NSTA 451 Asset Transition Manager

The NSTA’s plan for hybrid working includes an expectation for staff to spend 40% of their time in the office.

About Decommissioning and Supply Chain

This directorate is responsible for the NSTA’s activities in support of decommissioning, leading our work with the UK service sector. It is also the Authority’s focal point for engagement on culture change within the industry, working with operating and service sector companies to promote greater collaboration.

The NSTA Decommissioning Team works with industry to minimise the cost and greenhouse gas impact of decommissioning; and support the repurposing of infrastructure particularly in advancement of energy transition opportunities.

This is done through interacting closely with industry to deliver the post hydrocarbon phase of the life-cycle of offshore oil and gas infrastructure, supporting re-use and repurposing where appropriate and delivering cost effective decommissioning as required.

Working with industry and stakeholders to deliver a 35% decommissioning cost reduction is a key priority. This is driven by developing industry benchmarks and cost estimates and promoting and influencing change in the way work is planned and delivered.

Brief Overview of the Role

This is a new role focussed on stewarding assets through the transition from producing hydrocarbons to a post-hydrocarbon state. The work will include consideration of  the inventory section of the OGA Plan - Emissions Reduction and NSTA ambitions for re-using or repurposing infrastructure where appropriate.

This role will engage closely with NSTA’s Strategy, Ops, NV & Decom teams/directorates, with the post-holder developing, owning and leading the Asset Transition Process. The post-holder will play a key role in the Decommissioning Leadership Team working with the Decommissioning Manager and Decommissioning Projects and Interface Manager to embed the new asset transition process into the work of the unit.  

The work is strategic and will require engagement with external stakeholders, including industry, membership bodies and government departments.

Detailed job description and key responsibilities:

• Lead on re-use and re-purposing for the NSTA, providing expert advice as appropriate, and managing the process for screening and assessing these.
• Review and assess re-use and re-purposing opportunities, communicating this to Decom Stewardship Engineers and tracking/reporting information.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Decommissioning Team and New Venture/Operations to assess what is needed versus what is available, what is technically feasible, and influencing and engaging with stakeholders on this.
• Guide and influence (and support where applicable) targeted Operations/Decommissioning Stewardship engagements relating to prioritised re-use and re-purposing opportunities.
• Develop and maintain appropriate communication strategies, including ensuring the visibility of applicable infrastructure and re-use and re-purposing opportunities for other NSTA teams, through visual tools and/or reporting.
• Own and manage the ‘new’ Cessation of Production process (now ‘Asset Transition Process’), assessing the dates submitted and any other ‘alternatives to decom’ – collaborating and engaging with other NSTA teams/roles for their input as applicable, making recommendations to the Head of Decommissioning or Director of Supply Chain and Decommissioning.
• Deliver the requirements of Inventory Workstream in new OGA Plan – adopting a fit-for-purpose approach to ensure any complex or contentious decisions have input from applicable NSTA teams, and a consistent approach applied.
• Lead workshops, make recommendations, and ensure adherence to all relevant regulation and legislation to enable Asset Transition Process to function effectively within the NSTA.
• Responsible for ensuring NSTA and industry complies with regulatory requirements in relation to continued use, re-use, and repurposing, including appropriate record keeping, and preparing and maintaining relevant guidance.

Person specification

Competence 1:          Innovation, Initiative and Agility

The ability to be responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change, suggesting ideas for improvements, simplifying processes and increasing efficiency in support of the decommissioning strategy

Competence 2:          Leading and Communicating

The ability to communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. Using different communication methods to make an impact, engaging with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully.        

Competence 3:          Collaborating, Influencing & Including

Collaborative working, sharing information and building supportive, responsive and respectful relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, in an environment where priorities and goals can quickly change and evolve, enabling constructive engagement at all levels.

Competence 4:          Delivery

Focussed on delivering timely performance with energy, taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.

Specialist Skills, Qualifications, Experience, Licenses, Memberships or Language

Essential:

• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering, project management or business discipline
• Knowledge and comprehension of oil and gas infrastructure
• Experience in influencing, leading or directing others
• The ability to influence peers and manage multiple stakeholders at senior levels of the organisation
• Proven ability of managing and successfully executing multiple programmes and projects (strong project mindset)
• Ability to review, assess and prioritise opportunities in a timely and effective manner
• Excellent communication, presentation and report writing skills

Desirable:

• Understanding of pipeline operations and technical/operating data, at a Facilities, Process or Operational Engineer level
• Appreciation of repurposing challenges and opportunities
• Some understanding of UKCS CCS and H2 storage opportunities