Shell has been producing gas in the Southern North Sea for over 50 years. The General Manager (GM) Operations leads all business activities of ONEgas West (OGW), ensuring safe, efficient and competitive gas production in this late-life Asset. OGW comprises 11 offshore gas fields, two manned Nodal platforms, 21 Normally Unmanned Installations that are maintained via a Walk to Work vessel, and the Bacton Gas Plant - designated as UK Critical Infrastructure - which treats and exports the gas.

On 30 July 2024, Shell UK Limited and Esso announced they had agreed to sell OGW to Viaro Energy. The transaction is expected to complete within 9-12 months (latest end July 2025). In this period, the GM Operations must lead the organization through this change, ensuring focus on maintaining the current performance trajectory by motivating the team to deliver committed targets and value through relentless focus on safety and the 'brilliant basics' of operational excellence. The GM Operations is also the interface between the Asset organization and the deal Implementation Team who are managing the transition of OGW from Shell and Esso to the buyer.

What's the role?

Accountabilities

• Management of an organisation through divestment, transitioning from Shell to Viaro Energy operatorship.
• Goal Zero, both for personal safety and for process safety. Role model and drive a healthy HSSE culture, displaying a learner mindset and demonstrating visible safety leadership.
  • Legal duties associated to the company and UK requirements.
  • Delivery of Safety, Asset Integrity, Environmental, Production and Financial performance.
  • Ensure threats & opportunities are accurately assessed and prioritized for this late life system. Uphold cooperation between the operations & maintenance teams that report to the GM Operations and the multiple agile 'squads' resourced from NAM/OGW's Technical staff.
  • Drive an ethical and high-performing culture across the asset, with an engaged workforce empowered and motivated to maximise productivity.
  • Oversee key commercial relationships with JV partner and third-party producers to the Bacton gas terminal.
  • Stakeholder management of senior external stakeholders in the NSTA, OPRED, and the UK H&S Executive.
  • Alignment and collaboration with Shell UK on overall business strategy and direction, People & Staff Council matters, third-party relationships, and regulatory requirements.

Key challenges

• Leading the Asset through to completion of sale, ensuring continued stable operations, and the transition of the organization to the governance of the buyer. From sale completion, running the Asset in line with the intentions of Viaro Energy.
• Supporting the joint Shell/Exxon/Viaro Implementation Team who are transitioning the Asset, to ensure sale and purchase agreement conditions are met.
• Setting the tone and keeping the pulse of the Asset in this transition period, upholding open communications and mitigating issues arising from the uncertainty staff may feel. This includes collaboration with ER/IR and HR on engagement with Staff Reps.
• The ONEgas West Asset is mature. Managing asset integrity, driving down maintenance backlog in a disciplined and cost-conscious manner, and continuing the improvement in Reliability & Availability, are key to a viable licence to operate and profitability.
• Given the duality of cost and operational pressure the successful applicant will need to make tough choices and focus on what is essential for medium to long term operational robustness of the Asset.
• Ensuring the Asset operates successfully in the highly-regulated UK environment. This includes adhering to current HSE requirements and preparing for additional scrutiny with evolving legislation like cybersecurity.
• Framing and execution of robust plan for decommissioning and restoration (D&R) of the Asset base. Includes utilizing new partnerships in a competitive market.
• Ensuring that scarce technical resources are deployed on the highest value opportunities whilst protecting value at risk. This means clear prioritization and collaboration across the four NAM/OGW assets.
• For the short-term, operating a UK asset under a reporting line to the Netherlands, while partnering with Shell UK where commercial, regulatory and legal matters are governed.

What we need from you

• A seasoned professional with at least BSc degree or equivalent and a proven experience in the Upstream/IG industry. Experience in (offshore) production operations is a plus.
• Demonstrable HSE leadership experience and track record. Skilled Safety Leader.
• Ambassador of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and takes an active role in promoting DE&I mindset throughout the organization.
• Track record in management of (organisational) change.
• Broad experience and background covering preferably production, development and commercial/stakeholder-related aspects of the Upstream business.
• Personal resilience with a proven track record of raising standards, delivering results and leadership of communities and in challenging environments.
• Strong cross-discipline skills and ability to help people and teams to deliver.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship, communication and influencing skills are a must.

If you don't see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on the posting above, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that not everyone often applies when they don't feel 100% qualified. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse company and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.

Company Description

Shell started operations in the United Kingdom more than 110 years ago. Since then, we have grown into a leading innovative Oil & Energy company that rewards its employees by investing heavily in their careers and learning. Our people are our greatest asset, and our commitment to your career will see you thrive in a work environment that offers an industry-leading development programme. When your ideas travel, Shell will benefit, and innovation will thrive. Shell has a key role to play in helping meet the UK's growing energy demand, whilst using innovative technologies to develop cleaner energy. We are the largest FTSE 100 company in the UK by market capitalisation and make a significant contribution to the UK economy. As well as processing 35% of the gas coming into the UK, we serve more than four million customers at our filling stations each week. Shell employs some 6,400 skilled staff as well as many contractors.

An innovative place to work

There's never been a more exciting time to work at Shell.

Join us and you'll be adding your talent and imagination to a business with the ambition to shape the future - whether by investing in oil, gas and renewable energy to meet demand, exploring new ways to store energy, or developing technology that helps the world to use energy more efficiently, everyone at Shell does their part.

An inclusive place to work

To power progress, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we are nurturing an inclusive environment - one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills, and reach your potential.

• We're creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply, and we'll take it from there.
• We're closing the gender gap - whether that's through action on equal pay or by enabling more women to reach senior roles in engineering and technology.
• We're striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• We consider ourselves a flexible employer and want to support you finding the right balance. We encourage you to discuss this with us in your application.

A rewarding place to work

Combine our creative, collaborative environment and global operations with an impressive range of benefits and joining Shell becomes an inspired career choice.

We're huge advocates for career development. We'll encourage you to try new roles and experience new settings. By pushing people to reach their potential, we frequently help them find skills they never knew they had, or make career moves they never thought possible.