Upstream Regulatory Manager
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Reports to: GLA Integration Director
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Job Overview:
We are seeking a skilled and experienced Regulatory Manager to join the Prax Upstream team in Aberdeen. The successful candidate shall have a broad knowledge of Upstream regulation and both offshore UKCS and onshore COMAH site experience. They will lead regulatory compliance efforts, acting as the primary liaison with key regulatory bodies, including the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and relevant local authorities (eg: Shetland Island Council). They shall be capable of project managing the preparation and submission of regulatory consent requests (and supporting documentation) and tracking/expediting approvals by the relevant regulatory body. This role is critical in ensuring that all operations align with applicable legislation, regulation, policies and accepted industry standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Regulatory Compliance
* Maintain comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements ensuring the Company remains compliant with all current and emerging legislation.
* Ensure consistent compliance across exploration, development, production and decommissioning activities.
* Monitor regulatory changes and advise senior management on their implications for Company operations.
Stakeholder Liaison
* Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, managing relationships and ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
* Represent the Company in regulatory audits, inspections and consultations, ensuring a professional and responsive approach.
* Initial focal point for stakeholder engagements relating to regulatory breaches or non-conformances.
Consent Applications and Regulatory Notifications
* Coordinate and submit applications, notifications and reports required for permits, licences, consents and compliance activities.
* Manage company PLANC registers.
Operational Support
* Support operational and development teams in understanding and adhering to regulatory requirements in areas such as health, safety and environmental performance and asset management.
* Collaborate with internal departments, including HSE, Subsurface, Engineering, Projects. Operations, Finance, IT and Human Resources to integrate regulatory compliance into operations/project planning and execution.
* Oversee the preparation and submission of key documentation, including Asset Stewardship Surveys, Field Development Plans (FDPs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Safety Cases (as applicable).
Reporting and Analysis
* Prepare and deliver regular compliance reports to senior management and stakeholders, highlighting risks, opportunities and key performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement.
* Analyse and interpret regulatory trends to inform strategic decision-making.
* Ensure accurate record-keeping of all regulatory correspondence and submissions.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Science, Engineering, Law).
* Significant experience in regulatory compliance within the upstream oil and gas sector.
* Strong knowledge of UKCS and onshore oil/gas regulatory frameworks and requirements from NSTA, OPRED, HSE and DESNZ.
* Proven track record of successful engagement with regulatory bodies and managing compliance.
* Experience of using and managing PLANC registers.
Desirable
* Professional qualification or membership in a relevant body (e.g., IOSH, IEMA).
* Experience with decommissioning projects and associated regulatory requirements.
* Familiarity with UKCS net-zero initiatives and energy transition regulations.
Skills and Attributes
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating regulatory risks.
* Detail-oriented with excellent organisational and project management skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.