Assistant Manager, UAS Operations needed at Oando

Reports To:

Deputy Division Manager, Asset Integrity

Responsible For:

Strategic oversight of UAS programs, integration of UAS operations with asset integrity management, cross-functional coordination, and supervision of UAS Operations Coordinators

Overall Purpose of Job:

The Assistant Manager, UAS Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing the company’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) programs across all operational areas, ensuring seamless integration with asset integrity management strategies. This role drives innovation in aerial surveillance, inspection, and monitoring techniques, oversees the development and implementation of UAS policies and procedures, and manages the UAS operations team to deliver high-value insights for asset security, maintenance and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities:

Strategic UAS Program Development and Integration

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term strategy for UAS operations that aligns with the company’s asset integrity and risk management goals
• Lead the integration of UAS technologies and methodologies into existing asset integrity management systems and processes
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for UAS applications across different business units and asset types
• Collaborate with senior management to secure resources and support for UAS program expansion and improvement
• Develop and oversee implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) for UAS operations, ensuring alignment with overall asset integrity objectives
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with UAS technology providers, research institutions, and industry bodies to drive innovation and best practices
• Lead the development of business cases for new UAS initiatives and technologies, including cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments

Operational Excellence and Risk Management

• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of company-wide UAS standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework for UAS operations, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies
• Lead the development and implementation of a UAS-specific safety management system (SMS) that integrates with the company’s overall HSE framework
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of a quality assurance program for UAS operations, ensuring consistency and reliability across all missions and data outputs
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize UAS fleet utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management
• Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency through automation, AI integration, and advanced data analytics
• Oversee the development and implementation of emergency response and business continuity plans for UAS operations

Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with aviation regulatory bodies (e.g., NCAA, NAMA) to ensure full compliance and influence policy development
• Oversee the development and maintenance of all required documentation for UAS operations, including operations manuals, pilot qualification records, and maintenance logs
• Lead efforts to obtain and maintain necessary waivers and authorizations for complex UAS operations (e.g., BVLOS, night operations)
• Develop and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including local authorities, landowners, and community representatives
• Collaborate with legal and government relations teams to address regulatory challenges and opportunities in UAS operations
• Oversee the development and implementation of privacy and data protection policies related to UAS operations
• Lead the company’s participation in industry working groups and standards committees related to UAS operations in the oil and gas sector

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to UAS Operations Coordinators and the broader UAS team
• Develop and implement a comprehensive staffing strategy for UAS operations, including recruitment, training, and succession planning
• Establish and oversee a performance management system for the UAS operations team, including goal-setting, regular evaluations, and career progression pathways
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the UAS operations team
• Coordinate cross-functional training and collaboration between UAS operations and other relevant departments (e.g., Asset Integrity, Maintenance, HSE)
• Lead the development and implementation of a UAS center of excellence to drive best practices and innovation across the organization
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive knowledge management system for UAS operations

Data Management and Integration

• Lead the development of a comprehensive data management strategy for UAS-collected information, ensuring integration with enterprise asset management systems
• Oversee the implementation of advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to extract maximum value from UAS-collected data
• Collaborate with IT and data science teams to develop and implement robust data storage, processing, and visualization solutions for UAS operations
• Lead initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making processes in asset integrity management through UAS-derived insights
• Oversee the development and implementation of data quality control and validation processes for UAS-collected information
• Lead efforts to integrate UAS data with other inspection and monitoring data sources (e.g., IoT sensors, satellite imagery) for comprehensive asset health assessment
• Develop and implement strategies for secure data sharing and collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders

Innovation and Technology Advancement

• Lead the evaluation and adoption of emerging UAS technologies, including advanced sensors, AI-enabled autonomous systems, and edge computing solutions
• Oversee the development and implementation of a UAS technology roadmap aligned with the company’s digital transformation strategy
• Establish and chair an innovation working group to explore novel applications of UAS technology in asset integrity management
• Collaborate with R&D teams to design and execute pilot projects for testing new UAS technologies and methodologies
• Develop and maintain a competitive intelligence program to stay informed of industry trends and competitor activities in UAS operations
• Lead initiatives to leverage UAS capabilities for new business opportunities, such as third-party inspection services or data monetization
• Oversee the development of proprietary UAS solutions tailored to the specific needs of oil and gas asset management

Financial Management and Reporting

• Develop and manage the annual budget for UAS operations, including capital expenditures and operational costs
• Implement cost control measures and efficiency improvements to optimize the financial performance of UAS operations
• Oversee the development of business cases and ROI analyses for UAS investments and initiatives
• Develop and present regular performance reports to senior management, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts related to UAS equipment, software, and services
• Implement financial tracking systems to measure the cost-effectiveness and value generation of UAS operations across different asset types and business units
• Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate cost allocation and financial reporting for UAS operations

Key Performance Indicators:

• Achieve year-on-year improvement in asset integrity metrics through UAS-enabled insights and interventions
• Maintain 100% regulatory compliance across all UAS operations
• Deliver annual cost savings through UAS-enabled efficiencies in inspection and maintenance processes
• Achieve zero safety incidents related to UAS operations
• Increase the successful implementation rate of innovative UAS technologies and methodologies
• Improve data quality and utilization metrics for UAS-collected information
• Enhance cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing related to UAS operations
• Achieve high team member satisfaction and retention rates within the UAS operations group
• Deliver on-time and on-budget completion of strategic UAS initiatives and projects

Person Specification

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, Engineering Management, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in UAS operations, with at least 5 years in a senior role
• Extensive knowledge of asset integrity management principles and practices in the oil and gas industry
• FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and experience with complex UAS operations
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations and safety management systems
• Proven track record in strategic planning and program management

Required Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
• Advanced knowledge of UAS technologies, including hardware, software, and data analytics
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Strong financial management and budgeting capabilities
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Strong understanding of risk management and compliance in high-risk industries
• Proven ability to drive innovation and manage change in complex environments
• Advanced knowledge of data management and analytics principles
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization and lead cross-functional teams
• Commitment to safety culture and continuous improvement