Oando Plc is one of Africa’s largest integrated energy solutions provider with a proud heritage. It has a primary listing on the Nigeria Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. With shared values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Passion and Professionalism (TRIPP).

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Assistant Manager, UAS Operations

Job Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Job type: Full-time
Department: Asset Integrity
Reports to: Deputy Division Manager, Asset Integrity

Description

  • Strategic oversight of UAS programs, integration of UAS operations with asset integrity management, cross-functional coordination, and supervision of UAS Operations Coordinators

Overall Purpose of Job

  • The Assistant Manager, UAS Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing the company’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) programs across all operational areas, ensuring seamless integration with asset integrity management strategies.
  • This role drives innovation in aerial surveillance, inspection, and monitoring techniques, oversees the development and implementation of UAS policies and procedures, and manages the UAS operations team to deliver high-value insights for asset security, maintenance and  risk mitigation.

Responsibilities
Strategic UAS Program Development and Integration:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term strategy for UAS operations that aligns with the company’s asset integrity and  risk management goals
  • Lead the integration of UAS technologies and methodologies into existing asset integrity management systems and processes
  • Identify and prioritize opportunities for UAS applications across different business units and asset types
  • Collaborate with senior management to secure resources and support for UAS program expansion and improvement
  • Develop and oversee implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) for UAS operations, ensuring alignment with overall asset integrity objectives
  • Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with UAS technology providers, research institutions, and industry bodies to drive innovation and best practices
  • Lead the development of business cases for new UAS initiatives and technologies, including cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments

Operational Excellence and Risk Management:

  • Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of company-wide UAS standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices
  • Establish and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework for UAS operations, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies
  • Lead the development and implementation of a UAS-specific safety management system (SMS) that integrates with the company’s overall HSE framework
  • Oversee the creation and maintenance of a quality assurance program for UAS operations, ensuring consistency and reliability across all missions and data outputs
  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize UAS fleet utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management
  • Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency through automation, AI integration, and advanced data analytics
  • Oversee the development and implementation of emergency response and business continuity plans for UAS operations

Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Management:

  • Serve as the primary liaison with aviation regulatory bodies (e.g., NCAA, NAMA) to ensure full compliance and influence policy development
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of all required documentation for UAS operations, including operations manuals, pilot qualification records, and maintenance logs
  • Lead efforts to obtain and maintain necessary waivers and authorizations for complex UAS operations (e.g., BVLOS, night operations)
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including local authorities, landowners, and community representatives
  • Collaborate with legal and government relations teams to address regulatory challenges and opportunities in UAS operations
  • Oversee the development and implementation of privacy and data protection policies related to UAS operations
  • Lead the company’s participation in industry working groups and standards committees related to UAS operations in the oil and gas sector

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to UAS Operations Coordinators and the broader UAS team
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive staffing strategy for UAS operations, including recruitment, training, and succession planning
  • Establish and oversee a performance management system for the UAS operations team, including goal-setting, regular evaluations, and career progression pathways
  • Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the UAS operations team
  • Coordinate cross-functional training and collaboration between UAS operations and other relevant departments (e.g., Asset Integrity, Maintenance, HSE)
  • Lead the development and implementation of a UAS center of excellence to drive best practices and innovation across the organization
  • Oversee the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive knowledge management system for UAS operations

Data Management and Integration:

  • Lead the development of a comprehensive data management strategy for UAS-collected information, ensuring integration with enterprise asset management systems
  • Oversee the implementation of advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to extract maximum value from UAS-collected data
  • Collaborate with IT and data science teams to develop and implement robust data storage, processing, and visualization solutions for UAS operations
  • Lead initiatives to enhance data-driven  decision-making processes in asset integrity management through UAS-derived insights
  • Oversee the development and implementation of data quality control and validation processes for UAS-collected information
  • Lead efforts to integrate UAS data with other inspection and monitoring data sources (e.g., IoT sensors, satellite imagery) for comprehensive asset health assessment
  • Develop and implement strategies for secure data sharing and collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders

Innovation and Technology Advancement:

  • Lead the evaluation and adoption of emerging UAS technologies, including advanced sensors, AI-enabled autonomous systems, and edge computing solutions
  • Oversee the development and implementation of a UAS technology roadmap aligned with the company’s digital transformation strategy
  • Establish and chair an innovation working group to explore novel applications of UAS technology in asset integrity management
  • Collaborate with R&D teams to design and execute pilot projects for testing new UAS technologies and methodologies
  • Develop and maintain a competitive intelligence program to stay informed of industry trends and competitor activities in UAS operations
  • Lead initiatives to leverage UAS capabilities for new business opportunities, such as third-party inspection services or data monetization
  • Oversee the development of proprietary UAS solutions tailored to the specific needs of oil and gas asset management

Financial Management and Reporting:

  • Develop and manage the annual budget for UAS operations, including capital expenditures and operational costs
  • Implement cost control measures and efficiency improvements to optimize the financial performance of UAS operations
  • Oversee the development of business cases and ROI analyses for UAS investments and initiatives
  • Develop and present regular performance reports to senior management, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations
  • Manage vendor relationships and contracts related to UAS equipment, software, and services
  • Implement financial tracking systems to measure the cost-effectiveness and value generation of UAS operations across different asset types and business units
  • Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate cost allocation and financial reporting for UAS operations

Key Performance Indicators

  • Achieve year-on-year improvement in asset integrity metrics through UAS-enabled insights and interventions
  • Maintain 100% regulatory compliance across all UAS operations
  • Deliver annual cost savings through UAS-enabled efficiencies in inspection and maintenance processes
  • Achieve zero safety incidents related to UAS operations
  • Increase the successful implementation rate of innovative UAS technologies and methodologies
  • Improve data quality and utilization metrics for UAS-collected information
  • Enhance cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing related to UAS operations
  • Achieve high team member satisfaction and retention rates within the UAS operations group
  • Deliver on-time and on-budget completion of strategic UAS initiatives and projects

Person Specification

  • Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, Engineering Management, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience in UAS operations, with at least 5 years in a senior role
  • Extensive knowledge of asset integrity management principles and practices in the oil and gas industry
  • FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and experience with complex UAS operations
  • Strong understanding of aviation regulations and safety management systems
  • Proven track record in strategic planning and program management

Required Competencies:

  • Exceptional leadership and team management skills
  • Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
  • Advanced knowledge of UAS technologies, including hardware, software, and data analytics
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
  • Strong understanding of  risk management and compliance in high-risk industries
  • Proven ability to drive innovation and manage change in complex environments
  • Excellent  project management and organizational skills
  • Strong financial management and budgeting capabilities
  • Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Advanced knowledge of data management and analytics principles
  • Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization and lead cross-functional teams
  • Commitment to safety culture and continuous improvement

What We Provide

  • Hugo offers a hybrid work environment that balances employee flexibility with a collegial, fun “office” culture.
  • We pride ourselves on offering a dynamic environment where ambitious professionals can make a measurable impact and accelerate their career.
  • Our compensation and benefits are highly competitive.

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