Website WRS - Worldwide Recruitment Solutions
Operations Lead – Offshore Installation (SURF)
Location: France (with relocation to West Africa during operations phase)
Start Date: January 2026
Contract: Long-term / Project Assignment
We are seeking an experienced Operations Lead to oversee and coordinate offshore SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Risers & Flowlines) operations on a major deepwater development project. This is a senior role within a large, international, multi-disciplinary project team, requiring excellent technical expertise, leadership, and operational coordination skills.
Role Overview The Operations Lead will supervise and coordinate all offshore marine and installation activities carried out by the SURF Contractor during the main and hook-up offshore campaigns. Acting as the focal point for all company personnel onboard installation vessels, the successful candidate will be responsible for daily reporting, operational oversight, logistics, and interface management with other project packages and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate all SURF offshore operations, ensuring alignment with project execution plans, schedules, and HSE standards.
- Supervise company personnel onboard contractor vessels and act as their primary point of contact for operational, technical, and HSSE matters.
- Review and validate installation engineering documentation, risk assessments, and management of change requests in close collaboration with the SURF technical team.
- Manage critical interfaces with other project packages (e.g., SPS, Drilling), Marine Warranty Surveyors, logistics teams, and external contractors.
- Oversee operational planning, vessel scheduling, SIMOPS dossiers, entry permits, and ensure smooth coordination between multiple marine spreads.
- Establish robust reporting systems, including daily progress reporting and regular management visits offshore.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 15 years’ experience in offshore operations management and/or as company representative on installation vessels.
- Strong technical expertise in installation of rigid flowlines, risers, and umbilicals, with solid knowledge of subsea construction techniques.
- Proven leadership and interface management skills in complex, multi-cultural project environments.
- Up-to-date BOSIET certification.
- Excellent knowledge of offshore installation engineering standards, lifting and hook-up techniques, fabrication, and pre-commissioning.
- Strong project management, reporting, and communication skills.
Personal Attributes
- Exemplary commitment to HSE standards and emergency preparedness.
- Proactive, structured, and solutions-oriented approach.
- Strong team leadership and contractor management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple disciplines and geographical locations.
