Oil & Gas

Offshore Installation Manager job description

An Offshore Installation Manager directs critical oil and gas operations, ensuring safety, production efficiency, and regulatory compliance on offshore assets.

Published February 19, 2024Updated May 17, 20262074 likes

Explore all roles Browse Oil & Gas

Job brief

We are seeking a highly experienced Offshore Installation Manager to lead our offshore production facility and champion our commitment to operational excellence. In this role, you will take full command of site safety, equipment reliability, and production output, serving as the ultimate decision-maker for all facility operations. You will foster a culture of safety and precision, working with a diverse team to push the boundaries of energy extraction efficiency. If you are a decisive leader with a passion for complex offshore engineering and high-stakes operations, we invite you to join our team.

Key highlights

Direct all offshore production, drilling, and maintenance activities, ensuring site performance aligns with project-specific key performance indicators and production targets.
Exercise primary authority for all emergency response and contingency planning, leading the team through crisis scenarios to protect life and offshore assets.
Monitor real-time operational data via SCADA systems to identify process bottlenecks and implement immediate corrective actions to maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
Execute rigorous site-wide safety audits to ensure full adherence to OSHA, IADC, and environmental regulations across all high-risk operational zones.

What is a Offshore Installation Manager?

An Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) is the primary authority responsible for the safe and efficient operation of offshore oil and gas production facilities. By overseeing complex technical systems, production workflows, and personnel, the Offshore Installation Manager ensures that all drilling and extraction activities meet stringent international safety standards. This role bridges the gap between onshore management and offshore execution, utilizing data-driven insights and rigorous site leadership to optimize performance while protecting personnel and the marine environment.

What does a Offshore Installation Manager do?

An Offshore Installation Manager provides onsite leadership for daily production, drilling, and maintenance operations, coordinating closely with production engineers, safety officers, and contractors. They manage complex industrial systems—including SCADA interfaces, flow control, and safety-instrumented systems—to meet production targets while minimizing unplanned downtime. Beyond managing field logistics, the Offshore Installation Manager conducts site-wide risk assessments and incident investigations, ensuring all activities comply with OSHA, IADC, and maritime regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

Direct all offshore production, drilling, and maintenance activities, ensuring site performance aligns with project-specific key performance indicators and production targets.
Exercise primary authority for all emergency response and contingency planning, leading the team through crisis scenarios to protect life and offshore assets.
Monitor real-time operational data via SCADA systems to identify process bottlenecks and implement immediate corrective actions to maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
Execute rigorous site-wide safety audits to ensure full adherence to OSHA, IADC, and environmental regulations across all high-risk operational zones.
Manage the maintenance lifecycle of critical infrastructure, including subsea pumps, gas compressors, and drilling rigs, to ensure maximum equipment uptime.
Oversee the coordination and logistical integration of third-party contractors and service providers to ensure seamless, safe project execution on deck.
Maintain exhaustive documentation for all site activities, including daily production reports, incident logs, and technical maintenance records for regulatory submission.
Facilitate daily safety meetings and hazard identification workshops to maintain a proactive safety culture among all offshore crew and operational personnel.

Requirements and skills

Proven experience as an Offshore Installation Manager with at least 10 years in deepwater or shallow-water oil and gas production environments.
Advanced technical expertise in offshore drilling processes, subsea infrastructure management, and complex hydrocarbon production systems.
Valid certifications including BOSIET, FOET, HUET, and offshore medical fitness clearance required for personnel in this sector.
Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related maritime discipline from an accredited institution.
Proficiency in utilizing enterprise software such as SAP for asset management and specialized SCADA or DCS interfaces for production control.
Strong command of international regulatory frameworks including IADC standards, IMO regulations, and relevant offshore safety legislation.
Ability to make critical, time-sensitive decisions while managing high-pressure environments and complex, multi-disciplinary offshore teams.
Demonstrable capability to communicate technical risk assessments clearly to onshore stakeholders, executive management, and regulatory bodies.

FAQs

What does an Offshore Installation Manager do?

An Offshore Installation Manager acts as the site commander for an oil and gas facility, managing everything from daily production outputs and maintenance schedules to safety protocols. They ensure the facility remains within regulatory compliance while leading a team of engineers, technicians, and contractors to achieve operational goals. Their primary focus is maintaining a safe, high-performing environment that minimizes risk to people, the asset, and the environment.

What qualifications are needed to become an Offshore Installation Manager?

To become an Offshore Installation Manager, you typically need a degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, combined with extensive field experience in oil and gas production. Essential certifications include BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training), HUET, and specific industry-recognized OIM assessment credentials. Technical proficiency in production systems, deepwater drilling, and emergency response management is required for advancement into this senior role.

How does an Offshore Installation Manager manage workplace safety?

An Offshore Installation Manager oversees workplace safety by implementing a robust culture of hazard identification, leading regular safety drills, and ensuring all personnel adhere to strict IADC and OSHA regulations. They are responsible for overseeing incident investigations, maintaining safety-instrumented systems, and conducting risk assessments for all non-routine or hazardous tasks. By fostering an environment where safety is prioritized above production, they prevent operational incidents and protect the entire offshore workforce.

What is the career value of being an Offshore Installation Manager?

Serving as an Offshore Installation Manager is a prestigious career milestone in the energy sector that offers high levels of responsibility and significant compensation. It provides unique expertise in managing complex, multi-million dollar assets and leadership experience that is highly valued in senior corporate management, project management, or HSE consultancy. This role is fundamental to the oil and gas industry, as the safety and success of offshore operations depend entirely on the leadership and technical expertise of the OIM.