Lead Driller

UKund Control; Dartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A geotechnical solutions company is seeking an experienced Lead Cable Percussion Driller to join its team in Dartford, with expectations for national travel. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in rotary drilling, strong leadership skills, and a sound understanding of health and safety regulations. This role offers career development paths, exciting growth opportunities, and a competitive compensation package, including holidays and employee support programs.

Benefits

23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Free gym memberships

Qualifications

• Proven experience in rotary drilling and ground investigation operations.
• Strong understanding of drilling techniques, including open-hole and core drilling.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced site environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs and equipment.
• Lead and mentor on-site drilling teams.
• Ensure safe and efficient drilling operations.

Skills

Rotary drilling

Team leadership

HSE regulations

Drilling techniques

Education

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling

Tools

Drilling rigs

Geotechnical reporting tools

Job description

Lead Driller - Cable Percussion

Location: Dartford depot (with national travel)

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES) is growing — and we’re looking for an experienced Lead Cable Percussion Driller to join our specialist team.

At GCES, we deliver innovative, sustainable, and high-quality geotechnical solutions across the UK’s biggest infrastructure and environmental projects. We’re setting new standards in technical excellence, operational integrity, and safety — and we want driven professionals to help us lead the way.

What You’ll Do

• Operating and maintaining rotary drilling rigs and associated equipment
• Leading and mentoring on‑site drilling teams
• Ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality drilling operations
• Collecting accurate soil and rock samples for geotechnical analysis
• Conducting daily equipment checks and maintenance
• Promoting a strong health, safety, and environmental culture on‑site
• Liaising with clients and site supervisors to deliver projects on time and to specification

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in rotary drilling and ground investigation operations
• Strong understanding of drilling techniques, including open‑hole, core, and wireline coring
• Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast‑paced site environment
• Solid understanding of HSE regulations, RAMS, and CDM requirements
• Experience working on large‑scale infrastructure, utilities, or construction projects

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling (or equivalent qualification)
• First Aid and/or emergency response training
• Experience with digital data logging or geotechnical reporting tools
• Knowledge of foundation piling or slope stabilisation

To apply for this role you must hold a driving licence and be prepared to travel and stay away nationwide for this role.

Why join us

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

Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package

• 23 days holiday, increasing with length of service + 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
• Employee Recognition Scheme
• 2 personal choice volunteering days

Ground Control

Ground Control is a UK‑based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

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 sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, 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.