Chief Operating Officer

Ellasot Consulting is recruiting on behalf of a reputable company seeking a competent, detailed oriented Chief Operating Officer to join its team. The ideal candidate would be responsible for providing executive leadership and strategic direction for the company's upstream oil and gas operations. The role oversees exploration, drilling, production, reservoir management, field development, operational excellence, HSE, commercial performance, and financial results. The COO will drive operational efficiency, profitability, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth while ensuring the safe and effective execution of all operational activities. The Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute the company's operational strategy in alignment with corporate goals and shareholder objectives. Lead and oversee all upstream exploration, drilling, production, and field development activities. Provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors on operational performance and business growth. Identify opportunities for operational expansion, asset optimization, and portfolio growth. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Operations Management Direct all upstream operational activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution. Oversee exploration, drilling, well intervention, production, reservoir management, and field operations. Ensure optimal production performance while maximizing asset value and recovery. Monitor operational KPIs and implement strategies to improve performance across all business units. Ensure operational readiness, reliability, and integrity of facilities and equipment. Lead crisis management and operational risk mitigation initiatives. Technical Leadership Provide executive oversight across multidisciplinary technical teams, including: Geo science Drilling Engineering Reservoir Engineering Petrophysics Petroleum Engineering/Technology Production Engineering Support technical evaluations for exploration opportunities, field development plans, and reservoir optimization. Ensure the application of industry best practices and emerging technologies to improve operational outcomes. Financial & Commercial Management Assume full accountability for operational budgets and Profit & Loss (P&L) performance. Drive cost optimization while maintaining operational excellence and safety standards. Evaluate investment opportunities and capital expenditure projects. Monitor financial performance against business objectives and implement corrective actions where necessary. Support commercial negotiations, joint venture operations, and strategic partnerships. Health, Safety, Environment & Compliance (HSE) Champion a strong safety culture across all operational activities. Ensure compliance with all local and international oil and gas regulations, environmental standards, and industry best practices. Lead operational risk management and business continuity initiatives. Promote sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the organization. Leadership & People Management Lead, mentor, and develop senior management and technical leadership teams. Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Support succession planning, leadership development, and workforce capability enhancement. Promote effective cross-functional collaboration across technical, commercial, finance, and corporate functions. Stakeholder Management Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, regulators, joint venture partners, investors, and other key stakeholders. Represent the company in industry forums, executive meetings, and strategic engagements. Maintain excellent relationships with host communities and regulatory bodies. Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Geo science, Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Engineering, Petrophysics, Petroleum Technology, or a related engineering discipline. A Master's degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) is highly desirable. Relevant professional certifications and memberships are an added advantage. Minimum of 20 years' experience in the upstream oil and gas industry. Proven experience in executive or senior leadership positions within upstream operations. Strong technical background in at least two of the following disciplines: Geo science Drilling Engineering Reservoir Engineering Petrophysics Petroleum Technology Demonstrated experience managing Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibilities. Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary technical and operational teams. Proven track record of delivering operational excellence, production growth, and cost optimization. Experience working with international oil companies (IOCs), indigenous operators, or joint venture environments is highly desirable.