Exploration Manager

Strategic Leadership & Departmental Oversight
Leads and operates the exploration function to identify and mature high-impact oil and gas opportunities ensuring alignment with corporate growth and Executive Management’s strategies;
Lead the Subsurface Team (Geologists, Geophysicists, Drillers and Reservoir Engineers) in conducting integrated geological, geophysical and petrophysical evaluations and studies to guide exploration and development strategies;
Develop and implement short- and long-term drilling and exploration strategies that support resource maturation, hydrocarbon recovery, and production uplift targets, aligned with the company’s business plan and production targets;
Establish departmental goals, KPIs, budgets, work plans, and performance standards in alignment with company objectives and fiscal discipline;
Serve as the key interface between Exploration, Drilling, HSE, Operations, and Executive Management;
Operations Management
Direct and manage the full lifecycle of well operations, from exploration and appraisal to drilling, completions, well testing, production handover and abandonment;
Supervise Subsurface, Drilling Engineers, Completion Engineers, Well Test Engineers, Field Superintendents;
Ensure operational integrity, cost control, and adherence to HSE best practices across all onshore exploration activities;
Perform regular site audits and field visits to monitor contractor performance, safety compliance and operational excellence;
Integrate exploration outcomes with development and production teams to facilitate timely uplifting of hydrocarbons and seamless project transitions;
Engineering & Technical Governance
Approve well designs, drilling programs and testing and completion programs, ensuring rigor, safety, and commercial viability;
Promote continuous improvement in drilling, exploration and geoscientific processes, technologies and methodologies, and data-driven decision-making. Lead the development and enforcement of internal technical standards, corporate procedures, engineering guidelines and QA/QC practices;
Ensure strict compliance with all Block’s contractual obligations Risk Service Contracts (RSCs), Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs), and local regulatory frameworks;
Project Execution & Resource Management
Optimize resource utilization, including drilling schedules, rig utilization, logistics, personnel, and equipment to minimize NPT and enhance cost efficiency;
Review and approve technical evaluations, contractor proposals, and tender documents; lead technical-commercial negotiations;
Design and implement strategies that maximize oil uplift from exploration/appraisal wells, including early production schemes and tie-backs. Lead operational readiness and ris mitigation planning to support seamless and safe project execution;
Team Development & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and nurture a high-performing multidisciplinary team with strong technical capabilities and leadership potential;
Champion the development and integration of national staff in support of Angolanization and local content objectives;
Foster strong collaboration and transparent communication among internal teams, JV partners, contractors, and regulatory bodies;
Represent the company in engagements with the National Concessionaire (APNG), Joint Venture partners, the Ministry of Petroleum, and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring alignment of exploration strategies with national energy goals;
Present and defend technical proposals, budgets, and annual work programs in Concessionaire and Partner meetings, as delegated by the COO;
Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with regulatory entities and government agencies to ensure smooth operational execution and strategic alignment.

Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Geoscience, or a related Engineering field (mandatory);
Master’s Degree or MBA in Oil & Gas Management, Engineering, or Business (preferred);
Valid Well Control Certification (IWCF/IADC);
Professional training in drilling engineering, completions, and well integrity;
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and drilling software tools such as Petrel, Landmark, WellView, and others;
Fluent in English (mandatory); Portuguese language proficiency is an asset;
Minimum 20 years of oilfield experience, with at least: 2 years in a managerial role;
Proven experience leading multi-rig, multi-well drilling campaigns;
Demonstrated expertise in well design, directional drilling, geomechanics, completions, and well testing;
Deep understanding of HSE standards, regulatory compliance, and international codes (API, IADC, ISO);
Previous exposure to both onshore and offshore operations (onshore expertise mandatory);
Track record of leading interdisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments;
Ensures local regulations are in compliance including local content;
Strategic mindset with strong analytical and decision-making skills;
Leadership and team development across multi-cultural environments;
Strong commercial and contract negotiation capabilities;
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution skills;
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Empresa líder em Petróleo e Gás / Mineração