Operations Leadership

Driving Margin Growth
& Operational Excellence

18+ years leading wireline operations across MENA's most challenging environments. From conflict zones to complex stakeholder landscapes, I deliver results where others hesitate.

Ousama Abughalia
18+
Years
8+
Countries
1M+
Zero LTI Man-Hours
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Wireline Operations P&L Management HSE Leadership Change Management Digital Transformation MENA Operations Client Relations Team Leadership Wireline Operations P&L Management HSE Leadership Change Management Digital Transformation MENA Operations Client Relations Team Leadership
Ousama Abughalia

"Excellence is not an act, but a habit built in the field."

Built in the Field.
Proven at Scale.

I have spent nearly two decades running oil and gas operations in environments most professionals would rather avoid. From the deserts of Turkmenistan and Libya to the politically complex fields of Iraq, I have built a career on one principle: deliver results where others see obstacles.

My journey began in the field as a wireline engineer, progressing through Schlumberger and Weatherford to lead full-scope operations across the MENA region. I have managed P&L ownership for multi-million dollar contracts, directed teams of 80+ across multiple countries, and maintained impeccable HSE records in some of the highest-risk settings in the industry.

Beyond operations, I was part of a critical workstream in a global ERP implementation at Schlumberger, giving me a rare dual perspective: I do not just run operations, I understand how to fundamentally redesign them.

Strategic Operations

Full P&L ownership with proven margin improvement track record

Team Leadership

Led multicultural teams of 80+ through 9 direct reports

HSE Excellence

Zero LTI across 1,000,000+ man-hours in high-risk environments

Digital Transformation

Part of ERP implementation impacting 1,000+ users across 5 countries

What I Bring to
the Table

01

P&L & Margin Growth

Full ownership of multi-million dollar P&Ls with proven 10% year-over-year gross margin improvement through inventory optimization, cost discipline, and strategic pricing.

02

HSE Leadership

Maintained perfect HSE records with zero LTI, zero incidents, and zero vehicle accidents across 100,000+ man-hours in Iraq's most challenging operational theaters.

03

Team Building

Built and led multicultural teams of 80+ personnel through 9 direct reports, developing local capability to reduce long-term operational costs and improve retention.

04

Digital Transformation

Part of critical workstream in a global ERP implementation, directing UAT/QA across 5 countries impacting 1,000+ users with zero critical defects.

05

Client Management

Strengthened client retention through quarterly business reviews, KPI dashboards, and tailored solutions resulting in contract extensions and scope expansion.

06

Crisis Management

Led crisis management during the Jasmine Revolution with 100% personnel safety and operational continuity while navigating geopolitical disruptions.

Where I Have
Been

Weatherford

Wireline Operations Manager
Dec 2022 – Present | Basra, Iraq

Leading Iraq-wide wireline operations covering southern fields (including Rumaila), northern Iraq, and KRG region. Full P&L ownership serving 8 major NOC and IOC operators.

3+ yrs
Iraq

Weatherford

Wireline Operations Manager
Mar 2022 – Dec 2022 | Hassi Messaoud, Algeria

Directed wireline operations across Algeria servicing Sonatrach, ENI, and Pertamina. Managed multi-million dollar annual operations with a 24-person team.

10 mo
Algeria

Schlumberger (SLB)

IT Operations Manager
Aug 2017 – May 2019 | Pune, India

Career pivot into business transformation — led a critical workstream within SLB's $1B+ global ERP implementation. Directed UAT/QA testing for Phase 1 rollout across 5 countries.

2 yrs
India

Schlumberger (SLB)

Business Process Manager
Sep 2013 – Jul 2017 | Dubai, UAE

Led CRM and ERP implementation across SLB's Global operations. Managed matrix team spanning Dubai and Houston, driving digital transformation and technology adoption.

4 yrs
Dubai

Schlumberger (SLB)

Wireline Field Service Manager
Feb 2010 – Sep 2013 | Sfax, Tunisia

Directed 50+ field personnel delivering wireline services across Tunisia. Navigated one of the region's most significant geopolitical disruptions while maintaining operations.

3+ yrs
Tunisia

Schlumberger (SLB)

Wireline Field Engineer
Jan 2005 – Feb 2010 | Turkmenistan / Libya

Progressed from Field Engineer to General Field Engineer across Turkmenistan (Caspian operations) and Libya. Built core wireline technical expertise, led field crews, and developed foundation skills.

5 yrs
MENA
18+
Years Experience
8+
Countries Operated
86
Team Members Led
0
LTI Incidents

Professional
Certifications

Project Management Professional

PMI Certified

ITIL 4 Foundation

IT Service Management

MEng Electronic & Communication Engineering

University of Bath

Let's Start a
Conversation

I am always open to discussions about operations leadership, digital transformation in energy, and opportunities to drive excellence in complex environments. Whether you are looking for strategic guidance or exploring a collaboration, I would welcome the conversation.