Field Operations Manager Job Description UAE 2025 — Responsibilities, Qualifications and Salary
A Field Operations Manager in UAE earns between AED 240,000 and AED 480,000 per year. The role manages day-to-day operations at oil and gas production facilities, ensuring production targets, HSE standards, and cost budgets are met. It requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, 12 to 18 years of oil and gas operations experience, and strong leadership skills.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 240,000–480,000
Updated 2025
Field Operations Manager Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Field Operations Manager in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Direct field production operations to meet daily and monthly targets | Daily | Production target achievement reviewed in daily operations call |
| Manage field HSE performance and compliance | Ongoing | Zero LTI per quarter; HSE KPIs reported monthly |
| Oversee field maintenance planning and execution | Weekly | Planned maintenance completion rate above 90 percent |
| Manage field OPEX budget and cost control | Monthly | OPEX variance below 3 percent per month |
| Lead emergency response and plant shutdown procedures | As required | Emergency drills completed quarterly with debrief |
| Develop and retain field operations team of 50 to 200 personnel | Ongoing | Annual retention rate above 85 percent |
Field Operations Manager Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Field Operations Manager role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering |
| Experience | 12 to 18 years in oil and gas operations with minimum 5 years in a field management role |
| HSE | NEBOSH Certificate or above; incident investigation experience |
| Operations | Experience managing onshore or offshore production facilities |
| Budget | Demonstrated management of OPEX budgets of AED 20 million or above |
| Communication | Operational reporting, contractor management, and team leadership |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Field Operations Manager employed in mainland UAE requires a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contract. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority’s employment regulations.
How RFS Recruits a Field Operations Manager
- You brief RFS with the role specification, seniority level, and team structure. The briefing call takes 30 minutes.
- RFS searches its active candidate database and activates direct outreach within 24 hours of instruction.
- RFS delivers a shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened Field Operations Manager candidates within 48 to 72 hours.
- You conduct interviews. RFS coordinates scheduling and candidate communication throughout.
- RFS supports offer negotiation and manages the candidate’s notice period and onboarding.
- The 6-month replacement guarantee activates from the candidate’s start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Field Operations Manager earn in UAE?
A Field Operations Manager in UAE earns between AED 240,000 and AED 480,000 per year. ADNOC operating company managers earn AED 360,000 to AED 480,000 with housing, transport, and education allowances. EPC contractor operations managers earn AED 240,000 to AED 300,000.
What experience is required for a Field Operations Manager in UAE?
UAE oil and gas employers require 12 to 18 years of upstream or midstream operations experience. A minimum of 5 years in a production supervisor or operations team leader role is required before moving to field management. ADNOC and its operating companies require candidates to have operated at least one greenfield or brownfield facility through startup.
How does RFS recruit Field Operations Managers?
RFS sources Field Operations Manager candidates from its oil and gas operations network across UAE and Saudi Arabia. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Field Operations Manager does in UAE
A Field Operations Manager in UAE’s oil and gas sector manages all daily production, maintenance, and safety activities at an oil or gas field, offshore platform, or remote onshore facility for ADNOC Group or international oil companies. You lead the field team, own production targets, and maintain full compliance with ADNOC HSE standards across UAE operations.
Key responsibilities
- Manage all daily field operations including production, injection, and utility systems
- Lead field operations teams including production operators, technicians, and maintenance staff
- Own daily production target delivery and investigate production deferral events
- Manage the Permit to Work system and maintain safe isolation standards
- Oversee planned maintenance and ensure critical equipment is maintained to schedule
- Manage field emergency response and lead regular drill exercises
- Ensure ADNOC Group HSE compliance and zero-harm performance on the field
- Coordinate scheduled and unplanned shutdowns with maintenance and technical teams
- Manage field OPEX budget and monthly cost reporting
- Report daily production, safety, and operational KPIs to the asset operations manager
Qualifications required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent technical qualification
- 10 to 15 years oil and gas operations experience with at least 3 years as Field Operations Manager
- ADNOC Group operational competency framework certification preferred
- IWCF Well Control awareness for upstream field roles
- Process safety management and PTW system management experience
- BOSIET or HUET certification for offshore field roles
- Arabic language skills preferred for ADNOC authority and community engagement
- UAE driving licence for onshore field roles
Field Operations Manager salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC Group operating company (ADCO, ADNOC Offshore, ADNOC Gas) | 380,000–660,000 |
| International oil company UAE (Shell, TotalEnergies, ENI) | 360,000–640,000 |
| Independent E&P or NOC partner (UAE) | 320,000–580,000 |
| Gas processing or LNG facility (UAE) | 340,000–600,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Field Operations Manager roles carry a 60 day notice period in UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Field Operations Manager in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Field Operations Manager candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee on all placements.
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UAE Market Data — Field Operations Manager 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 8,000 – 50,000 (varies by seniority and industry)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
General — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
Role-specific professional certifications required. UAE-recognised qualifications preferred.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
UAE Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021, WPS compliance, MoHRE work permit processing, Emiratisation obligations for qualifying companies.
RFS HR Consultancy places field operations manager professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our executive search firm Dubai UAE or check the UAE salary guide 2025.
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