From Aberdeen to Guinea and back: Craig Milne’s take on Operations for OGCS

Craig Milne is a Contracts, Procurement & Logistics professional whose career spans continents, cultures, and complex projects.

Currently working with OGCS on Africa’s largest mining project, Milne combines operational expertise with a curiosity for people, places, and purpose.

His story is one of detail-driven delivery, underpinned by adaptability, integrity, and an unwavering interest in how systems – and people – work.

“I grew up in Aberdeen and like many others, I found myself entering oil and gas almost by default,” Milne explains.

“After university, I looked at various graduate schemes and ended up in the industry without a grand plan – but I was open to challenge and new experiences.”

That openness has shaped a career rooted in logistics and coordination, but elevated by Milne’s talent for communication and his ability to see multiple perspectives. “I’m detail-oriented, but what I bring to a team goes beyond that. I naturally think about other people’s points of view, and I find value in integrating different skillsets and disciplines to find the best solutions for everyone.”

From the Falklands to Guinea

Milne's professional trajectory is peppered with placements overseas, including a two-year stint supporting operations in the Falkland Islands. “Working in such a unique and remote environment was hugely formative. You don’t just learn about supply chains—you learn about people. I’ve always had a curiosity about culture.”

It’s a thread that continues today at OGCS, where Milne serves as OGCS’s Operations Manager supporting the Simandou project in Guinea, West Africa.

“Simandou is extraordinary in scale – the infrastructure alone is vast, with 600 kilometers of railway, port construction – and then there’s the mine” he says. “Since I joined OGCS in 2024, the team in Guinea has more than doubled in size, and that growth is continuing. No two days are alike.”

Milne's ability to communicate across disciplines – and cultures – is key to managing such complexity.

Having worked on rigs, coordinating supply chains, and now in logistics, he brings operational understanding to every interaction. “I’ve worked offshore, been on international rotations, I know how it feels at the end of stint when you are thinking about coming home. I believe that experience helps me support contractors more effectively and build trust quickly.”

Non-Traditional Paths and Lifelong Learning

Milne is a believer in continuous professional development. After gaining hands-on experience in contracts and logistics, he pursued a CIPS diploma to formalise his procurement knowledge. Now, he’s studying project management at university and working toward fluency in Spanish – a nod to both his personal life and professional aspirations.

“My wife is Spanish – we met in Edinburgh – and languages have always fascinated me. I’d love the opportunity to work on a project where my understanding of Spanish contributes to the professional environment,” he says.

His passion for understanding how people arrive at their careers informs his interest in initiatives like “No Wrong Path,” a campaign that celebrates non-linear professional journeys.

“I didn’t follow a traditional path myself, and I think there’s real strength in that. People bring all sorts of experiences that can add value in unexpected ways.”

The Future of Energy

Looking ahead, Milne sees opportunity in the transition toward diversified energy. “As well as the role oil & gas continues to play in our energy supply, there’s growing recognition that oil and gas expertise can transfer to renewables, nuclear, and beyond,” he notes. “There’s still a challenge in aligning that transition with the broader conversation around climate change and affordable energy.”

Balance Beyond the Inbox

Despite the high-pressure environment of a 24/7 global project, Milne makes time to unwind. “By Monday morning the inbox is usually full, especially if I’ve stayed off emails over the weekend,” he rues. “We live in a beautiful part of Aberdeenshire, and getting outdoors helps me reset. I run a little, hike when I can, and play a bit of golf (badly!)”.

The vision for his future blends professional growth with personal fulfillment: “Major capital energy projects are fascinating, and a cross-cultural element would be great. Whether it’s Spain or somewhere further afield, I want to keep learning and contributing.”

Craig Milne’s journey shows that a career in energy, logistics, and operations isn’t just about precision – it’s about perspective. And from the North Sea to the mountains of Guinea, it’s a perspective that keeps opening new doors.

To learn how OGCS Global can support your project with Logistical or Operational Support connect with Ed Comiskey at ed.comiskey@ogcsglobal.com