Job Purpose
The Drilling Operations Manager will be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing drilling and workover operations across multiple sites. The role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations in line with company objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
The incumbent will act as a key link between the Head Office and field operations, ensuring operational excellence, technical integrity, and timely delivery of drilling and workover projects.
Key Responsibilities
1. Planning & Execution of Drilling and Workover Operations
- Plan and oversee drilling and workover operations across multiple onshore rigs/sites.
- Review and approve drilling programs, workover plans, and operational procedures.
- Ensure execution as per approved programs, timelines, and budgets.
- Coordinate mobilization and demobilization of rigs and related services.
2. Operations Management & Site Oversight
- Provide leadership and operational guidance to teams
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor performance, resolve operational challenges, and ensure adherence to plans.
- Ensure consistency and standardization of operations across all sites.
3. Technical & Subsurface Coordination
- Work closely with the Subsurface team for well planning, trajectory design, casing programs, and production objectives.
- Ensure accurate implementation of drilling parameters and well plans at site.
- Support troubleshooting of downhole issues and complex operational challenges.
4. HSE & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to HSE policies, procedures, and statutory regulations across all operations.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure zero harm objective.
- Monitor and review incident reports, implement corrective and preventive actions.
5. Contractor & Vendor Management
- Manage drilling contractors, rig operators, and service providers.
- Ensure performance monitoring through KPIs, SLAs, and contract compliance.
- Coordinate with procurement for timely availability of equipment, consumables, and services.
6. Cost Control & Budget Management
- Prepare and monitor drilling and workover budgets.
- Track daily operational costs and identify optimization opportunities.
- Ensure cost efficiency without compromising safety or operational integrity.
7. Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Track operational metrics such as ROP, NPT (Non-Productive Time), cost per well, and cycle time.
- Prepare and present periodic operational reports to senior management.
- Conduct post-well reviews and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.
8. Risk Management & Troubleshooting
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for drilling complications such as stuck pipe, well control issues, and equipment failures.
- Ensure readiness for emergency response and crisis management.
9. Documentation & Compliance
- Ensure proper documentation of drilling reports, well data, and operational records.
- Maintain compliance with internal audits and external regulatory requirements.
- Support technical audits and due diligence activities.
Key Deliverables
- Safe and efficient execution of drilling and workover operations across all assigned sites.
- Delivery of wells within planned time and budget.
- Reduction in Non-Productive Time (NPT) and operational risks.
- High standards of HSE compliance and operational discipline.
- Strong coordination between HQ and field operations.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering / Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
- 12-18 years of relevant experience in drilling and workover operations in the oil & gas industry.
- Proven experience in managing multiple rigs/sites simultaneously.
- Experience in both onshore drilling and workover operations is highly preferred.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong technical expertise in drilling and workover operations
- Multi-site operations management
- Well planning and execution
- Contractor and stakeholder management
- Cost control and budgeting
- Strong leadership and team management
- Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
- Strong communication and reporting skills
Travel Requirements
This role requires extensive and frequent travel to drilling and workover sites to ensure effective supervision and operational control.
