Job description

Job Summary
The Senior Drilling Operations Manager provides strategic and operational leadership over multiple drilling operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective well delivery. The role is accountable for the planning, execution, and performance of drilling programs in line with operational objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
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

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• 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.

  
  

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.

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.