NEQ Operating is a leading operator of upstream oil and gas assets across the Lower 48, managing a diversified, multi-basin portfolio that includes assets in South Texas, Haynesville and the Mid-Continent. Backed by Quantum Capital Group and NextEra Energy Resources, NEQ is building a scaled, world-class upstream business through the strategic acquisition, development and optimization of PDP-heavy, yield-oriented assets.

The Director, Information Technology is NEQ’s senior technology and data leader and a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. The role owns executing the technology agenda for an independent upstream operator: strategic partnerships, business applications, data and analytics, AI, infrastructure and cloud, field and operational technology, end-user devices and cybersecurity.

NEQ treats data and technology as a strategic asset. This leader will build a lean, high-performing function, with leads for Data/Analytics/AI, Operational Technology / Engineering Technology (OT/ET) and IT, that turns operational, subsurface, land and financial data into faster and better-informed decisions, using a deliberate blend of in-house talent and best-in-class partners. The role is equal parts strategist, builder and operator. This position is based in Houston, Texas or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

•     Technology and data strategy: Develop and own a multi-year technology and data strategy and roadmap aligned to NEQ’s operating plan, development program, capital discipline and continuous optimization of the business; serve as the COO’s principal advisor on technology, data and digital opportunities.

•     Governance and value: Establish technology and data governance, including project portfolio prioritization, architecture standards and decision rights with business leaders; build business cases and cost/benefit analyses, and report on realized value.

•     Data foundation: Lead the design of a trusted, well-governed data platform that integrates drilling and completions, production, subsurface, land, marketing and financial data into a single, authoritative version of the truth, with data ownership, quality standards and master data management for wells, properties, owners, vendors, contracts and AFEs.

•     Decision support: Partner with Operations, Subsurface, Land, Engineering and Finance as co-owners of analytics priorities, delivering self-service reporting, dashboards and advanced analytics, such as production surveillance, cost per well and capital performance.

•     AI and automation: Work hand in hand with business domain leaders to evaluate and responsibly deploy AI, machine learning and automation where they create measurable operational or financial value.

•     Business applications: Own the upstream application portfolio, including ERP and financials, revenue and joint interest accounting, production accounting, land and division order systems, field data capture, and geoscience and engineering tools; lead selection, implementation, integration and lifecycle management, avoiding unnecessary customization and rationalizing redundant systems.

•     Business partnership: Partner with Finance, Land, Operations, Subsurface and Marketing leaders to ensure systems support end-to-end processes and the control environment.

•     Engineering and operational technology: Oversee SCADA, measurement, automation and field connectivity in partnership with Operations, ensuring reliable and secure data flow from the wellhead to the enterprise; drive IT/OT convergence, including field network architecture, remote monitoring, edge data capture and asset-level technology standards.

•     Infrastructure and service delivery: Be accountable for the network, cloud, end-user computing, collaboration and telecommunications environments that support office and field personnel; set and manage service levels, maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans appropriate to a producing operator, and oversee technology asset inventories.

•     Cybersecurity, risk and compliance: Own the cybersecurity program, including risk assessment, threat monitoring and incident response; establish and enforce technology policies and procedures, and ensure IT general controls and audit readiness supporting financial reporting, lender and investor requirements.

•     Vendors and financial management: Plan and manage the technology operating and capital budgets with transparent forecasting and cost discipline suited to a lean organization; negotiate and manage technology contracts and relationships with systems integrators, managed-service providers and software vendors, holding them accountable for performance and outcomes.

•     Transaction and separation support: Plan and manage the technology portion of acquisitions, divestitures and integrations, including diligence, Day 1 readiness and post-close consolidation; lead technology separation activities for a newly independent company, including exit from transition services, system cutovers and standalone capability build.

•     People and organization: Design and lead a lean, high-caliber team and an operating model that blends core employees with strategic partners and the business; recruit, develop and retain top talent, and set a culture of accountability, clear communication, security awareness and continuous improvement.

Required

•     Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or a business degree with a technology concentration.

•     Fifteen or more years of progressive IT experience, including at least eight years leading teams and managing budgets at a Director, VP or CIO level.

•     Demonstrated success building data and analytics capabilities that changed how an organization makes decisions, including data governance, architecture and business intelligence.

•     Working knowledge of oil and gas processes and applications, including finance and accounting, land, production operations and subsurface.

•     Experience leading ERP or core business system implementations and integrating a multi-vendor application landscape.

•     Solid technical understanding of infrastructure, cloud, network, operating systems and security, plus familiarity with SCADA, measurement and field connectivity.

•     Proven experience managing outsourcing providers and third-party services, including contract negotiation and performance management.

•     Availability to IT staff and business leaders five days per week, 7 AM to 7 PM, and on call 24/7 for critical incidents; ability to travel periodically to field offices, facilities and well sites, with required safety training and personal protective equipment.

Preferred

•     MBA or advanced degree (MS).

•     Significant experience in upstream exploration and production, including finance and accounting, land, production operations and subsurface.

•     Experience with acquisitions, divestitures or carve-outs, and standing up IT for a new or independent entity.

•     Executive presence and the ability to explain technology and data in business terms to operations, finance and board-level audiences.

•     Strategic and analytical mindset paired with a hands-on, pragmatic approach suited to a lean organization, with strong judgment on build versus buy, standardization versus customization, and risk versus speed.

•     Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to influence peers and earn credibility with field and office teams alike.