Operations Manager, Production Optimization

About the Role

This role oversees the scheduling, development, and performance of Artificial Lift Technicians, ensuring compliance with company and client safety and operational requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong operations leadership with extensive oilfield production and artificial lift experience, technical troubleshooting capabilities, and client-facing experience. This individual will drive continuous improvement across field and technical services, including:

• Echometer technologies: fluid-level testing, dynamometer analysis, gas lift dual-shot testing, and RRC/MIT testing
• HydraLift sucker rod pump respacing tools
• Load cell replacement
• Rod rotator repair, replacement, and installation
• Production automation installations, including Pump-Off Controllers (POCs) and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on reciprocating rod-pumped wells
• Additional production optimization technologies and services introduced across the organization

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to help build and expand a growing Production Optimization organization with direct influence on operational execution, technical strategy, client relationships, employee development, and future technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Production Optimization organization and Midland operating hub
• Manage the scheduling, utilization, and performance of Artificial Lift Technicians
• Support the hiring, onboarding, training, and development of technicians as the business expands into additional operating areas
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures, optimization workflows, and field-service best practices
• Build scalable operational processes to support continued business growth
• Coordinate field activities to ensure client commitments are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule

Technical Leadership & Training

• Lead the technical development and continuous training of Production Optimization Artificial Lift Technicians
• Provide technical guidance for Echometer equipment, software, diagnostics, and field applications
• Support fluid-level testing, interpretation, and troubleshooting
• Support dynamometer data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation
• Support gas lift performance analysis utilizing the Echometer Dual Shot process
• Analyze production and operational data to identify production enhancement and performance improvement opportunities
• Support production optimization, failure analysis, and operational troubleshooting efforts
• Assist in the development and implementation of next-generation monitoring, automation, and production optimization technologies

Technology Implementation

• Manage the rollout, field implementation, and operational integration of new Production Optimization technologies
• Support automation initiatives, including POC and VFD installations and related production optimization technologies
• Manage the implementation of Lift-Rite Technologies and other future Production Optimization products and services
• Ensure technicians receive appropriate training and documentation before new technologies are deployed in the field

Equipment, Fleet & Asset Management

• Manage the Production Optimization vehicle fleet and ensure compliance with company, state, client, and regulatory vehicle requirements
• Manage inspection, calibration, documentation, maintenance, and readiness of Echometer equipment, HydraLift tools, and other Production Optimization assets
• Maintain appropriate equipment records and ensure field tools remain operational and available to support client requirements

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all company and client health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements
• Maintain compliance with applicable client contractor-management systems and requirements, including ISNetworld
• Ensure technicians maintain required safety certifications and training, including H2S training, gas-monitor requirements, and applicable client-specific programs
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure field activities are performed in accordance with company policies and client expectations

Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage daily, weekly, and monthly operational and financial closeout activities
• Ensure field tickets, service documentation, billing information, and supporting records are accurate and submitted in a timely manner
• Support client setup, credit approval, and billing processes
• Coordinate supplier setup and credit requirements for approved third-party vendors and suppliers
• Provide regular operational and financial reporting to Production Optimization leadership

Client & Business Support

• Support implementation of production enhancement initiatives developed in partnership with clients
• Participate in client operational reviews, troubleshooting discussions, and optimization meetings as required
• Work collaboratively across operations, engineering, sales, product lines, and executive leadership
• Help identify opportunities to expand Production Optimization products and services within existing and prospective client operations

Qualifications

• 15+ years of oil and gas industry experience, preferably in artificial lift, production operations, or production optimization
• Previous experience with an oil and gas operator, major oilfield service company, or established artificial lift organization
• Demonstrated experience building, managing, or leading oilfield service operations
• Experience managing field personnel, operational workflows, equipment, and client-facing initiatives
• Strong background in production optimization, failure analysis, diagnostics, and operational troubleshooting
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Vehicle allowance or company vehicle
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and retirement benefits
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and technical training opportunities