Upstream Value Chain Optimisation Business Analyst

Job description / Role

Description

We are seeking an upstream value chain optimisation business analyst / SME to re-engineer workflows across subsurface, drilling, production, and field operations. This role focuses on identifying and delivering optimisation opportunities that generate measurable business value.

Core focus areas:

• Production and network optimisation
• Lift allocation and well scheduling
• Deferment management
• Surveillance cadence
• Value delivery tracking

Requirements

Facilitate discovery workshops with asset and production teams to map current processes and capture detailed business requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
Define KPI trees, constraints, objective functions, and frame scenarios and what-if analyses to translate insights into operational actions and SOPs.
Coordinate pilot programs, conduct user acceptance testing (UAT), track benefits, and develop SOPs, training, and adoption plans with planners and operations teams.
Prioritize optimisation backlogs, collaborate with solution architects, and align leadership on project scope, roadmap, and KPIs.
Lead review sessions, manage change and governance processes, and report on value delivered relative to production, cost, and HSE targets.

Education

Degree in petroleum engineering, operations research, industrial engineering, or a related discipline.

Background / Experience

• Strong domain expertise in upstream oil and gas operations, including production systems, system constraints, network bottlenecks, lift methods, value-for-money analysis, and deferment analysis.
• Familiarity with planning and surveillance processes and hands-on knowledge of PI/SCADA systems, production networks, and planning cycles.
• Experience in end-to-end value chain mapping, process redesign, KPI and target setting, economic constraint definition, scenario design, policy rule development, business case and ROI analysis, benefits tracking, change management, training, and S&OP execution cadence.
• Excellent facilitation and stakeholder management skills, including strong executive communication and experience creating business requirements, user stories, and UAT scripts.

Soft skills

• Business storytelling
• Communication
• Expectation management
• Leadership
• Problem solving
• Stakeholder engagement
• Structured problem-solving

Technical skills

Proficient with data platforms, optimisation and modeling software, production optimisation tools, and visualization/workflow tools.

Benefits

• Opportunity to influence upstream operations through process re-engineering and value optimisation.
• Lead strategic optimisation initiatives with direct impact on production efficiency, cost reduction, and safety performance.
• Work with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to drive business value and operational excellence.
• Develop leadership and stakeholder management skills in a high-impact, fast-paced environment.
• Engage with cutting-edge optimisation tools and data platforms in upstream oil and gas.