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Category
Project Management & Leadership
Work Pattern
Onshore / Hybrid
Reports To
Project Director / VP FPSO
Position Overview
The Project Manager - FPSO leads the delivery of FPSO projects from concept through to first oil, managing the unique complexities of vessel conversion or newbuild, topsides integration, marine systems, and hook-up and commissioning. This role demands an understanding of both marine and offshore oil & gas disciplines, making it one of the hardest project management positions to fill. With the global FPSO orderbook at record levels, experienced FPSO project managers are among the most sought-after professionals in the industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage FPSO project delivery from concept selection through to first oil and steady-state operations handover.
- Develop and implement project execution strategies for FPSO conversion or newbuild projects, including dual-track hull and topsides execution.
- Manage EPC and EPCI contractors for hull, topsides, mooring, and riser systems across multiple global fabrication yards.
- Coordinate hull-topsides-marine system integration and manage critical interfaces between work packages.
- Oversee FPSO sail-away, tow, hook-up, and commissioning execution planning.
- Ensure compliance with Class society, flag state, and coastal state regulatory requirements.
- Manage project budgets (typically $1B–$3B) and maintain cost and schedule control.
- Drive risk management and implement mitigation actions for FPSO-specific risks (yard delays, integration issues, regulatory approvals).
- Liaise with Class surveyors, marine warranty surveyors, and third-party verifiers throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure smooth transition from project to operations, including completion system, punch-list close-out, and handover documentation.
Qualifications
Required
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Master's preferred
- Certifications: PMP or equivalent; BOSIET/FOET; NEBOSH Certificate (preferred)
- Experience: 12–18 years in offshore/FPSO project delivery with at least 5 years in a PM role; experience with both conversion and newbuild FPSO projects
- Technical Skills: FPSO project execution (conversion and newbuild); hull-topsides integration; Class and regulatory compliance; multi-yard fabrication management; marine operations planning
Preferred
- Experience with FLNG or FSRU project delivery
- Involvement in harsh-environment FPSO projects (North Sea, Arctic)
- Knowledge of FPSO lease vs. own business models and their project implications
- Familiarity with digital delivery and BIM for FPSO projects
Market Intelligence
$1,200–1,800/day
Shortage Level: Critical
Key Skills Gap: PMs with both conversion and newbuild FPSO experience; hull-topsides integration management; experience delivering FPSOs in multiple regulatory regimes
Regions in Highest Demand: Southeast Asia (Singapore/Korea shipyards), Brazil, West Africa, Middle East
Demand Drivers: Record FPSO orderbook with 30+ units on order, increasing FPSO complexity, limited experienced FPSO PMs as senior practitioners approach retirement