Senior Asset Manager – Onshore Oil Operations

About the role

UCC Holding is seeking a senior Asset Manager to lead two on‑shore oil assets in Eastern Venezuela. The role is field‑based, responsible for safe, reliable and profitable operations and serves as the senior liaison with the national oil company, ministries and local authorities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all field operations including production, maintenance, well interventions, injection and facilities, ensuring safety, reliability and budget compliance.
• Deliver annual production targets, work programmes and budgets, and prepare business and development plans for regulatory approval.
• Manage relationships with the national oil company, Ministry of Hydrocarbons and regional authorities through joint committees, technical reviews and day‑to‑day coordination.
• Establish and run HSE, process‑safety, permit‑to‑work, asset and well integrity, emergency response and environmental compliance systems aligned with API and IOGP practices.
• Oversee the transition of field operations to UCC, including asset handover, inventory, environmental studies, personnel transfer and system start‑up.
• Drive field redevelopment programmes such as well reactivation, artificial lift, pressure maintenance and water/gas injection with a focus on cost per barrel.
• Direct procurement and contractor performance for rigs, well services, construction, maintenance contracts and logistics.
• Ensure accurate fiscal measurement, production allocation and reporting to partners and authorities.
• Lead, develop and retain a multidisciplinary team, manage industrial relations and collective agreements.
• Build positive relationships with local communities and security bodies.

Required profile

• Minimum 25 years of upstream oil experience, including at least 10 years in senior field or asset leadership roles.
• Degree in Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (post‑graduate studies advantageous).
• Proven end‑to‑end management of producing oil fields covering production, well interventions, facilities, injection projects and budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate with national oil companies, ministries and government stakeholders at senior level.
• Strong leadership of large multidisciplinary teams and contractor workforces in demanding environments.
• In‑depth knowledge of Venezuelan hydrocarbons regulations and labour legislation.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, both spoken and written.
• Uncompromising integrity and adherence to compliance and anti‑corruption standards.

Required skills

• Pressure maintenance
• Gas lift operations
• Water and gas injection
• Asphaltene management
• Field redevelopment techniques
• HSE and process‑safety leadership
• Familiarity with API standards
• Familiarity with IOGP standards

What we offer

• A founding leadership role in a growing operating company with direct access to executive management.
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with seniority.