Upstream Laboratory Project Manager

About the role

The Upstream Laboratory Project Manager executes the contract for upstream laboratory testing through resource planning, allocation and management across the project lifecycle, and drives initiatives at the Central Processing Facilities' (CPF) Laboratory in Buliisa and the Pump Station 1 (PS1) Laboratory in Kabaale, supporting Tilenga Oil field development. The role links office and field, delivering accurate, timely and reliable testing services while managing budgets, personnel, quality systems and stakeholder relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and run project plans, budgets, schedules, resource requirements and risk mitigation strategies, and support equipment commissioning.
• Lead personnel selection, development and mobilization, manage staffing levels and succession planning, and coach direct reports.
• Manage sub-contractors, suppliers and external consultants, and coordinate outsourced testing with third-party labs.
• Monitor operational KPIs, review the laboratory's financial performance (e.g. P&L), and identify and close HSE risks and non-compliances.
• Provide technical guidance on petroleum sampling, testing, measurement and reporting, and assist with method development, validation, uncertainty of measurement and proficiency testing.
• Help set up and run a quality management system to ISO 9000 and ISO 17025, liaise with the accreditation agency, and schedule maintenance, calibration and quality control activities.
• Occasional travel to Kabaale and Buliisa is required.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or a related field; Master's degree an advantage.
• 8-15 years of laboratory experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience managing laboratory implementation or improvement projects and with accredited laboratory systems (ISO 17025).
• Formal project management qualifications are a plus.

Required skills

• Crude oil characterization, natural gas and hydrocarbon analysis, water chemistry, production chemistry monitoring and LIMS.
• Equipment: GC, XR, automatic distillation units, flash point analyzers, sulfur analyzers, moisture and density analyzers, rheology and drilling fluid testing equipment.
• Quality management systems and method validation.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Family health coverage.
• Performance bonus.