Head Drilling

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

• Bachelors 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.