Chief Operating Officer

Foreground LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A UAE-based drilling services leader seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee daily rig operations and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. The ideal candidate will bring 18 years of leadership experience in drilling operations and a degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering. This role is critical for maintaining operational excellence across the rig fleet in Abu Dhabi.

Qualifications

• 18 years in drilling operations leadership, including both onshore and offshore rigs.
• Strong record of managing large fleets and delivering drilling programs efficiently.
• In-depth technical expertise in rig operations, drilling engineering, and maintenance strategies.
• Experience leading operational transformation through digital and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct all onshore and offshore drilling operations across UAE rig sites.
• Oversee maintenance rig recertification and lifecycle planning.
• Ensure compliance with ADNOC and international HSSE standards.
• Drive automation, predictive maintenance, and operational digitalization.
• Mentor Rig Managers and Operations Managers.

Skills

Leadership in drilling operations

Technical expertise in rig operations

Operational transformation

HSSE compliance

Crisis management

Education

Degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Management education

Job description

Foreground is partnering with a UAE-based drilling services leader to appoint a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Abu Dhabi. The COO will take direct responsibility for ensuring operational reliability and efficiency across a significant rig fleet.

About the Role

The COO will lead all daily rig operations ensuring seamless execution of drilling campaigns while embedding world-class standards in safety asset integrity and digital transformation. This role is mission-critical to sustaining operational excellence and client confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all onshore and offshore drilling operations across UAE rig sites setting KPIs for performance and safety.
• Oversee maintenance rig recertification and lifecycle planning to maximize uptime and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with ADNOC and international HSSE standards.
• Drive automation predictive maintenance and operational digitalization.
• Lead crisis management and operational risk frameworks.
• Mentor Rig Managers Superintendents and Operations Managers to build a robust leadership pipeline.
• Serve as the primary operational representative for clients regulators and joint ventures.

Qualifications & Experience

• 18 years in drilling operations leadership including both onshore and offshore rigs.
• Strong record of managing large fleets and delivering drilling programs efficiently.
• In-depth technical expertise in rig operations drilling engineering and maintenance strategies.
• Experience leading operational transformation through digital and safety programs.
• Degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering; management education an advantage.