Regulatory Manager

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer, General Counsel

Employment Type: Salary, Exempt Full-Time

About Us

Western Natural Resources (WNR) is a privately held, Oklahoma City–based oil and gas company focused on acquiring, developing, and operating high-quality upstream energy assets. Founded through a strategic partnership between Centalion and experienced energy leaders, WNR combines deep industry expertise, disciplined execution, and a long-term approach to building a premier energy company.

WNR is a rapidly growing organization with an entrepreneurial culture where collaboration, integrity, safety, and accountability are central to how we operate. As the company expands its asset base and team, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, work closely with experienced industry leaders, and help build the infrastructure and culture of a growing energy company.

Position Summary

The Regulatory Manager will lead regulatory permitting, agency coordination and compliance activities across upstream operations and work closely with engineering, drilling, operations, land and the company’s HSE teams to advance development projects, secure required approvals and ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state and local oil and gas regulations.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience navigating regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, including federal lands, Texas and Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory permitting and compliance activities supporting drilling, completions, production, workovers and related development operations.
• Manage and coordinate federal permitting activities involving the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and other applicable agencies.
• Prepare, submit and track Applications for Permit to Drill (APDs), sundry notices, rights-of-way, operator transfers and other required regulatory filings.
• Manage permitting and regulatory requirements associated with development on federal lands.
• Oversee regulatory filings and compliance with the Railroad Commission of Texas.
• Manage regulatory matters with the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources / Office of Conservation and other applicable Louisiana agencies.
• Maintain regulatory calendars, permit status, reporting requirements, deadlines and compliance documentation across company assets.
• Monitor changes in oil and gas regulations and communicate potential impacts to management and operating teams.
• Serve as a primary company contact with regulatory agencies and maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel.
• Work with Engineering, Drilling, Operations and Land teams to identify regulatory requirements early in the development process and minimize permitting delays.
• Coordinate with the HSE Director on matters where regulatory permitting and environmental requirements intersect, while maintaining clear ownership of regulatory filings and development approvals.
• Support regulatory inspections, agency inquiries and compliance reviews.
• Assist with pipeline regulatory matters involving PHMSA and applicable state pipeline agencies, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, law, energy management, or a related field.
• 7 years of regulatory, permitting or compliance experience within the upstream oil and gas industry.
• Strong working knowledge of federal oil and gas permitting, particularly BLM requirements and development on federal lands.
• Experience working with the Texas Railroad Commission and/or Louisiana oil and gas regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated experience managing permits and regulatory filings supporting active drilling and development programs.
• Ability to interpret oil and gas regulations and translate requirements into practical action for operating teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, jurisdictions and regulatory deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with regulatory agencies, technical personnel and company leadership.
• Experience with PHMSA and state pipeline regulations is a plus.
• Experience with federal lands, BLM permitting, Texas and Louisiana operations is particularly valuable.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary performance-based incentives
• Direct influence over company strategy and growth
• Flat, collaborative team structure with fast decision-making

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, communicating, and using standard office or job-related equipment. May require lifting, travel, working outdoors, or use of personal protective equipment.