects,
• Oversee the QHSE improvement program and ensure compliance with local, federal, and international regulations, and provide leadership and guidance to the QHSE, engineering, operations and projects teams.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and direct the planning and implementation of all technical projects to ensure they are completed on schedule and within budget, whilst meeting safety standards.
• Provide guidance and support to the Head of Downstream Operations to ensure safe and efficient management operation and maintenance of the Gas Processing Plant, Control Room, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and the gas pipeline network.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the engineering and QHSE departments.
• Manage and oversee the budgeting process, including developing and submitting budgets, monitoring and controlling departmental expenditures, and ensuring that expenses are in line with the approved budget and in line with company objectives and strategy.
• Preparing operational, project management and financial reports related to the department’s expenditures and performance, such as variance reports and cost analyses working closely with the CFO. These reports will be used to identify areas for improvement and to make recommendations for changes in the budgeting process or in departmental procedures.
• Manage risk by ensuring compliance with QHSE policies and procedures, and promote a safety-first culture across the organisation, developing and implementing strategies to optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs in a safe manner.
• Support the QHSE Manager and provide guidance to development and implementation of fit for purpose Operational and Safety Management Systems appropriate to the company’s activities.
• Monitor and report on industry trends, regulations, and technological advancements, and incorporate them into the company's strategy and operations,
• Provide technical advice, guidance and support to the Board of Directors, Executive Management, and other company departments.
• Develop and presenting reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to engineering, QHSE, and operations to executive management and other stakeholders.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Chief Executive Officer
• RAK Gas Board members
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Commercial Officer
• Business Units
• Natural gas
• Industrial fuels
• Exploration & New Ventures
• All other departments in the organisation

External:

• Govt. Authorities
• Gas supplier & gas transportation company
• Gas Customers
• External service providers
• Industry regulatory bodies

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or any related discipline

Professional Qualifications

• Subsequent relevant professional qualification(s) and evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

• A minimum of 20 years of experience covering operations, engineering, project management, and QHSE roles in the oil and gas industry

Other requirements

• Ability to perform in a high-pressure environment, managing and coordinating multiple priorities.
• Strong technical knowledge and expertise in engineering design, construction, and operations covering upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.
• Proven experience in managing material technical projects from inception to completion, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of QHSE regulations and standards, and experience in developing and implementing QHSE policies and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate organisational leadership in order to work seamlessly with other functions
• Ability to deal with ambiguity, strategic agility, manage diversity and drive for results.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team of diverse professionals and build relationships at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve results in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to align with the company's goals and objectives.
• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Should possess strong communication skills and should have worked with global teams.
• Strong executive presence, with experience of interactions with senior leadership team and external government authorities.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.