Onshore Installation Manager (OIM)

Assala Energy is a dynamic Oil and Gas Exploration and Production company committed to the sustainable development of its assets in Gabon. We value a collaborative approach, promote diversity, and prioritize safety, operational integrity, and environmental stewardship across all activities.

We are looking for an Onshore Installation Manager (OIM) to lead operations at our onshore facilities. This role is pivotal in ensuring the integrity, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of all operational activities. The OIM holds accountability for the health, safety, security, and welfare of personnel, the protection of the environment, and the safe, reliable operation of the facilities.

Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environment

• Uphold and enforce Assala Energy’s Health, Safety, Environment & Social Performance Policy.
• Intervene respectfully when unsafe behaviours or rule violations occur and ensure accountability for compliance.
• Ensure safe worksite practices through effective Permit to Work systems, HSSE Case application, and robust Job Hazard Analysis.
• Lead emergency management activities as Incident Commander, including response coordination and decision‑making.
• Promote high HSSE standards and maintain a strong safety culture across all teams and contractors.

Operations Management

• Maintain overall responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of all onshore facilities.
• Oversee job prioritisation and collaborate closely with Maintenance, Wells Intervention, and Operations teams.
• Validate temporary mitigations for equipment breakdowns, deviations, and MOCs, ensuring timely approval from Technical Authorities when required.
• Approve and coordinate urgent or emergency work, ensuring accurate documentation and operational continuity.
• Ensure effective communication across departments and maintain alignment on operational impacts and priorities.

Asset Integrity & Production

• Ensure equipment returned to service after maintenance or modifications meets operational requirements
• Drive performance towards production targets and minimise unplanned deferment.
• Deliver functional asset integrity outcomes, including equipment reliability and PM compliance.
• Manage ageing assets and contribute to optimisation strategies to maximise hydrocarbon recovery.

Planning, Budget & Continuous Improvement

• Provide input to the Asset Manager for Business Plans, HSSE Plans, and Integrated Operational Plans.
• Manage OPEX budgets effectively and seek opportunities to reduce unit operating costs.
• Identify and deliver cost‑effective improvement projects that add value to operations.
• Support engineering reviews, continuous improvement initiatives, and troubleshoot operational challenges.
• Collaborate with Wells, Maintenance, and Project teams to develop integrated solutions for persistent facility issues.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, develop, and align multidisciplinary teams to support company vision, principles, and values.
• Maintain a competent, certified workforce through development plans, training, performance appraisal, and effective leave management.
• Promote accountability, transparency, and consistent decision‑making across all levels.
• Engage regularly with teams and individuals to sustain strong communication and high performance.
• Manage and coordinate contractor activities across facilities.

Stakeholder & External Relations

• Engage with internal departments such as Engineering, HR, Corporate, Procurement, and Subsurface.
• Interface with external stakeholders through corporate channels
• Provide operational input into new developments and project planning.

Main Challenges

• Managing operations with logistical and accessibility constraints.
• Balancing operational priorities while supporting logistics and wells intervention activities.
• Handling ageing infrastructure with increasing maintenance needs and costs.
• Optimising production from declining fields through improved systems and processes.
• Ensuring high‑quality field data to support upgrade and improvement projects.
• Sustaining a high‑performance culture with strong HSSE and competency standards.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Technical professional degree with a strong background in production and maintenance.
• Extensive experience (10 years +) in production engineering, including operations, maintenance, and production technology.
• Knowledge of production programming is beneficial but not essential.

Additional Training & Certifications

• Strong understanding of production operations, including process troubleshooting, wellhead equipment, pipeline hazards, and simultaneous operations.
• Training or competence in emergency management, oil spill response, and incident investigation.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High initiative, drive, and leadership presence.
• Ability to plan, delegate, and manage accountability while retaining overall responsibility.
• Capability to deliver clear instructions and maintain operational discipline.
• Commitment to team engagement, development, and performance improvement.
• Ability to ensure comprehensive and accurate operational handovers.