HR Operations Manager

Harbour Energy – Visit Report & Vacancy Brief (HR Operations Manager)

Client: Harbour Energy  |  Attendees: Callum; Juan Pablo  |  Topic: New vacancy – HR Operations Manager (new role)

1. Visit Report

Purpose of visit: Discuss Harbour Energy’s requirement for a newly created HR Operations Manager role, align on target profile and sourcing strategy, confirm process, and agree immediate next steps.

Key discussion points

• Role creation: New position in the organisation: HR Operations Manager, reporting to Juan Pablo.
• Team structure: This function will lead a team of five: HR Business Partners supporting Zama, KAN, and Ogarrio, plus Labour & Employee Relations; there is currently no dedicated Technical BP.
• Scope: End-to-end employment relations and employee relations, HRBP oversight, support to offshore projects and onshore operations, and execution/continuous improvement of HR processes.
• Stakeholder management: Strong interface with BU leadership and corporate stakeholders; expected to navigate labour reforms and manage sensitive cases effectively.
• Target profile: Similar to Lukia (to validate language skills), with strong operational HR and ER background in onshore/offshore environments.
• Language: English required at advanced level.
• Systems: SAP exposure is a plus but not mandatory.
• Compensation: Salary not yet defined; to be confirmed by client.
• Timeline: Start date as soon as possible; client expects an initial shortlist of 3–4 candidates.
• Off-limits: ENI for headhunting (candidates who apply directly can be considered). Carso is a partner and should be treated as off-limits.
• Target companies: Operators; Rig Contractors; Large service companies (e.g., SLB, Weatherford, Baker Hughes, Halliburton) with onshore and offshore operations.

Agreed process & next steps

• Present profiles to Juan Pablo and Callum first for initial feedback.
• Provide a progress update next week (pipeline status, outreach results, and draft shortlist).
• Immediate outreach actions: contact Lukia to confirm interest, English level, and overall fit; check Rebecca (Shell) for interest and availability.
• Client to finalise the Job Description and confirm salary band.

2. Vacancy – Job Description (Draft)

Position: HR Operations Manager (new role)
Reporting line: Reports to Juan Pablo
Location: To be confirmed
Start date: As soon as possible

Role purpose

The HR Operations Manager will lead Harbour Energy’s operational HR agenda across onshore operations and offshore projects, ensuring robust employment and employee relations, consistent execution of HR processes, and effective partnership with business and corporate stakeholders. The role will manage a small team of HR Business Partners and Labour & Employee Relations, driving high-quality HR service delivery and compliance in a dynamic energy environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead operational HR delivery for onshore operations and offshore project activity, ensuring consistent and compliant people practices.
• Own and oversee employment relations and employee relations topics, including case management, investigations, disciplinary/grievance processes, and risk mitigation.
• Guide the business through the evolving regulatory landscape, including implications of labour reforms, and maintain appropriate documentation and governance.
• Manage and coach the HR team (HRBPs and Labour & Employee Relations), setting priorities, ensuring coverage, and enabling strong stakeholder support.
• Partner with BU leaders and corporate HR stakeholders to align HR priorities, manage escalations, and deliver practical solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardisation of HR processes (e.g., lifecycle processes, policies, reporting), ensuring an effective employee experience.
• Support workforce and operational requirements linked to offshore/onshore environments (e.g., mobilisations, rotations, critical roles), in coordination with relevant functions.
• Contribute to HR metrics and reporting; leverage systems and tools (SAP exposure desirable) to support service delivery and controls.

Organisation & team

The role will manage a team of five covering HR Business Partner support for Zama, KAN, and Ogarrio, alongside Labour & Employee Relations. There is currently no dedicated Technical BP, so the HR Operations Manager is expected to ensure appropriate coverage and coordination for technical population needs as required.

Candidate profile

• Proven HR operations and employee relations experience within energy or similarly regulated, safety-critical environments (operators, rig contractors, or large service companies with onshore/offshore operations).
• Strong knowledge of local labour legislation and demonstrated experience managing complex ER cases and stakeholder expectations.
• Track record leading and developing small HR teams, with the ability to prioritise and deliver at pace.
• Experience supporting both offshore projects and onshore operations, with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across business unit leadership and corporate functions.
• English: Advanced (mandatory).
• Systems: SAP experience is an advantage but not essential.

Recruitment notes (for internal use)

• Shortlist: 3–4 candidates.
• Submission: Send candidates to Juan Pablo and Callum for initial review.
• Off-limits: ENI for proactive headhunting (applicants can be considered); Carso (partner) off-limits.
• Target mapping: Operators; rig contractors; large service companies (SLB, Weatherford, Baker Hughes, Halliburton) with onshore and offshore operations.
• TIme: Provide an update on progress next week.
• Open items: Client to confirm salary range, and final JD sign-off.