Petroplan’s co-founders, John Reeder and Graham Pyle, met as engineers on a project in Canvey Island for the Occidental Petroleum Company. During some project downtime they deliberated the need for more expertise in the market for project controls. This was 1976!
Their original business idea was to provide consultancy rather than people. The backdrop was that the demand for these skills and knowledge was growing in the North Sea. Many of the methods being implemented utilised technology which had been tested in the U.S. and Black and Caspian Sea regions, but was largely untried in the North Sea, a region which posed very different challenges. The environment was harsher and the structures used would have to withstand higher waves and winds. Already some semi-submersibles and jack ups had been knocked down in the North Sea. The deepening economic crisis in the UK meant that there was enormous pressure on the industry to get gas and – later – oil flowing. For the oil and gas operators, there were great profits to be made.
With John and Graham’s background in planning and control they created their first brochure which outlined their services. Petroplan Control Systems Ltd was registered on the 2nd July 1976, to provide ‘Project Controls for the Petrochemicals Industries.’
The key services were: planning, estimating, cost control, reports and statistics, material control and computer services … but you could choose the non-computerised route if the cost advantage wasn’t compelling!
The business did not take on its first commercial project until March 1977, for an engineering contractor firm Matthew Hall Group (later acquired by AMEC Foster Wheeler in the 1990s). John and Graham were still contractors themselves during the business set-up phase; however, it became clear that the overriding demand from clients was for the talented people required for project controls, across many engineering disciplines. John and Graham’s network of contacts made them well-placed to find the talent the oil and gas industry needed.
Politically in the late 1970s and 1980s, much was changing in the oil and gas industry. British Petroleum was privatised in 1976, and in 1979 it acquired Britoil. Britoil’s role as part regulator and part oil company gave the UK government a large stake in the growing North Sea developments. John continued to work some of the time on projects as a contractor, such as on the Fulmar platform in the North Sea, to allow an evolution of the business and actually started to place contractors on this project. By the end of 1977, Petroplan had 30 contractors on its payroll, leaving John and Graham free to focus on growing what had become their contractor recruitment business.
Overseas business for Petroplan began in the late 1970s, working with organisations such as Union Oil in the Netherlands, and Maersk and Danbor in Denmark, alongside other well-known international operators Shell, Texaco and Chevron. Petroplan’s founders describe these projects as a time of great margins -higher than 20% in the contract recruitment market – and where deals were sealed with a handshake rather than lengthy contractual documents. However, some things haven’t changed, such as attempts to predict the exact timing of ‘peak oil’. In the year Petroplan started (1976), Jimmy Carter talked about oil running out by 2011, and this debate also rumbles on. Today’s exploration and extraction technology has made the longevity of this sector much more viable and can support many generations of oil and gas careers yet to come.
Building for Further Success
By 1979, the business required further investment in administration, and Jocelyn Thomerson joined to provide general accounts support and organisation for the back-office activity. Jos, later down the line became a Board Director of Petroplan, leading the operational and contractor management side of the business. She has recently semi retired and moved in to an NED role. For her, and her well trained global team, the care with which contractors’ well-being and placements are managed is still personal, but the technology to process and administer is now very different.
Petroplan was headquartered in London at various West End offices in the early years, decked out with such items as telex machines, with long ribbons reaching great lengths during busy periods, and Philips word processors to professionally produce typed CVs.
In 1981, Pauline Horton joined the team to also support contractor management and mobilisation. As time moved on, she also became a Main Board Director, and maoved into a focal Client Relationship role. Over 30 years, Jos and Pauline have moved contractors across many global locations from the North Sea to Algeria to Iraq and Europe.
Moving with the Industry
During the 1980s and 1990s, Petroplan broadened its contractor base from its original focus of planning and cost engineers, to technical staff across the full spectrum of disciplines such as materials control, supply chain and project management to mechanical, electrical and commissioning engineers.
Key projects Petroplan’s contractors oversaw:
- The Tyra gas platforms in Denmark with the Danbar Drilling Company
- Floating schemes within the Ivanhoe North Sea oil fields, with Amerada Hess
- Multiple projects with Shell in the Netherlands
- Projects in the U.S. with Kerr McGee (now part of the Andarko Petroleum Corporation)
- BP projects in Norway
- Projects for Marathon Oil Corporation on refinery turnaround and tanker refits in the U.S. and in the North Sea Brae oilfields
- Work was also undertaken with Lasmo Oil and Agip UK (both now part of the Eni Group) on the Tiffany, Toni and Thelma fields – known as the T Block – to provide conceptual design teams and subsequently design, construction, installation and commissioning personnel
- Work in Saudi Arabia with a large national operator
- Project teams mobilised to Pakistan on behalf of Amec Foster Wheeler
- Kazakhstan exploration projects with consortia that included the government, supermajors and Agip UK, off the coast of the Northeast Caspian Sea
- BP projects within Azerbaijan including pipeline developments
- Nexen projects in the North Sea Buzzard oil field
Investing in the Future
The 2000s saw strategic expansion with offices being opened beyond the headquarters in England from 2005. This started with Aberdeen, and was followed by Calgary, Houston, Dubai, Cape Town, Oman and most recently Mozambique. In 2014, to grow our international capability, a London office was created and this, and Houston now represent Petroplan’s main centres of excellence.
A new direction was heralded in 2012 with the business placed more emphasis on talent acquisition for clients. Petroplan already had over 30 years of recruitment experience which was built on networks formed before the inception of Linked In and job boards. At this juncture more recruiters and operational support services were put in place to also attract candidates for permanent positions in the energy industry to expand the organisation’s reach beyond the active contractor network.
Over the past 40 years, there have been 2 constants; firstly the business has been guided by the strength, wisdom and knowledge of the above 4 individuals who are all still Main Board Directors today. Whilst the business may have altered in terms of the sectors that it now focuses on, and in terms of its technology, infrastructure and marketing, to meet the efficiencies required to operate and attract talent in this market, the utter commitment imbued from the early days to the care of our clients and contractors remains unchanged.
Secondly, we have a Board who truly understand the industry and are not phased by the ever-moving energy industry political and environmental pressures; as oil price and demand for other sources of energy, has flexed, along with the motivations of employers and candidates, so too has the Petroplan Group.
The heart of what we do, which is providing exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry, is the same today as it was at the beginning. We know that delivering on our commitments for those that depend on our business is essential.
Latest jobs
Construction Lead - Pipelines
Description: The Team Lead - Supervisor reports directly to the Construction Manager. The Team Lead- Supervisor is responsible to ensure that the inspectors and contractor is executing safely and efficiently all in compliance to the approved plans, contracts, procedures, standards, technical requirements, laws, and engineering design requirements. The Team Lead - Supervisor is responsible for construction and contract management of which those responsibilities include but are not limited to: Develop and instill a strong safety culture and a quality expectation that adheres to corporate standards and procedures; * Provide regular field inspections, monitoring, and guidance that generates commitment and support from all field workers; * Coordinate between the construction contractor, field team, and other 3rd parties; * Adhere to Construction Standards and Procedures; * Actively engage in the morning meetings to ensure that the expectation and plan is clear. Attend contractor daily meeting, too- box meetings, and implement field meetings with crews as necessary to communicate any issues or concerns; * Ensure that client and contractor constraints mitigated and communicated to the Construction Manager; * Ensure all daily safe work permits and site-specific hazard assessments exceed minimum standards; * Perform quantity surveys on a regular basis or as directed by the Construction Manager. Communicate to the CM daily any field issues / constraints with recommendations to mitigate those, all of which that may have project impact related to construction activities, safety, costs and schedule; * Ensure contractor implementation of Change Management process including RFI, PCN, DCN, etc.; * Proactively identify constructability issues and provide mitigation recommendations. Requirements: * Oil and gas or relevant Owner role experience on pipelines * Supports and disciplined to follow engineering requirements, procedures, standards, etc. * Managed a direct team of more than 12 individuals and multi-disciplined contractors * Relevant designations (CWB, API, CMAA, PMP, etc.) Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Petroplan are looking to hire a Vendor CoOrdinator/Expeditor to work in Oman for a large Oil and Gas client. This will be a rotational role on a 13/2 working 6 days a week. A brief description of the qualification and responsibilities are as follows. A recognized Mechanical Engineering degree. Approximately 10 years industry experience Must have minimum 5 years experience in Vendor Coordination and Expediting Must have good auditing skills (ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor preferred) Should be a good information extractor. Must have good oral and written communication skills Coordinate with all departments, engineering, construction, procurement, expediting, Project controls, etc. Coordinate with Vendors and EPC Contractor for scheduling and execution of audits, FAT, etc. Scheduling and mobilization of vendor resources, commissioning/operational spares, SAT coordination, etc. Management of Final vendor documentation and close-out. Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Cyber Security Engineer
Cyber Security Engineer Full Time - Direct Hire - Onsite, not remote On behalf of a great client I am looking for an experienced information security professional with a great educational and career background in this area. This is a very varied role working with some leading edge tools for a company heavily invested in cyber. The company is large but the cyber team is small and collaborative. Responsibilties include: Incident response Vulnerability management Implementation of cyber tools Network Security Resolution of cyber audit findings EDR What we are looking for: A Bachelors degree related to IT/Cyber At least 4 years of experience Past experience as a SOC analyst Experience of implemeting cyber tools Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Geological Advisor
Geological Advisor (Malaysians Only)A well established operator is looking for a highly experienced Geologist to join a high performing subsurface team. The person will be driving the field development studies and will be the focal point for the static modelling. Strong coaching and mentoring skills is also required in this position: Over 15 years of industry experience Must have worked for the operating company High degree of expertise in static modelling using PETREL International experience would be a plus Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Cost Control Specialist
Responsibilities Provides cost control support to project management teams by: Daily and weekly tracking and reconciliation of project costs based on source documents in accordance with System Improvement processes and procedures. Review, code and track invoices to ensure accuracy and proper cost allocation to the project WBS. Update the project cost tracker from multiple sources (Oracle/SAP, invoices, PO, vendor emails, etc.) Review costs billed to the project and follow-up with the project management team, Finance, Third Parties or other stakeholders when discrepancies arise. Perform monthly accruals and affiliate billing as needed. Arrange weekly Project Controls meeting and take meeting minutes. Providing capital cost control, variance analysis and reporting requirements for multiple complex and multi-disciplined System Improvement projects. Prepare reports and presentations for and provide support to project management team members and stakeholders regarding the cost status of their respective project budgets. Keep track of Scope Changes and manage the change log. Ensuring that Enbridge-sanctioned cost control processes are applied in the execution of their project activities. Working closely with the project manager and the Finance department and liaise with other project stakeholders for cost-related responsibilities. Ensuring relevant information is captured from projects to allow benchmarking. Provides operational support and leadership by: Communicating and working effectively with a varying set of stakeholders on a regular basis. Supporting project organization by identifying innovative solutions to project controls problems. Coordinating associated administrative matters, e.g., documentation, files, standards and regulations etc. Working with the assigned project management team to provide updates to Management Adapt strategies, when necessary, to meet the needs of projects managed by the department. Ensuring each project team leverages the Enbridge-sanctioned cost processes in the execution of their project management activities. Other duties as assigned Qualifications* Related university degree or previous field operations experience, OR mix of formal education and experience * Thorough understanding of Distribution Operations procedures and policies. * Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills * Demonstrate effective working relationships with peers and internal/external customers * Thorough knowledge of various computer software programs including spreadsheet and word processor * Excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills. * Project Management Professional designation, AACE certification, and/or Professional Engineering designation are assets * Advanced working knowledge of related Microsoft Office software, company financial systems, enterprise structure and standard operating procedures, etc. * Ability to effectively manage and prioritize workload and resolve issues in a timely manner * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form. This includes the ability to effectively interact with peers, internal and external stakeholders. * Salary and job level will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. * Share our core values of Integrity, Safety and Respect. Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Mechanical Engineer
Duties & Responsibilities:-Station Design support including equipment selection and site layout -Preparation and Delivery of Integrated Standards and Procedures based on Legacy company documentation -Coordination of Standard and Procedures Reviews and planning across the department -Maintenance of the plan for Stations Engineering to ensure that deliverables are met within allocated time -Manage ongoing governance for monthly and quarterly project reporting (in partnership with Supervisor) -Collate data and other inputs required and write responses, and seek approvals, for various internal ReportingMUST HAVE qualifications:-University degree in Engineering (preference Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical or equivalent). -P. Eng. -Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public -Demonstrated strong technical analysis and decision-making skills. -Demonstrated strong communication skills (verbal and written). -Demonstrated strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. Ability to build and maintain a good working relationship with the client groups is critical to this role. -Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint. -Self-motivated, independent, innovative, responsible, and a team player with a strong work ethic.NICE TO HAVE qualifications:PMP Background in Utilities Operation and Maintenance Background in equipment design and selectionWorking Conditions: Office work (site visits may be required on an ad-hoc basis) Working from home to start; gradual return to onsite once office re-opens (TBD per provincial guideslines) Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Senior Security SSHE Advisor
Petroplan are looking to recruit a Senior SSHE Security Advisor to work for a major Oil and Gas client in Kuala Lumpar. This will be on a years contract paying a monthly salary. The ideal candidate will already live in KL. Come with a minimum of ten years' working experience in security management, including minimum 3 years in a management or supervisory role. Five years' working experience in Oil and Gas industry Minimum Bachelor's Degree in any field of study In-depth knowledge of current security environment and regional security issues that could potentially present an elevated risk to activities in Malaysia Assets Familiarity with Integrated Security Systems, including access control cards & CCTVs. Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Senior Geophysicist
Petroplan are working with a client who is seeking a Malaysian citizen for a Senior Geophysist on a staff basis based in KL. The key requirements are: Relevant Degree with a preference for post graduate qualifications. Minimum of 10 years experience mostly spent with an E & P Company. Advance level in workstation skills in 3D seismic interpretation. Skilled in seismic data calibration, reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon detection from seismic. Applied geophysical experience in working with cross-functional teams on reservoir and field development activities associated with stacked oil and gas pays. Good working knowledge in geology with emphasis on structural and stratigraphic interpretation skills. Good understanding of seismic data acquisition and processing methods in offshore settings along with their impact on data interpretation accuracy and validity. Demonstrated experience in presenting seismic interpretation analysis & results to Management, Partners and Government agencies. Fluent in English-written and spoken. Ability to write high caliber/quality technical reports Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Engineer-in-Training, Distribution Optimization Engineering
Location: Chatham Ontario Responsibilities:* Overall responsibility to create update and maintain hydraulic network system models for Enbridge Gas Inc. * Overall responsibility to examine, design and analyze the effects of various system alterations on system integrity and reliability, and propose new or altered infrastructure, such as reinforcements, as required. * Provide consultation to Planning and Design and Customer Connections when considering load additions to the system. Incorporate short term and long term customer additions targets prepared by Customer Connections and/or the Municipal Correspondence departments into the forecast analysis. * Identify changes in customer load profiles and assist in incorporating these changes into the load gathering program and network analysis design standards, thereby ensuring accuracy of the annual simulation and forecast analysis * Analyze and forecast the short and long-range distribution system operating and infrastructure requirements under varying conditions for all regions within the EGI distribution system. * Conduct network impact reports and contingency plans as required ensuring system reliability and minimizing system disruptions. * Provide consultation to other internal groups, such as Network Operations, Gas Control, AR&I, Construction, Engineering, Integrity, Key Accounts, etc.Qualifications:* Related university Engineering degree and up to 2 years' experience * Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite * Excellent written and oral communication skills. * Knowledge of fluid dynamics or system modeling is an asset - understanding of the Synergi software is preferred. Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
GIS Technician
Location Chatham Ontario Duties Managing data in Hexagon GIS related to piping and station assets. Receive and interpret data Quality check data for accuracy and entry into GIS Communicate clearly and effectively with multi-disciplined team of professionals Follow the workflows for proper transmission of data Liaise with stakeholders to provide requested GIS input Qualifications Diploma in technical field from community college Experience with GIS and/or drafting Able to reach technical drawings and bills of materials Have worked in pipelines, oil & gas and/or mining industries Excellent written communication skills Proficient in MS Office and specifically having advanced skills in Excel. Petroplan Today - Our Vision & Mission Our core aim now, and since 1976, has been, and is, to provide exceptional talent solutions to the energy industry. This means delivering the right solutions to our business partners through specialist knowledge and tenacity, By creating strong business partnerships with our clients, contractors, candidates and suppliers, so that we can really understand their needs and truly assist, Through our dedicated expertise, focused only on the Energy sector By staying at the centre of the worldwide community for all those, we do business with. Bringing over 44 years' experience, providing experts and professionals into roles across the energy sector from Engineering, Exploration and Production, O&M projects to Corporate & Commercial, over 55 countries, 550 clients and 65 disciplines, our experience, specialist industry and technical knowledge makes our team true experts. Remaining niche to the Oil and Gas and, latterly, Renewables sectors, we can provide in-depth workforce solutions, via delivery from our global sector teams focused on Oil and Gas, Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-suite. To this end, we believe we can offer the full breadth of bespoke solutions and services based on all our clients' needs.
Blog
As remote work and virtual recruiting have become the new normal, businesses in all industries are facing tough competition to secure the market’s top talent. 70% of the global workforce is made up of passive talent, not to mention the increased focus on stability and security that professionals have in the Covid-19 era. Therefore, it remains difficult for organisations to identify, attract and retain the best candidates. Retrenchments have led to more talent on the market, so now is the time to consider whether they can add value to your organisation. With so many candidates in the market right now, it isn’t always easy to find what you’re looking for. So, here’s how you attract and hold onto the best people in oil, gas and energy.
Know your company’s missionBusiness leaders and hiring managers have long reported challenges attracting the market’s most qualified candidates. This is particularly pronounced in the SME market, with 64.2% of small businesses reporting they struggle to attract qualified talent. According to research by One Rec, 81.5% of recruitment professionals said that a lack of relevant candidates was impacting their recruitment efforts. While business priorities may have changed for many due to Covid-19, businesses with industry-leading professionals will be best placed to meet these challenges moving forward.
Many organisations have had to flex, reduce or restructure as a result of the pandemic and the corresponding economic downturn. Your resourcing requirements no doubt look very different from how they did before the outbreak. Contractor mobilisation and the supply chain have both been impacted, creating more challenges for businesses. Now is the time to understand your company’s mission and values, and identify roles you need to move your organisation forward. Whether that’s looking for tech talent to bridge the digital skills gap or introducing a new HSE position to remain compliant with Covid-19 policies, take the opportunity to rethink what roles make up your business.
It’s essential you foster a mission-driven company, as it can improve employee engagement – and regardless of the skills you identify, make sure that diversity and inclusion plays a part in any future talent attraction strategy. Gender diversity in particular is a chief concern for the oil, gas and energy, so ask your recruitment partner how they can help you with diverse searches.
Develop your employer brandYour employer brand plays a significant role in how appealing you are to top candidates. It serves as the identity of your company and the internet and social networking sites have made it easier than ever for professionals to find information about what it’s like to work for an organisation. It’s been found that nine out of ten candidates are more likely to apply for a job with an employer whose brand has been actively maintained. This means that it’s all the more important to define the message of your company and nurture your culture. That way, you’ll be able to give candidates a stronger perception of your brand. Whether that’s by overhauling your social media pages, asking employees for honest feedback, or developing your website to feature more company benefits, you need to add depth and show that your company is an excellent place to work.
Build a great candidate and employee experienceSpeaking of culture and benefits, you need to think about what would make industry-leading talent consider changing jobs. While salary will always be a key factor, the current climate means organisations may no longer have the budget to compete on salary. If this is the case, focus on other top factors for professionals, such as company culture, benefits and flexibility. In today’s competitive market, it’s all the more important that you anticipate candidate and employee needs. For example, start developing meaningful relationships during the recruitment process by delivering clear communication about onboarding timelines, and the requirements of the role. Providing a positive candidate experience is crucial to attracting the best talent and making successful placements. It’s been found that people who are pleased with their candidate experiences are 38 per cent more likely to accept a job offer.
Stability will also be increasingly important in the coming months and years as the market continues to respond to Covid-19. Longer contracts, help with mobilisation, permanent positions and employer support will all be more appealing to candidates, as will company culture. Glassdoor reports that 93% of employees mention company culture in their reviews, suggesting this is a critically important factor in both attracting new people and retaining current employees. It’s all the more important then, that you focus on maintaining a positive workplace culture where employees understand how they can add value and be successful. The key to retainment is building healthy relationships with your employees from day one.
Work with the right partnersIdentifying, attracting and securing the market’s best talent takes time, effort and resources. A specialist recruitment partner is best placed to support you through this, particularly as the market continues to ebb and flow with the pandemic. An outsourced partner will work as an extension of your business, taking the time to build long-term relationships with you and truly understand not only what you need from your people, but also what makes you unique as an employer. This allows consultants to position your business in the best possible way to the best possible candidates.
Whether you’re looking for drilling and well engineers or executive-level leaders, Petroplan can help. We’ll work with you to tap into new talent pools, identify the best solutions for your business and ensure you’re attracting the best candidates in the industry. Find out more about our client services here or contact us to start a conversation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
The oil, gas and energy sector has faced numerous challenges over the years. With the economy experiencing highs and lows, many businesses have been forced to adapt to the changes to remain competitive in a challenging market. COVID-19 has only made things more difficult for the sector, but today, technology is helping revive energy companies in the face of so much uncertainty. The sector has been showing signs of a digital transformation, with many oil, gas and energy leaders appointing Chief Digital officers to help with the adoption process. From big data to artificial intelligence, digital technology is emerging as a major driver in the industry – and now is the time for companies to refine their budgets and implement digitisation to pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Automation
Digitisation has the potential to address a wide range of issues in the energy sector, and improve efficiency. Automation technology has been playing a key role in the industry, and it has the potential to create a wealth of opportunities, such as reducing costs and improving safety. With automation, oil companies can monitor pipeline networks remotely and detect any problems much more efficiently.
There’s a range of automation systems already being used today, including RealSens, a product range used in drones and robots. Drones have become the most economical method for inspecting network pipelines, and many energy providers are using the technology in their operations. Major oil company BP was one of the first adopters of drones, and the organisation now deploys unmanned aerial vehicles and other technologies, which are used to undertake dangerous tasks in operational areas. ConocoPhillips is also using drones and according to NS Energy business, the company have reduced their task completion time by 75%.
Drones are also already being used to mitigate oil spill incidents, which have a huge impact on pollution. Having drones available can reduce the impact and provide accurate GPS locations of the spills. There’s no doubt that drone and automation technology have huge benefits for the industry. When implemented correctly, automation can drive productivity and reduce the risk for companies.
Cloud computing
According to PWC’s strategy report, cloud computing is one of the major areas of digital technology that has the most potential to transform the sector, because it combines analysis and data. Cloud-based computing allows companies to store their data, which then can be used to make better decisions and identify problems. This data can be used to analyse processes, planning and production methods – and it can reduce costs as companies won’t have to invest in huge systems for their IT teams. One of the major benefits of using cloud computing is that it can reduce the environmental impact. Cloud-based services often use less energy, which is positive for the environment. Researchers have predicted that cloud computing will become even more energy-efficient in the future, but yet one of the biggest areas of improvement revolves around the efficiency of data transport.
The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things has enormous potential to redefine the energy sector. Firstly, IoT devices are hugely beneficial for drilling management and health and safety. With the use of smart devices, energy companies can send alerts well in advance for emergencies. By using IoT devices, companies can protect their workers and create a safer environment. The conditions of oil rig sites are normally hazardous, so IoT devices can provide a detailed analysis of the situation and help workers navigate these sites safely. Furthermore, with the IoT, companies can track the location of supplies, as well as shipments, and remotely address any problems, thereby drastically improving the nature of asset tracking.
Many energy companies are also focusing their efforts on monitoring performance and operations using IoT sensors. These sensors provide real-time notifications in a digital dashboard to alert teams of any issues and to help with decision-making. IoT has increasingly paved the way for digital twins, which are virtual models of physical assets – and they benefit companies by providing 3D reports that predict maintenance issues. This means companies can resolve problems more quickly and manage processes more effectively. Ultimately, IoT allows energy companies to optimise processes and production, and improve the life spans of different equipment.
Cybersecurity
Finally, cybersecurity has been another cornerstone of digital transformation in recent years. It’s also a top priority for professionals in the energy sector. With the rise of remote work and the use of mobile devices, there has been an increasing number of cyber-attacks and threats on many businesses, including those in the energy sector. When it comes to digital initiatives at oil, gas and energy companies, cybersecurity must be considered throughout the entire organisation. Energy companies have a unique value to the economy, which makes them all the more vulnerable to attacks. At Petroplan, we’ve developed a strong database of cyber professionals in the ICS, IT/OT area and we are therefore well-positioned to help our clients find this talent.
Digital technology can help companies in the energy sector remain agile and competitive, and even boost revenue streams due to increased efficiency. With many new technologies in use, the energy sector is certainly changing and becoming more data-driven than ever before.
How can Petroplan help you?
We have more than 40 years’ experience in recruiting the best professionals into the energy sector. We understand the challenges and struggles that many businesses face. That’s why we only source the best candidates for roles and we always remain up to date with the latest changes in the industry. With the oil, gas and energy market currently experiencing a turbulent time, there are always opportunities for skilled professionals to make a real impact. Our team of consultants are well-positioned to provide industry expertise and insights. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you, please contact us to start a conversation.
Preparing for a virtual interview
With the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures, it’s not a surprise that businesses all around the world have turned to remote hiring. We’ve all been forced to embrace new ways of working, which includes a reliance on virtual interviews. In 2020, the Garter HR survey showed that 86% of employers are using virtual interviews to recruit candidates, but we suspect that figure is even higher now.
With COVID-19 impacting almost every sector, there are of course more candidates on the market due to retrenchment, and many of them high calibre candidates at that. But, whilst this is the case, if you’re considering a move there are still rich opportunities for professionals in the oil, gas and energy sector, although it’s true that you’re probably going to need to stand out more than before. As companies restructure and firm up their plans for 2021, January is a prime time to search as many employers enter a new financial year and are also eager to hire.
With the job market changing significantly as a result of the pandemic, and more businesses finding new ways to hire, it’s not just the hiring interface that has changed. Online tests, for example, have become a common part of virtual hiring. The interview process has become lengthier too, with many candidates having to go through multiple rounds of interviews, and meeting more potential colleagues one to one virtually.
So how do you succeed in with this environmental interface? Here are a few key tips to help you through the process.
Test your technology ahead of time
When it comes to virtual interviews, you need to make sure there are no problems with the technology. This means checking your internet connection, audio and camera quality well ahead of time. If you want to feel extra prepared, why not do a trial run with a friend or family member to help you test the quality of your internet connection? That way, you’ll be able to practise some interview questions while at the same time, check to see if there are any problems with the sound or frame. Once you feel confident about your technology, you’ll naturally feel more at ease when interviewing. It’s important the interviewer sees you as organised and efficient, so doing checks beforehand should be a priority.
Find a quiet space and think about your backdrop!
It’s important to conduct your virtual interview in a quiet space that’s well-lit. Loud noises in the background or distractions from other people will affect your ability to concentrate, and almost certainly give off the wrong impression. Likewise, the background is important and whilst it shows your sincerity to have a “real” backdrop, do think about what might be in the camera shot! Scott Forsyth, Management Systems Lead, recently placed with one of Petroplan’s clients, emphasised the importance of finding a quiet space. He was successful in his virtual interview and had this to say: “It’s important that you remove your phone from the room, don’t answer the door during the interview and remove any children or pets. Windows should be closed too.”
In any interview situation, you must be fully present and show that you’re interested. When there’s frequent interruptions or poor lighting, you’ll be giving off the signal that you’re not prepared. It can be difficult for professionals working from home who have to care for a family, so speak to the interviewer ahead of time, and let them know there could be some disturbances if this is the case (and how you will deal with the disturbances if needs be!) That way, you’ll be showing you’re an organised and conscientious professional.
Research the company
If you want to impress the interviewer, find out as much about the company and those interviewing you as possible. It’s essential that you treat a virtual interview as seriously as an in-person interview, which means doing your thorough research. It’s always obvious to any employer when a candidate hasn’t prepared. Scott mentioned that, “One advantage of a virtual interview is you can have bullet points available, so you’re more comfortable.” There’s always lots of information on a company’s website, social media channels, you can even lookout for any press releases or blog posts. When you’re knowledgeable about the company, you’ll be in a much better position, as you can speak about the research you have found and what appeals to you.
Stay engaged throughout the call
On a virtual interview, you’re going to need to convey engagement as much as possible. Compared to an in-person interview, there are less visual cues, so it can be harder to show interest. That’s why you need to make a conscious effort to ask lots of questions and engage the interviewer in a conversation about something non-work related to build rapport. Scott Forsyth stressed the importance of staying engaged during a virtual interview. He said, “There are not the same body language cues, so you need to be more aware of what’s going on.” It’s clear the best interviews feel natural and more like a meeting, rather than an assessment. Be prepared with some interesting questions and try to avoid asking anything you could easily find out yourself. Remember, you’ll be competing against many other candidates, so make sure you are prepared to engage in a meaningful conversation with the interviewer(s).
Master the final round
When you’re interviewing, it’s more than likely the process will include multiple rounds. Whilst you’ll do this in most of the rounds (unless they are solely technical), in the final stages, do all you can to focus on building rapport with your interviewer(s), (whilst staying focused on concisely answering all that is asked of you), even if it’s not explicitly a cultural fit interview. By this point, the company is already seriously considering you for the role, so take the opportunity to show that you’re a team player, you’re supportive and can fit seamlessly into a new team. The best way to do this is to ask thoughtful questions about the team (and any other key stakeholders you’ll be working with) while emphasising your achievements, and how you build relationships with new people. Much like normal interviews, building a relationship in a virtual interview is crucial, with Scott pointing out that, “There’s not much difference between the two, but it’s all about building rapport.”
Be sure to find out what’s important to them all the way through so that you can mould your answers accordingly. In addition, be prepared to build your case for future success at the company. Entrepreneur Jason Shen said in a TED conference that, “If you’re a candidate, don’t wait for an employer to ask. Seek out ways to showcase your unique skills and abilities.” It’s important that you think of new ways to stand out in that final round and show why you’re the right person for the role. Setting up a mock video interview can help you feel even more prepared and you’ll be able to take note of how you sound too. And remember, always strike a balance between humility and confidence to build trust with the interviewer.
Let Petroplan help you build your career
There’s no doubt that virtual interviews can be a challenging experience. It can be harder to make a long-lasting impression, but securing your next role doesn’t have to be daunting. At Petroplan, we are here to provide expertise and support, and of course, find the right next step for you. Our network is constantly growing, we care about you, and we provide the best opportunities in the market. If you want help landing your next role, do contact us for more information or view our latest oil and gas jobs.
As the global oil, gas and energy industry continues to slowly rebound and stabilise, and as borders begin to open, we’re seeing more jobs coming on to the market. And while the industry may be more project- and commercially-driven – than in the past, there remains plenty of lucrative opportunities for skilled energy professionals in all sectors, with businesses still open to upskilling their expertise.
As Deloitte notes, industry challenges in the form of political turbulence, weakening economic growth and trade tensions are continuing to upset the market. Businesses will be paying close attention to these disruptive forces and ensuring they are equipped with the right level of talent to navigate these trying times – and this may mean restructuring and change, which in turn opens the door to opportunity. So how can energy professionals make themselves heard in this noisy marketplace, and what can they do to secure the best role possible, whether it be a technical engineering role within an energy sector or a corporate role?
Here’s how to structure your CV to get noticed.
Lead with your technical skills and experienceQualifications, hands-on experience and certifications are all still highly desired within oil, gas and energy. Use a technical CV format to highlight these, placing your key skills at the very top of the document. These might include offshore substation experience, field operations experience, project management certifications, recognised engineering qualifications, wind turbine experience, language skills and safety training, but will vary according to your expertise. Recruiters search for keywords that match the industry, so this is a great opportunity to showcase your work experience and ongoing training and development. Meanwhile, for roles in the IT, digital and corporate areas of the energy industry, it’s key to highlight major achievements – ideally with supportive data that demonstrates their impact – and digital and technology skills that employers are increasingly looking for. Professionals should highlight this information in an executive summary before detailing job history.
If you’re applying for a specific role, make sure your skills meet the specific requirements mentioned in the job ad. Then, mention these in your CV and describe how they meet the needs of the role, whether that’s by describing your success in a similar position, referencing your qualification or demonstrating your understanding of how a key piece of technology works. Finally, include the names of projects you’ve worked on where possible. Employers will want to see the types of environments and machinery you’re used to working with (for example, an old rig versus a new rig) and this can help them to determine your level of experience.
Highlight your willingness to travel if requiredWhile mobilisation has been impacted by Covid-19, companies are still looking for candidates who are willing to travel – and can mobilise quickly. As the supply chain repairs and more projects open back up, we can expect to see more contractors and employees resuming travel arrangements in the coming months. Because energy industry jobs can be located in some of the world’s most remote regions, candidates must be willing to travel for the right opportunity, and ideally have prior experience doing so. If you have location-specific qualifications, have the advantage of being a dual passport holder, have visas or other documentation, be sure to specify this on your CV.
Demonstrate your expertiseWhether it’s subsea and marine, subsurface, drilling and well engineering, HSEQ, project management or construction, home in on your specific industry vertical within your CV. While the energy industry has roles for almost every type of candidate, there are always key areas of technical expertise in demand. The energy industry attracts highly skilled, highly technical professionals, whether they are engineers or corporate professionals choosing to work in that industry; either way employers want to see candidates who have experience in and commitment to their specialisms. Meanwhile, corporate professionals should highlight their knowledge of industry-standard systems and trends, whether that’s the latest data security standards for IT and cybersecurity professionals or the most effective lead management software in sales. Be sure to mention specific programmes and software you are familiar with, as consultants will look for these when searching for new talent.
Therefore use your personal summary or introduction section to outline your key experience and what you want to do next, and ideally ensure that this information either aligns, or explains what you’re looking to do and the value you can add to a business. Because many roles require extensive training and qualifications, candidates who can showcase dedication to their niche may seem like a better investment to businesses.
Showcase your technology know-howRecent reports suggest remote work in the oil and gas industry isn’t as much of a challenge as previously thought. With major companies moving much of their drilling activity into remote work-supported environments, there’s now talk that more work could move from the field to remote operations centres – or even the home – long-term. While the industry hasn’t always been quick to adopt and adapt to technology, there is no shying away from the role automation and robotics will play in the future. And although the rise of the machines may make some jobs obsolete, it will also certainly open up others for those professionals who are prepared to learn new skills and embrace technology. If this is you, highlight your technology skills in your CV and demonstrate your ability to work successfully in different environments.
Don’t exclude soft skillsAs hiring activity resumes, we’re seeing companies place more focus on leadership skills, personality and cultural fit than they have in the past. Technical skills are still highly important, but now clients are looking for professionals who can not only do the day job well but are aligned with their organisational goals and culture. If you’re a brilliant communicator, skilled at leading teams, excellent at influencing senior stakeholders or work well in a cross-functional environment, demonstrate these on your CV so consultants can see the full picture of you as a candidate. In addition, we’re seeing foreign languages become increasingly valuable to clients, so list any language skills you have. Finally, consider what skills from previous non-energy roles may be transferrable to the current climate. For example, military experience – particularly in the USA – has a very high standard amongst many clients, and showcases a variety of soft skills that are in high demand.
Find your role in the energy industry with PetroplanWith more than 40 years’ experience in the oil, gas and energy sector, Petroplan is an award-winning global, specialist, talent solutions business that seeks out the best contract and permanent opportunities around the world. We put a strong emphasis on candidate care, which includes offering advice on CV length and structure.
Our deep industry knowledge and long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates within the market mean we’re best placed to help you take your next career step.
View our latest oil and gas jobs or contact us to get started.
A day in the life of a Senior Consultant
Any recruitment professional will tell you that no two days are quite the same, and this is particularly true for those working within the energy industry, which has experienced high levels of turbulence in recent times. This ever-changing landscape and broad scope of the consultant role are just some of the reasons why people love working in recruitment – but as Roxy Hohls tells us, there are plenty of highlights to keep consultants motivated within recruitment.
Roxy is a Senior Consultant at Petroplan. She joined the business in September 2019 after moving from a smaller recruitment firm, and she hasn’t looked back. She spoke to us about what life is like as a Senior Consultant at Petroplan.
What led you into recruitment and what made you join Petroplan?“I started as an Office Assistant nearly ten years ago, before gaining my CIPD qualification and moving into the world of HR. Working as an HR Manager at a publishing house, I was put in charge of recruitment and that’s where I totally fell in love with the work. After realising that my favourite part of the HR job could be my full-time role, I decided to get into recruitment full-time, working as a consultant in a specialist energy search firm. Three years later I was approached by Petroplan’s Regional Director Jon France, and curiosity got the better of me! After hours of conversation, I accepted the job.”
What do you like about working at Petroplan?“While I never thought I’d work for such a large organisation, the scale of Petroplan was actually one of the most appealing things about it. There are so many existing relationships with big clients and there are always active roles, something which is not always the case in smaller firms. The work is interesting and varied and I have access to more clients and contacts, with clients using us for multiple roles and functions. I love being busy and having work on, and Petroplan really ticks those boxes.”
What is your favourite thing about working in this industry and as a Senior Consultant?“First and foremost, the energy industry is extremely friendly, from intern level to CEOs. There’s a lot of integrity and respect in this line of work. I feel like I am more of a ‘Career Consultant’ than a Recruitment Consultant, which is something I love. Clients no longer want to just see a CV – they want to know about the whole person, and I really value getting to bring candidates to life. Technical ability is important, but I’m increasingly matching people to positions according to their personality attributes and desires. There’s a lot of psychology in this type of work and I love finding candidates who are the perfect fit for a company, both in terms of their skill set and their cultural fit.”
What are the challenges and opportunities facing the industry?“The market is at an interesting stage right now. We’re seeing a lot of exceptional candidates who maybe haven’t been actively seeing new positions in the past few years, which is giving us a really strong talent pool to take to clients. Clients are now starting to hire again after a few months of watching the market, so it’s great to see some green shoots.”
Describe a typical day as a Senior Consultant“It starts with coffee! I split my day into three parts and adjust according to what’s urgent and important:
Admin: Tidying up CVs, sending shortlists out, responding to emails, updating notes on the system and one of my favourites: interview prep! When we have come this far in the process, I like my candidates to be as prepped as possible so we ace the interview! Candidates: Headhunting for the various roles I have on my desk. Petroplan has hundreds of clients so it’s not unusual for me to have multiple live roles to work on – it’s a matter of prioritising and juggling many balls at once gracefully! Clients: Keeping in touch and keeping them up to date on the hiring trends and job market. I also reach out to new contacts and find out where the jobs are – this market may seem small, but every day I am talking to new clients.” Why should candidates and clients work with Petroplan?“We care! You are not a number with us – we put the work in and spend time matching candidates to clients based on technical ability and personality fit. We’re a well-known, well-respected agency in the market and we know our industry inside out. Personally, I’ve been in the energy industry through downturns, so I’ve seen the trends and know what to expect. I’ll pay close attention to movements within the industry, looking at companies that receive funding and assets and getting to the bottom of what’s happening and why. It’s such a fascinating industry and I love learning more about it.”
Any top tips for people considering a career in energy recruitment at Petroplan?“Go for it! Working at a company like Petroplan gives you so many opportunities. As Petroplan is so established, with more than 40 years’ experience, every call you make will be, on some level, ‘warm’. The industry knows us and even if someone hasn’t worked directly with us, the chances are that they’ll know someone who has. We’re highly trusted and generate great results, which makes it such an appealing company to join. And although we’re big, we’ve got a positive culture with many opportunities to progress. You aren’t a small fish in a big pond – we’re all swimming together! For example, I know exactly what I need to do to get a promotion and I feel supported to achieve this. Whether that’s in account management, team management or another move within Petroplan, I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next”.
Interested in working at Petroplan? Find out more about us here or discover more about working at Petroplan.