Description:
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Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Western Australia & Queensland, Australia
Industry: Upstream Oil & Gas – Unconventional Exploration & Appraisal
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Company
We are a dynamic upstream gas exploration and appraisal company focused on unlocking the full potential of Queensland’s unconventional basin-centred gas resources. With a commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and cost-efficient operations, we are positioned to play a significant role in Australia’s energy future.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our upstream operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of exploration, appraisal, and early-stage development activities, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, cost management, and safety performance. This is a pivotal executive role, reporting directly to the CEO and contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all upstream operational activities including field operations, drilling, completions, subsurface, and HSE.
- Drive a safety-first culture while ensuring compliance with regulatory and environmental standards.
- Oversee planning, budgeting, and execution of exploration and appraisal programs, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
- Manage cross-functional teams including geosciences, engineering, field operations, and HSE.
- Develop and implement operational KPIs and performance benchmarks.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks while improving reliability and efficiency.
- Liaise with joint venture partners, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
- Support business development and commercial teams with technical insights and operational feasibility assessments.
- Contribute to corporate strategy and represent the company in executive and board-level discussions.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- 15+ years of experience in upstream oil and gas, with experience in senior leadership roles.
- Strong technical background in unconventional resources, ideally with basin-centred gas systems.
- Proven track record in leading large-scale exploration and appraisal operations.
- Deep understanding of HSE management systems and regulatory frameworks in Australia.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets, cost control, and project economics.
- Demonstrated leadership in building and managing high-performing technical and operational teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience working in Queensland or similar Australian basins.
- Prior involvement in early-stage or growth-phase energy companies.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies in unconventional gas extraction and data-driven operational decision-making.
What We Offer
A senior leadership role with a high-impact mandate in a growth-oriented energy company.
Opportunity to shape the future of a company at the forefront of unconventional gas development in Australia.
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