Lead Cable Percussion Driller

Ground Control; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading geotechnical solutions provider is seeking a Lead Cable Percussion Driller based in Leeds with a focus on national travel. The successful candidate will operate drilling rigs, supervise teams, and ensure adherence to health and safety regulations. Strong experience in CP drilling operations and a solid understanding of geotechnical investigations are essential. The role offers competitive salary, career development opportunities, and attractive benefits including a bonus scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

23 days holiday and bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Free gym memberships

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in CP drilling operations.
• Strong understanding of drilling techniques.
• Ability to operate and maintain CP drilling rigs.

Responsibilities

• Operate drilling rigs and supervise on-site teams.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Mentor less experienced operatives.

Skills

CP drilling operations

Drilling techniques

Geotechnical investigations

HSE regulations

Mechanical knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling

Job description

Lead Cable Percussion Driller

Location: Leeds with national travel as and when required

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

What you'll do :

At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES) our mission is to deliver innovative sustainable and high-quality geotechnical solutions that support the safe and efficient delivery of infrastructure projects. By leading with technical excellence, operational integrity and environmental responsibility we aim to set a new standard in ground investigation and geotechnical drilling services.

Role Purpose

The Lead Cable Percussion (CP) Drilling Operative plays a vital role in the safe, efficient and high-quality execution of geotechnical CP drilling operations. This position is responsible for operating drilling rigs, supervising on‑site drilling teams, maintaining equipment and ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards. As a hands‑on leader the role ensures drilling activities are executed with precision, promoting technical excellence, operational efficiency and a commitment to safety. This role also supports the development of less experienced operatives through on‑the‑job training and mentoring.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Operational Delivery
• Leadership & Team Supervision
• Health Safety & Environmental Compliance
• Technical Expertise & Quality Assurance
• Stakeholder & Client Engagement

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in CP drilling operations with hands‑on experience in ground investigation drilling.
• Strong understanding of drilling techniques including open‑hole drilling, core drilling and wireline coring.
• Practical knowledge of geotechnical investigations, soil mechanics and geological materials.
• Ability to operate and maintain CP drilling rigs and associated equipment.
• Experience with daily operational planning, team supervision and performance management.
• Knowledge of HSE regulations, CDM requirements and site risk assessment procedures.
• Experience in working on large infrastructure utilities or construction projects.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling or equivalent geotechnical drilling qualifications.
• First Aid certification including emergency response training.
• Experience in foundation piling, embankment stabilisation and slope stability.
• Knowledge of ground investigation logging software, data collection apps or on‑site digital tools.

Why join us :

Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training and tailored development programmes including our GC Leadership Academy, job‑specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Competitive Package

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package along with flexible working options including:

• 23 days holiday (increasing with length of service) and bank holidays
• Yearly bonus scheme & share options
• Robust pension scheme
• Medigold employee support, free flu jabs, online private GP service
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships
• 2 personal choice volunteering days

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Key Skills

• Hand Tools
• Construction Experience
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Tanker Experience
• Mechanical Knowledge
• Commercial Driving
• OSHA
• Heavy Lifting
• Horizontal Drilling
• CPT Coding
• Excavator
• Network Architecture