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 to sustain 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 execute project plans, budgets, schedules, resource requirements and risk mitigation strategies, and support equipment commissioning.
• Lead personnel selection, development and mobilization, manage sub-contractors, suppliers and external consultants, and act as the main focal point for the Company and the global upstream technical centre.
• Ensure tasks are delivered on time and within budget, allocate personnel, equipment and resources, and monitor operational KPIs.
• Provide technical guidance on petroleum sampling, testing, measurement and reporting, and guide test methods, method validation, uncertainty of measurement and proficiency testing.
• Run the training plan and competency scheme, manage staffing levels and succession planning, and coach direct reports.
• Monitor the laboratory's financial performance (e.g. P&L), review stock requirements, and schedule maintenance, calibration and quality control activities with external subcontractors.
• Coordinate with third-party laboratories for outsourced testing and set and evaluate individual goals for direct reports.
• Identify HSE risks, participate in internal audits, management reviews and corrective/preventive action programmes, and liaise with the accreditation agency for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of both laboratories.
• Occasional travel to Kabaale and Buliisa is required.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or a related discipline; Master's degree is an advantage.
• 8-15 years of laboratory experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, including 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 and production chemistry monitoring.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and quality management systems and method validation.
• Equipment: Gas Chromatography (GC), XR, Automatic Distillation Units, Flash Point and Sulfur Analyzers, Moisture and Density Analyzers, Rheology and Drilling Fluid Testing Equipment.

What we offer

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