Project Manager (Upstream) – Nairobi, Kenya

PROJECT MANAGER (UPSTREAM) – NAIROBI, KENYA WTS Energy, a premier consulting and workforce solutions provider to the global Oil, Gas, and Energy sector, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Nairobi office. We partner with leading international energy companies to deliver specialized consulting expertise, project recruitment services, and comprehensive workforce management solutions across oil and gas operations worldwide. THE OPPORTUNITY We're looking for a skilled Project Manager to lead and drive upstream oil and gas projects from conception through successful completion. In this role, you'll oversee all aspects of project delivery—from initial planning and scheduling to budget management and performance tracking. You'll work across multiple technical, commercial, and operational teams to ensure projects stay on track, within budget, and aligned with safety and regulatory standards. This position offers the chance to make a tangible impact on significant energy infrastructure projects while building valuable relationships across the East African energy sector. WHAT YOU'LL DO Direct all phases of upstream project activities, ensuring smooth progression from planning through execution and final delivery. Create and maintain comprehensive project plans, detailed schedules, budgets, and tracking mechanisms that support efficient execution. Coordinate work across technical, commercial, procurement, logistics, health safety and environment, and operational departments to ensure seamless integration. Actively monitor project timelines, identify and mitigate risks, manage budgets, and track performance metrics to guarantee successful outcomes. Contribute to the preparation of Expressions of Interest, tender documents, technical proposals, and commercial submissions for client opportunities. Scout and evaluate new upstream business opportunities throughout Kenya and the broader East African region. Organize and facilitate project meetings, stakeholder sessions, and progress review forums to maintain alignment across all parties. Foster partnerships with operators, contractors, and technical service providers to strengthen our market position. Maintain strict adherence to HSSEQ standards, contractual commitments, and all applicable regulatory requirements. Create detailed project reports, performance dashboards, management updates, and executive-level presentations for leadership review. Support financial planning, commercial analysis, and operational planning initiatives. Develop and nurture strong working relationships with clients, government regulators, contractors, and internal team members. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and operational excellence. Support additional business operations as needed. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR You hold a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Energy, Business, or a closely related field. A master's degree is a valuable addition to your background. You bring at least seven years of professional experience in oil and gas, energy, or infrastructure sectors, with direct involvement in upstream projects or operations. You demonstrate strong capabilities in project coordination, stakeholder management, and business development. You possess expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management methodologies. You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with sound decision-making judgment. You communicate clearly and effectively, with strong coordination and stakeholder engagement abilities. You're comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects in dynamic, fast-paced environments. You maintain high standards of professionalism, show adaptability to changing circumstances, and focus on flawless execution. Professional certifications such as Agile Project Management, PMP, or PRINCE2 are advantageous. LOCATION Nairobi, Kenya