OGCS Profile: Polly Harrison – From Spreadsheets to Subsea Strategy
An Interview with Polly Harrison, conducted by OGCS:
From reconciling Russian paperwork to major project cost control at BP, Polly Harrison’s career has been defined by adaptability, analytical precision, and an enduring delight in turning chaos into clarity. As a Senior Cost Engineer at OGCS, Polly brings that energy and expertise to every challenge.
OGCS: Polly, let’s start at the beginning – how did you get to your current role?
I actually studied hospitality business at university. But while I was there, I realized hospitality wasn’t for me. I had spent some time in Aberdeen visiting my brother and saw the lifestyle in the energy industry. I thought, I'm going to Aberdeen and I'm going to get myself a job in oil and gas.
I started out with BG Group – it turned out to be an amazing experience. It was a small company, just 25 people, supporting one platform in the North Sea. I was surrounded by great people and had strong mentoring. I came in through accounting and finance, and had some exposure to drilling cost accounting. That was the start of my career.
OGCS: You’ve worked with some major names in the industry. What came after BG Group?
After six years with BG, I took some time out with my partner – we went snowboarding in New Zealand and Canada, visited Fiji, and basically did three winters back-to-back. When I came back, I had a short stint with Premier Oilfield Rentals, but then an opportunity came up with Rider Hunt International and I took it.
Polly Harrison, Senior Cost Engineer at OGCS Global
That was another great team. I really thrive in environments with strong mentoring, where you can collaborate, figure things out together, and learn from each other. One of my first projects there was a reconciliation job for Sakhalin Island. All the paperwork was in Russian. We brought in two girls straight out of university to help us with translation – one of whom I’m still good friends with today.
OGCS: Your time with BP also sounds formative. What stood out to you about working there?
BP gave me great experience, particularly in major projects. I worked on the Devenick Subsea Tieback, and then I was offered a staff role. What I found really engaging was the sheer complexity of the projects – the huge equipment, all the offshore activity. It’s mind-boggling. You’re given autonomy to figure things out and make it happen, which I love.
I’ve always been drawn to the kind of work that takes something unclear and turns it into a tool for decision-making. That’s what I enjoy. I like Excel. I like taking messy data and turning it into something that tells a story.
OGCS: That kind of data storytelling is central to cost engineering. What kind of data are you usually working with?
All sorts – internal data from the operator or owner, contractor data, financials, procurement inputs, engineering information. It’s a lot to sift through. But it’s satisfying to make sense of it all and connect the dots.
OGCS: What would you say are some of your key strengths in this work?
Communication. I’m good with people and that’s an asset when you’re trying to get what you need from others. My background helps me sit between the engineers and the accountants. I’m like the middleman – you’ve got to speak both their languages to keep things flowing.
OGCS: You also took a significant break from the industry. What inspired that, and how did it shape your return?
For seven years, I stepped away from oil and gas entirely. I was running my own business, living outside of Aberdeen. I became a personal trainer, yoga teacher, mountain bike coach – I’d already been a swimming teacher as a teenager.
One highlight was getting 16 women together to run the Edinburgh Marathon for charity. None of them had a fitness background. We formed four relay teams. It was such a proud moment, especially seeing everyone so chuffed with what we achieved.
Coming back, I noticed Aberdeen had changed a lot. BP was different – lots of job losses, big shifts. But re-entering the industry reminded me how much I love working with data and spreadsheets. It felt very positive.
OGCS: And now you’re studying again – what are you working toward?
I’ve just started my certification through the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineers. I’m working toward becoming a Certified Cost Professional (CCP). I had thought about going back to university, but this felt like the right step forward professionally. OGCS recognize the value in professional development as I add to my skillset and I’m grateful for the support as I advance.
OGCS: Do you see new technologies like AI influencing the work?
Definitely. The way AI is being used for maintenance on rigs and platforms – being able to track valves, pipelines, all that – it’s brilliant. Manual checks and visuals just don’t catch everything. I think AI adds a whole new level of precision.
OGCS: What about life beyond spreadsheets? What keeps you going outside of work?
Fitness, yoga, swimming – especially wild swimming. I swam every other day all year round for two or three years in Aberdeen. Even in winter, I love being in the water.
OGCS: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I’m up for working anywhere. I have the flexibility to take opportunities as they come, and I’d like to visit the places where my projects have been. The Middle East would be great. Canada or North America too. I’m definitely open to working further afield.
If your team would benefit from Polly’s input, or advice from any of our experienced and skilled Cost Engineers, contact Chris Bradshaw, SVP Project Controls.
OGCS Global provides expert professional consultants for energy and construction projects at every stage.