Assistant Manager, UAS Operations at Oando

JOB TITLE: Assistant Manager, UAS Operations

JOB LOCATION: Port Harcourt, Rivers

JOB DETAILS:

• 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

What We Provide

• Hugo offers a hybrid work environment that balances employee flexibility with a collegial, fun “office” culture.
• We pride ourselves on offering a dynamic environment where ambitious professionals can make a measurable impact and accelerate their career.
• Our compensation and benefits are highly competitive.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the ongoing Oando job opening, visit the job APPLICATION PORTAL to submit your application!