The Rising Demand for Oil and Gas Project Managers

New fields, bigger builds, tighter margins. Right now, oil and gas operators are under pressure to deliver more with less. Projects are pushing into remote territory, timelines are unforgiving, and risk profiles are rising. In the middle of it all sits one person: the project manager.

These roles aren’t just about scheduling or reporting. Today’s oil and gas project manager is part commercial strategist, part technical lead, and part risk controller. Their decisions shape safety records, profit margins, and reputational strength.

But there’s a problem. The number of experienced professionals ready to take on this challenge is shrinking. Many are leaving the industry, switching sectors, or stepping away from permanent roles altogether.

That’s where oil and gas recruitment gets tough. Operators aren’t just looking for leadership on paper. They need professionals who understand the demands of the field and can deliver, no matter the environment.

So, what does a strong PM really look like in 2025? Where is the top talent going? And what can hiring teams do to keep up?

Let’s break it down.

Why Project Leadership Must be a Priority

Oil and gas projects today are bigger, more complex, and spread across multiple jurisdictions. Managing them takes more than just task coordination. It requires experienced leadership with the technical, commercial, and operational knowledge to deliver.

Here’s what’s changed:

• Senior project managers are retiring, with fewer replacements coming through
• Visa issues and localisation rules are slowing down global hiring
• More PMs are moving into adjacent sectors like renewables or infrastructure
• Experience needs to be exact — offshore to offshore, EPC to EPC
• Delays are becoming more common as shortlists thin out

Operators that leave hiring too late risk missed milestones and rising costs. The answer isn’t more job ads. It’s earlier planning and deeper networks.

Orion helps clients get there first.

Common Traits of a Great Oil and Gas Project Manager

Not every project manager is built for oil and gas. These roles demand more than generic delivery skills — they require technical fluency, sector-specific knowledge, and the ability to perform under pressure. The best oil and gas project managers bring a rare mix of experience, resilience, and foresight.

Here’s what sets them apart:

1. Field-specific experience

The difference between upstream and downstream matters. So does understanding what it means to lead offshore versus onshore. A PM who has delivered remote drilling campaigns may not be suited to a refinery turnaround. The most effective hires bring direct, hands-on experience that reflects the project environment.

2. Contract and delivery model knowledge

From EPC and EPCM to FEED and shutdowns, strong project managers understand how contract structure shapes execution. They know how to work within safety-critical timelines, minimise downtime, and align risk across stakeholders. It’s not optional — it’s essential.

3. Technical fluency

Whether it’s Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or other PMIS platforms, tools are only useful if they’re used well. Skilled PMs use them to forecast accurately, manage change, and keep decision-makers informed in real time.

4. Leadership under pressure

Oil and gas recruitment isn’t just about finding people who can manage tasks — it’s about finding leaders who can manage teams. That includes working across cultures, navigating regulatory frameworks, and building trust quickly in high-stakes environments.

5. Site readiness and resilience

From deepwater FPSOs to desert pipeline builds, location can define the entire delivery strategy. Project managers must be prepared for rotation schedules, remote working conditions, and operational stress. It’s why resilience is often the deciding factor.

At Orion, we don’t just match skills to specs. We look for offshore-ready professionals who can adapt quickly and lead with credibility. Whether it’s a Pipeline Construction Manager or a Shutdown Turnaround PM, we qualify candidates for fit, not just function.

Where Are These Project Managers Going?

The oil and gas industry is investing heavily, yet experienced project leaders are becoming harder to find. Where are they going?

1. Career shifts to other industries

Many senior PMs are moving into renewables, utilities, or data centre builds. These sectors often offer more predictable scopes or stronger ESG alignment. A PM with EPC experience might now be leading hydrogen infrastructure or offshore wind projects. 

2. Contract-based careers

Permanent roles are no longer the default. Many project managers now prefer contract-based work, offering flexibility in project type and geography. They can take on high-value contracts, step back between jobs, and work globally through limited companies.

3. International markets with premium offers

Regions like Qatar, UAE, and Australia are offering long-term contracts, tax advantages, and generous living packages. These markets are highly attractive to experienced PMs, especially when local opportunities are limited or less rewarding.

4. Visa and mobility challenges

Delays in visa approvals, stricter cross-border compliance, and localisation rules can all restrict where PMs are placed. Even when the right candidate is identified, international deployment is not always straightforward.

5. A shrinking leadership pipeline

Many of the industry’s most experienced PMs started their careers in the 1990s and are now retiring. Fewer younger professionals have had the opportunity to lead large-scale projects internationally, leaving a gap in leadership.

This is where oil and gas recruitment agencies like Orion Group make a difference. We maintain up-to-date pipelines of qualified, mobile professionals who are ready for contract or permanent project manager jobs across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Strategies for Hiring the Right Project Managers

Hiring the right Project Manager in oil and gas takes more than a job spec and a CV search. Projects are getting bigger, more complex, and more geographically spread. At the same time, the talent market is shifting. Experienced PMs are in shorter supply, and those with the right technical and commercial background are being snapped up quickly.

According to McKinsey, upstream oil and gas investment is expected to increase by 20 to 30 percent by 2030, driven by renewed energy demand and security priorities. This puts pressure on hiring teams to move early, move accurately, and offer more than just a role.

So what can you do to stay competitive?

Start early

Hiring should begin before the contract is signed. If you wait until the project is live, you risk missing critical mobilisation windows. Plan out key PM roles during the tender or pre-approval phase to avoid delays later on.

Know what “fit” really means

Project Managers are not interchangeable. You need someone who matches the scope and delivery environment of your specific project. Key considerations include:

• Size and complexity of the build
• Onshore or offshore delivery
• Contract structure and risk profile (EPC, FEED, shutdowns)
• Regional compliance requirements or local content laws
• Rotational or relocation demands
  
  

Offer terms that reflect today’s market

The best PMs have choices. Whether contract or permanent, your offer needs to show you understand what matters. That includes:

• Flexibility on rotations and project length
• The option to onboard remotely in early phases
• A clear outline of scope, team structure, and reporting lines
• Realistic timelines for mobilisation and delivery
  
  

Prioritise long-term value

For permanent hires, progression matters. Many candidates want to know whether a role can grow into a leadership or regional remit. Others are looking for transition routes into adjacent sectors like clean energy or infrastructure. If your project offers long-term value, make that visible from day one.

Work with a recruiter who understands delivery

Not every oil and gas recruitment agency will get this right. A specialist partner will know which candidates are qualified, mobile, and genuinely delivery-ready. They’ll also know how to respond quickly to project shifts, certification requirements, and international mobilisation timelines.

If your shortlists feel slow or off-mark, the problem might not be the talent pool. It might be how you’re searching.

Speak to an Oil and Gas Recruiter About Your Project Hiring Needs 

Orion has a long history of placing high-performing project managers on global oil and gas developments. From FPSO delivery to LNG expansion, we support operators and EPCs with contract and permanent hires.

Orion place:

• EPC project leads
• Shutdown Turnaround Coordinators
• Drillsite PMs
• Facilities and Construction Managers

Our oil and gas recruiters specialise in identifying delivery-ready talent with the certifications, experience, and mindset needed to succeed.

Whether you are scaling up for a mega project or need urgent site cover, Orion can help. We offer:

• Offshore recruitment expertise
• Contractor jobs in oil and gas
• Permanent oil and gas project manager jobs

Speak to Orion’s oil and gas recruitment team today to find experienced project managers who can deliver your goals.