Rig Supervisor

Brunel Energy; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 661,000 - 1,175,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel Energy is seeking an experienced Rig Supervisor to act as the senior representative on offshore rigs in the UAE. The role ensures safe, efficient and cost-effective execution of drilling and completion programmes, leading the rig team and coordinating with onshore engineering to deliver wells on or ahead of plan.

The candidate will supervise operations, manage critical events, monitor real-time data, and uphold HSE standards across well control and barrier management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15–20 years of drilling experience with 5+ years in supervision on offshore rigs.
• Proven track record in complex wells (ERD, HPHT, challenging formations).
• Experience with jack-up or platform rigs in the Gulf region preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead operations, manage costs and optimise performance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise drilling, casing, cementing, completion and well intervention per plans and procedures.
• Direct day-to-day rig operations; manage changes via formal processes.
• Lead critical operations such as extended reach and MPD; manage losses and stick-pipe events.
• Monitor real-time data (ROP, torque, hydraulics, ECD) and optimise performance.
• Be principal HSE custodian; ensure permit-to-work, SIMOPS, lifting and barriers compliance.
• Chair pre-job meetings, toolbox talks, drills and risk assessments; investigate incidents.
• Prepare and submit daily operation reports and end-of-well documentation.

Skills

Drilling operations expertise

Rig equipment knowledge

Real-time data interpretation

Cost control & budgeting

Leadership & team mentoring

Decision making under upset conditions

Education

IWCF/IADC WellSharp supervisory level certificate

Offshore survival (BOSIET/HUET) certification

NEBOSH/IOSH supervisory HSE training

Job description

Position Summary

The Rig Supervisor is the company's senior representative on the rig and is accountable for the safe, efficient and cost-effective execution of complex offshore drilling and completion programmes. The role leads the rig site team, ensures compliance with well control, HSE and well integrity requirements, and works with the onshore engineering team to deliver wells on or ahead of plan, including extended reach and technically challenging wells.

Key Responsibilities Operations Execution

• Supervise all drilling, casing, cementing, completion and well intervention operations in line with approved well programmes, procedures and company standards.
• Direct day-to-day rig operations, including tripping, drilling, hole cleaning, casing and cementing, and completion running, ensuring programmes are executed as planned or changed through a formal management of change process.
• Lead execution of critical operations, including extended reach drilling, managed pressure operations, high-risk casing runs and stuck pipe recovery.
• Make timely, well-informed decisions during operational upsets, including losses, well control events, equipment failures and unplanned conditions.
• Monitor real-time drilling data (ROP, torque and drag, hydraulics, ECD, pressures) and apply optimisation practices to maximise performance and minimise NPT.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Be the principal custodian of HSE on the rig, leading by example and promoting a strong safety culture with zero harm as the goal.
• Ensure compliance with permit-to-work, simultaneous operations (SIMOPS), lifting, and barrier management requirements.
• Chair or participate in pre-job meetings, toolbox talks, safety drills and JSA/risk assessments.
• Investigate incidents and near misses, ensure corrective actions are closed out, and share lessons learned.

Well Control & Well Integrity

• Ensure well control equipment is correctly installed, tested and maintained and that well barriers are verified at all times.
• Verify that all rig personnel hold valid well control certification and that well control drills are conducted and recorded.
• Ensure casing, cementing and completion integrity requirements are met and documented.

Performance, Cost & Planning

• Work with the onshore drilling engineers to review well plans, risk registers and contingency plans before and during operations.
• Control operational costs, including daily cost tracking, service company activity and material consumption, and verify invoices against work performed.
• Identify and implement performance improvement opportunities, capture lessons learned and contribute to post-well reviews.
• Support the introduction and trial of new tools and technologies on the rig and report results.

Contractor & Team Management

• Manage the interface with the drilling contractor, rig crew and all service companies to ensure alignment on objectives, procedures and expectations.
• Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring to company rig site personnel, including drilling engineers, trainees and national development staff.
• Evaluate contractor and service company performance and provide structured feedback.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit daily operations reports, NPT reports, HSE statistics and end-of-well documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain complete records of well operations, tests, certifications, equipment inspections and handover information.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with the onshore team, management and stakeholders on progress, risks and deviations.Experience

Experience

• Minimum 15-20 years of drilling experience, including at least 5 years in a supervisory role (Drilling Supervisor, Rig Supervisor or Toolpusher) on offshore rigs.
• Proven experience supervising complex wells such as extended reach, high-pressure/high-temperature or challenging-formation wells.
• Strong background in handling stuck pipe, losses and well control situations.
• Experience with jack-up or platform rigs offshore in the Gulf region is preferred.

Certifications

• Valid IWCF or IADC WellSharp Supervisory level well control certificate.
• Valid offshore survival (BOSIET/HUET or equivalent) and first aid certification.
• Supervisory HSE training (e.g. NEBOSH/IOSH) is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of drilling operations, rig equipment and drilling systems
• Well control principles and practice, including barrier management
• Casing, cementing and completion operations
• Drilling fluids, hydraulics, hole cleaning and losses management
• Stuck pipe prevention and fishing operations
• Real-time data interpretation and drilling optimisation
• Cost control and contractor management
• Proficiency with reporting and drilling data system

Desired Candidate Profile