About this role
Role : Upstream Laboratory Project Manager Location : Kampala, Uganda Reports to : Regional Business Line Manager Purpose The Upstream Laboratory Project Manager is responsible for execution of the contract for upstream laboratory testing through resource planning, allocation, and management throughout the project lifecycle as well as driving initiatives at the Central Processing Facilities’ (CPF) Laboratory in Buliisa district and Pump Station 1 (PS1) Laboratory in Kabaale; to sustain all upstream oil and gas development activities in the Tilenga Oil field.
The project manager will be the link between office and field, ensuring delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable testing services to the Tilenga CPF and PS1 laboratories while managing laboratory budgets, personnel, quality systems, and stakeholder relationships. This role ensures the laboratories operate in an efficient and effective manner to cover all testing requirements for the Company in line with international and industry-recognized standards and company procedures and contractual arrangements.
- This role requires excellent communication and coordination skills as well technical prowess in petroleum laboratory testing operations for: Crude oil and condensates Natural gas and LPG samples Produced water Solids Drilling fluids and completion fluids Corrosion and scaling monitoring samples Environmental monitoring samples Polymers and other samples Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities Development and execution of project plans, budgets, schedules, resource requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Support to company throughout equipment commissioning.
- Leadership in project personnel selection, development, and mobilization activities.
- Management of sub-contractors, suppliers, and external consultants.
- Be the main focal point for Company, global upstream technical center and administrative support services.
- Ensure project tasks are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with company standards and policies.
- Allocate personnel, equipment, and resources efficiently to meet client requirements and operational needs.
- Monitor operational KPIs and drive continual improvement in productivity and performance.
- Under guidance of the global upstream testing technical center, provide technical guidance on petroleum sampling, testing, measurement, and reporting practices when needed.
- Responsible for execution of the training plan and competency scheme of the laboratory personnel.
- Establish performance objectives and competency development plans.
- Manage staffing levels and succession planning while fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Occasional travel to Kabaale and Buliisa is required to ensure proper implementation and execution of project plans.
- Responsible for reviewing and monitoring the financial performance (i.e., P&L etc.) of the laboratory project as per Company frameworks and procedures Support company laboratory supervisors to oversee laboratory stock requirements ensuring the suitability and availability of consumables, and other resources for the lab.
- Provide technical support in data analysis and reporting whilst ensuring compliance with quality standards Responsible for scheduling maintenance, calibration and other quality control activities with external subcontractors and ensuring any service requests are completed as per operational requirements Together with global upstream technical center of excellence, provides guidance and assistance regarding test methods and the use of equipment including method development and validation, uncertainty of measurements, and participation in proficiency testing programs (PTP).
- Review and resolve performance, process, quality and technical related issues arising within the laboratory and support the implementation of preventive actions; as and when required and raise unresolved concerns to relevant stakeholders for resolution.
- Coordinate with 3rd party laboratories for outsourced testing.
- Set and agree with individual goals for all direct reports and evaluate individual performance providing regular feedback and coaching in line with the company’s people management practices.
- Identifies and assess key HSE risks at the laboratory.
- Actively participates in dialogue with the workforce and HSE team with follows up on non-compliances and gaps closures.
- Participate in internal audits, management reviews, and corrective/preventive action programs.
- Assist the quality engineers and laboratory technicians to set up and operate a quality management system in compliance with ISO 9000 and ISO 17025 standards covering all aspects of the scope at both worksites.
- Liaise with accreditation agency for the accreditation of both laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for both worksites.
- Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
- Master's Degree is an advantage.
- Formal qualifications in project management are a plus, but not a requirement.
- Experience 8-15 years of laboratory experience in the upstream oil and gas industry.
- Minimum 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Proven experience managing laboratory implementation or improvement projects.
- Experience with accredited laboratory systems (ISO 17025).
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and client relationship management skills Technical Knowledge Crude oil characterization and testing. Natural gas and hydrocarbon analysis. Water chemistry and environmental testing. Production chemistry monitoring. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Quality management systems and method validation. Equipment Experience Gas Chromatography (GC) XRF Automatic Distillation Units Flash Point Analyzers Sulfur Analyzers Moisture and Density Analyzers Rheology and Drilling Fluid Testing Equipment Benefits Competitive Salary and benefits package Family Health coverage Performance Bonus