Director of Commercial – Upstream Oil & Gas

We are a leading Oil Exploration and Production Company with active operatorship of prolific blocks and Oil and Gas Assets in the Niger Delta. As a result of our new expansion and development programmes, we are seeking to engage experienced, passionate and resourceful senior manpower in the position below:

Job Title: Director of Commercial – Upstream Oil & Gas Ref ID: (DC)

Location: Niger Delta

Responsibilities

Lead the Company's commercial function and set the commercial strategy to maximise value from its upstream assets and portfolio. Negotiate, structure and manage crude oil and gas sales, offtake, transportation, processing and other commercial agreements, making sure terms are competitive and risks are well managed. Prepare and challenge economic evaluations, investment cases and portfolio analysis, and advise the executive team and board on investment decisions. Manage the Company's relationships with joint venture partners, national oil companies and government bodies, and represent the Company in commercial and fiscal discussions. Oversee joint venture commercial matters, including JOA administration, cost recovery, partner reporting and audits. Monitor markets, pricing and fiscal developments, and recommend hedging and price risk strategies where appropriate. Work closely with the Finance, Legal, Operations, Subsurface and Procurement teams to align commercial decisions with operational plans. Oversee major contracting and procurement strategies, making sure contracts are well administered and are compliant with content requirements. Manage commercial risk, including counterparty exposure, contractual disputes and dispute resolution, working with Legal where required. Build, lead and develop a strong commercial team, and create a clear pipeline of future commercial leaders. Uphold the Company's ethics, compliance and anti-corruption standards, and contribute to the Company's long-term strategy and growth plans.

Requirements

Qualifications / Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, Law or a closely related discipline. A Master's degree, MBA or professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CFA or Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is a strong advantage. At least 18 years of experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, with a minimum of 8 years in a senior commercial leadership role, such as Commercial Manager, Head of Business Development, General Manager Commercial or equivalent. A proven record of negotiating and closing major deals, including crude oil and gas sales and offtake agreements, gas supply and processing agreements, transportation and tolling arrangements, farm-ins and farm-outs, and acquisitions or disposals. Strong understanding of upstream fiscal regimes and contracts, including production sharing contracts, joint operating agreements, royalties, taxes, cost recovery and profit-sharing mechanisms. Demonstrated skill in economic evaluation and investment analysis, including NPV, IRR, sensitivity and risk analysis, and the ability to turn a technical story into a sound business case. Experience with crude and gas pricing, marketing and price risk management, including benchmarks such as Brent, differentials and hedging strategies. Hands-on experience managing joint venture partners, national oil companies, regulators and government agencies, and keeping those relationships constructive even when interests differ. Working knowledge of contract law, dispute resolution and commercial risk management, including credit and counterparty risk and local content requirements. Experience in the African upstream environment, including working with national oil companies and host-government stakeholders, is highly desirable.