Senior Drilling Operations Manager
QA
Job Summary
The position drives drilling performance optimisation, cost control, and continuous improvement, while developing high‑performing drilling teams, managing contractor performance, and supporting the successful execution of onshore and offshore drilling campaigns aligned with organisational production targets.
Job Responsibilities 1
Strategic Leadership & Drilling Operations
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Multi‑Rig Operations Management
Manage and oversee drilling activities across multiple rigs, ensuring alignment with approved drilling objectives, well delivery plans, and production targets. -
Drilling Program Governance
Ensure drilling programs are executed safely and efficiently in compliance with approved well designs, technical standards, and operational parameters.
Operational Performance & Well Delivery
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Rig & Well Performance Oversight
Oversee rig performance, equipment reliability, and well progress, ensuring timely delivery and continuity of drilling operations. -
Operational Optimisation
Drive performance improvement initiatives to enhance drilling efficiency, reduce non‑productive time, and improve overall well delivery outcomes.
Safety, HSE & Regulatory Compliance
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HSE Leadership
Promote and enforce a strong HSE culture across drilling operations, ensuring adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety management systems. -
Regulatory Compliance Oversight
Ensure drilling activities comply with international, national, and local regulatory requirements, including permits, reporting, and audits.
Planning, Budgeting & Scheduling
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Drilling Program Planning & Approval
Review and approve drilling plans, execution schedules, and resource requirements to ensure operational readiness and delivery certainty. -
Resource & Capacity Optimisation
Allocate rigs, manpower, equipment, and services efficiently to meet operational timelines and business priorities.
Cost & Financial Management
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Drilling Budget Management
Monitor drilling expenditures and maintain cost control, ensuring operations remain within approved budgets. -
Cost Optimisation Initiatives
Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce drilling costs without compromising safety or quality.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
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KPI & Performance Management
Review operational KPIs, drilling metrics, and well performance data to assess efficiency, cost, and risk. -
Operational Reporting Governance
Approve drilling operations reports and ensure accurate performance tracking for management decision‑making.
Leadership & Team Development
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Capability Building & Mentoring
Lead and mentor drilling superintendents, supervisors, and drilling engineers to strengthen operational capability and succession depth. -
Performance Management
Conduct performance reviews and support training and development initiatives to enhance team effectiveness.
Stakeholder & Contractor Management
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Contractor & Service Company Management
Manage and coordinate drilling contractors, service companies, and vendors to ensure performance, compliance, and contractual alignment. -
Senior Management Interface
Act as the primary operational interface between drilling operations and senior management.
Job Responsibilities 2
Additional Responsibilities 3
Job Knowledge & Skills
Drilling Operations & Engineering Expertise
Strong understanding of drilling operations, well design, rig management, and execution methodologies.
Well Control & Risk Management
In‑depth knowledge of well control principles, barrier management, and drilling risk mitigation practices.
Operational Performance Improvement
Demonstrated ability to improve drilling efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise operational outcomes.
Contractor & Stakeholder Management
Strong capability in managing drilling contractors, service providers, and regulatory interfaces.
Strategic Decision‑Making
Ability to resolve complex drilling challenges and make sound, timely decisions in dynamic operational environments.
Job Experience
15–20 years of progressive experience in drilling operations, covering onshore and/or offshore environments.
Minimum 7–10 years in senior drilling leadership roles, with accountability for multi‑rig operations, contractor performance, and operational delivery.
Proven experience managing large‑scale drilling campaigns, balancing safety, cost, schedule, and technical risk.
Competencies
Education