Frequently Asked Questions

About Subterra Group

  • Subterra Group is a boutique executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in bespoke precision recruitment solutions for traditional E&P operators.

    We provide tailored executive search, headhunting, and strategic talent advisory services, focusing on building leadership teams and securing technical expertise for critical roles and projects.

  • We operate exclusively within the upstream oil and gas industry, with a core emphasis on Subsurface and Subsea. Our value add is at the technical and executive level for roles that drive exploration and operational success.

  • While Yes, Subterra Group is hyper-focused on subsurface technical disciplines. Our expertise spans Reservoir and Petroleum Engineering, Exploration Geoscience, Subsurface Operations, and C-Suite leadership within upstream E&P operators.

    However, our specialism also extends to Subsea and energy transition technologies, reflecting the evolving needs of our clients in both conventional and emerging energy markets.

  • We truly operate globally, with a primary focus on the UK and European markets, the Middle East, and the wider APAC region. We partner with E&P operators in both established and frontier markets, ensuring our clients have access to the best global talent wherever their projects are based.

    While these are our core regions, we really are not limited to geographic boundaries and our network spans the globe. We have ambitious plans to build our North American footprint in the coming years and have had initial interest in Africa thus far.

  • Our difference lies in focus and expertise. Unlike generalist search firms, Subterra Group is a specialist within the subsurface, subsea, and energy transition space, allowing us to combine deep technical understanding with a highly tailored approach.

    We act as strategic partners, not just manpower providers, offering market intelligence, talent mapping, and executive advisory services to help our clients make smarter, faster hiring decisions. Our boutique size also means we offer a more personal, agile, and consultative service compared to larger agencies.

Partnering with Subterra

  • Subsurface and Subsea technical disciplines, as well as executive leadership roles (C-Suite).

    • Reservoir & Petroleum Engineering

    • Exploration Geoscience & Geophysics

    • Operations

    • Wellsite and Production Optimization

    • C-Suite & Senior Executive position

  • We support a wide range of roles for our partners, Subterra Group is set up and currently providing highly skilled contractors both domestically and internationally. In addition, we offer bespoke retained and executive search solutions tailored to our partners' needs. This includes not only executive leadership appointments but also project-based hiring and full team builds.

    We ensure all contractor engagements are fully compliant with regulations such as IR35 (UK), providing peace of mind to both clients and contractors.

  • Our approach is fully bespoke and consultative, typically following these steps:

    Briefing & Alignment - we work closely with your team and organisation to understand the technical and cultural requirements of the role and see if there is synergy and value for all parties.

    Research & Talent Mapping - We conduct a global search, leveraging our network and market insights to identify a suitable long list.

    Approach & Engagement- We discreetly engage with potential candidates, presenting your opportunity in a compelling and confidential manner. Our aim is to spark meaningful conversations with individuals who are not only capable but motivated by the challenge.

    Evaluation & Shortlisting- Candidates undergo a rigorous assessment process, combining structured interviews, technical evaluation, and cultural alignment checks. We present a carefully curated shortlist with detailed profiles, highlighting strengths, motivations, and potential development areas.

    Evaluation & Selection - We facilitate and support the interview process, providing guidance at every stage - from initial conversations to final negotiations. Our role is to ensure a seamless and transparent experience for both client and candidate.

    Offer Management & Onboarding - We manage the delicate offer and acceptance stage, ensuring expectations are aligned on both sides. We remain close through onboarding to guarantee a smooth transition and early integration into your organisation.

    Post-Placement Support- Our commitment doesn’t end once a placement is made. We provide follow-up support to ensure success, gathering feedback from both client and candidate to strengthen long-term outcomes.

  • Confidentiality is at the heart of our business. We ensure all client information is protected through:

    • Strict NDAs and confidentiality agreements where required.

    • Secure data storage and GDPR-compliant processes.

    • Discreet candidate engagement, particularly for sensitive or confidential searches.
      We operate with complete transparency and professionalism to protect your brand and strategic interests.

    We understand that our market, while global, remains highly specialised and close-knit. Our reputation as trusted professionals ensures that confidentiality is always at the core of everything we do.

  • Our fee structure is tailored to each engagement, typically based on a percentage of the candidate’s first-year compensation for permanent roles, or a fixed fee for executive searches.

    • Retained and exclusive search models are recommended for senior or specialist roles.

    • Contingent options can be considered for less complex roles.
      We are happy to discuss flexible pricing models that align with your hiring needs and project requirements.

    Ultimately our goal is delivery success in a timely manner ensuring the highest standards throughout.

For Candidates: What You Need to Know

  • You can register with Subterra Group by contacting us directly via our website’s contact form or emailing your CV to our team. We will review your experience and reach out if there is a suitable opportunity or if we believe we can represent you effectively. Our approach is tailored and consultative - we don’t keep a generic candidate database; instead, we work closely with professionals whose expertise aligns with our clients’ needs.

  • We partner with highly skilled professionals across the Subsurface and Subsea disciplines within the upstream sector, covering both traditional oil and gas and the new energy transition. We work with both contractors and permanent professionals, representing talent that drives technical excellence and innovation.

    Our focus is on candidates with strong technical expertise, proven track records, and the ability to make a significant impact within our industry.

  • Our primary focus is mid-to-senior level positions and executive roles, but we also represent highly specialised technical experts at other levels where their niche skills are in demand. If you have unique experience within our core disciplines, we are happy to discuss potential opportunities and synergies.

  • No. Subterra Group never charges candidates any fees. We are engaged and compensated directly by our clients to source and represent the best talent for their roles.

  • We recommend:

    • Following Subterra Group on LinkedIn for regular updates on roles and industry insights.

    • Engaging with us directly—once you’re on our radar for a relevant role, we’ll keep you informed of new opportunities.

    • Subscribing to any job alerts or newsletters we may offer in the future (coming soon).

    We take a proactive approach, often reaching out to candidates for exclusive roles that aren’t advertised publicly.

  • Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our process. We will never share your CV, personal details, or employment status without your prior consent. All conversations remain private, and we handle sensitive information with strict data security protocols, fully compliant with GDPR.

  • Yes, we often work on international placements where relocation is required. We can assist with:

    • Providing advice on relocation logistics.

    • Coordinating with the client’s HR team for visas, work permits, and onboarding.

    • Offering guidance on cultural and professional transitions into new regions.

    While we don’t handle all relocation arrangements directly, we ensure the process is as smooth as possible for our candidates.

General FAQs About Subterra Group

  • Subterra Group is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a global reach that spans the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions. We partner with clients and candidates worldwide, delivering high-quality executive search and talent advisory services across international markets.

    We are borderless with our operations.

  • You can reach us directly through the contact form on our website, or connect with us via LinkedIn.

    We are always open to a conversation, whether it be a call or a coffee.

  • We partner with independent E&P operators, national oil companies, and energy transition businesses across the upstream sector. Our clients range from smaller niche operators to larger, established players who require specialist talent for subsurface, subsea, and executive leadership roles.

    We also have arrangements and relationships with various global service companies and other recruitment and manpower suppliers.

  • Subterra is a hyper-focused boutique search firm with deep technical expertise in upstream energy. Unlike generalist recruiters, we combine industry knowledge, a highly personalised approach, and a global network to deliver the right talent for niche, business-critical positions.

    We are specialist who chose specialists. We avoid diluting our service offering and we are not a volume based organisation.

  • Yes, Subterra Group specialises in team builds for new projects or expansions. Whether you are entering a new basin, ramping up field development, or launching an energy transition initiative, we can:

    • Identify and secure multiple key hires across subsurface or subsea disciplines.

    • Coordinate recruitment campaigns, from technical experts to senior leadership roles.

    • Provide market insights, talent mapping, and salary benchmarking to ensure you attract the best candidates.

    Our boutique approach means we act as a strategic partner, building out complete teams while maintaining speed, quality, and cultural alignment.

    We recently have partnerships where we are based from our clients office for specific projects that require our onsite presence.

  • At Subterra Group, our vision is to continue leading the way in executive search and talent advisory across both traditional oil and gas and the energy transition. We are committed to:

    • expanding our global presence across key upstream markets.

    • Building long-term partnerships with operators who value specialist expertise.

    • Supporting the shift towards cleaner energy solutions while maintaining our strength in subsurface and subsea disciplines.

    Our focus will always remain on delivering exceptional talent that drives technical and strategic success for our clients.