Operations Excellence and Process Implementation Lead at Newcross Exploration and Production Limited (NewCrossEP)

Newcross Exploration and Production Limited (NewCrossEP) is an independent domestic oil and gas exploration and production company based in Nigeria. NewcrossEP was established in 2013 and emerged as the successful bidder of OML 24, acquiring a 45% participating interest in the block hitherto managed under the NNPC/SPDC Joint Venture arrangement. Newcross Exploration and Production Limited is the operator of the NNPC/NewcrossEP Joint Venture.  The OML 24 asset covers an area of 162 square kilometres and includes Awoba, Awoba North West and Ekulama Fields. OML 24 is located onshore, about 40 kilometers southwest of Port Harcourt in the prolific oil and gas Niger Delta.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Operations Excellence and Process Implementation Lead

Location: Lagos 
Skill Group: Upstream Oil & Gas 
Reports to: GM, Business Improvement & Operational Excellence
Job Level: Lead / 15

Responsibilities
This person’s key responsibilities include:

• Delivery of Operational Excellence, aiming at improving our performance within certain prioritized areas: Reliability (focused mainly on improvement of human aspects), LOPC Reduction (focused mainly on improvement of human aspects), Cost Performance (Operation as Profit Driver – adding to our commercial mindset), WRFM Optimization (Maximizing and Growing Production Capacity), Supply Chain Management (Focused on optimal movement of people, goods and services), amongst others.
• Defining, implementing and updating an operations/asset management system with defined process standards and recommended practices (with KPIs) to secure predictable and replicable ways of working across the organization.
• Collaborating with Benchmarking Lead to leverage benchmark outcomes to develop strategies to close the company's gap to the potential via discrete workstreams.
• Drive application of Operational Excellence techniques (CI, Lean, Kaizen, Go Sees etc.) into the organization.
• Ensure alignment between Business Opportunities and Business Excellence initiatives in existing assets, driving synergies and joint approaches for maximum value generation.

Key Accountabilities
Operational Excellence Strategy:

• Accountable for developing and executing the company’s operational excellence strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall business objectives.
• Lead efforts to instill a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on key performance areas such as cost reduction, process efficiency, and production optimization.

Process Implementation & Standardization:

• Accountable for the successful implementation of standardized processes and procedures across operations, ensuring consistency and compliance with industry best practices.
• Lead the development of operational guidelines and manuals to ensure that all processes are well-documented and adhered to across business units.

Performance Improvement & Cost Optimization:

• Accountable for identifying and driving initiatives that enhance operational performance, reduce costs, and improve resource utilization.
• Lead the execution of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and improve operational outcomes.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Accountable for integrating risk management practices into operational processes, ensuring that all activities are compliant with regulatory standards and internal safety protocols.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards within the operational excellence framework.

Process Analysis & Improvement:

• Work closely with operational teams to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies within current processes.
• Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, and process mapping exercises to identify improvement opportunities and develop action plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement process changes that deliver measurable improvements in productivity, safety, and cost-efficiency.

Continuous Improvement Leadership:

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by training and mentoring employees on Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Promote the use of KPIs and data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of operational processes and identify areas for further improvement.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or relevant certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement is preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in operations, process improvement, or related roles within the oil and gas or heavy industry sectors.
• Proven experience in leading operational excellence programs and implementing process improvements in large-scale operations.
• Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in managing change, with a demonstrated ability to drive cultural transformation within a large organization.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and ability to align operational excellence with business objectives.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects.
• Financial acumen, with experience in cost optimization.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs to: careers@newcross.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.