
Oil and gas production manager, oil and gas exploration manager
Oil and gas operations managers plan and co-ordinate onshore and offshore exploration and production.
Salary range: £35,000 to £65,000

How to become an oil and gas operations manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course

University
You could get a degree before applying to join an organisation’s management training scheme.
You’ll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in science, engineering, geology or mining.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
More information
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an oil and gas operations manager from My Oil and Gas Career.

What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- business management skills
- leadership skills
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to sell products and services
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- making decisions about where to explore for fuel reserves
- carrying out risk assessments
- managing a technical team and subcontractors
- meeting production targets
- controlling budgets
- making sure production processes and facilities meet safety standards
Working environment
You could work in an office or visit sites.
You may need to wear smart business dress.

Career path and progression
You could become an operations director or work independently as an oil and gas consultant, travelling all over the world.