Lead Driller

Ground Control; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Recognition schemes

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS) is seeking an experienced Lead Rotary Drilling Operative to lead safe, efficient drilling operations on site in Leeds with national travel. The role focuses on operating and maintaining rotary drilling rigs, supervising on-site teams, and ensuring accurate sampling, logging and data recording while complying with HSE standards.

You'll coordinate with project managers, mentor junior crew, and uphold high quality and client satisfaction across major

Qualifications

• Proven experience in rotary drilling and ground investigations.
• Experience supervising site teams and coordinating field operations.
• Strong knowledge of drilling techniques and geotechnical sampling.
• Good understanding of HSE and on-site safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs for ground investigations.
• Lead and supervise on-site drilling teams.
• Prepare sites, open-hole, core, and rock coring works.
• Ensure accurate sampling, logging, and data recording.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance issues.
• Act as the on-site representative, providing progress updates to management.

Skills

Rotary drilling

Ground investigations

On-site supervision

HSE knowledge

Infrastructure projects

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Land Drilling

First Aid training

Tools

Digital logging tools

Site data tools

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS), we deliver high-quality, sustainable geotechnical solutions that support major infrastructure projects. We’re looking for an experienced

LEAD ROTARY DRILLER

Location: Leeds + National Travel Salary: Competitive Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS), we deliver high-quality, sustainable geotechnical solutions that support major infrastructure projects. We’re looking for an experienced Lead Rotary Drilling Operative to lead safe, efficient, and high-quality drilling operations on site.

What You’ll Do

• Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs for ground investigations
• Lead and supervise on-site drilling teams
• Prepare sites, carry out open-hole, core, and rock coring works
• Ensure accurate sampling, logging, and data recording
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance issues
• Act as the on-site representative, providing progress updates to management

Key responsibilities

• Deliver drilling works safely, on time, and to specification
• Allocate daily tasks and mentor less experienced operatives
• Ensure full compliance with HSE, CDM, and RAMS requirements
• Lead toolbox talks and site safety briefings
• Maintain high standards of quality, professionalism, and client satisfaction

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Proven experience in rotary drilling and ground investigations
• Strong knowledge of drilling techniques and geotechnical sampling
• Experience supervising site teams
• Good understanding of HSE and site safety requirements
• Experience working on infrastructure or construction projects

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling (or equivalent)
• First Aid or emergency response training
• Experience using digital logging or site data tools

Recruitment process at Ground Control

We aim to make our process clear, supportive, and straightforward - so you always know what’s coming next.

• Application review: Once you apply, our Talent team will carefully review your application against the key skills for the role
• Optional video: You’ll have the chance to submit a short video to showcase your skills and personality - this is completely optional
• Intro call: If you’re a good match, we’ll invite you to book a short (up to 30 minutes) telephone interview at a time that suits you
• First interview: If selected you’ll then take part in an interview, either on Teams or in person, depending on the role
• Next steps: For some roles, there may be a technical assessment and a second-stage interview either on teams or in person.

We’ll keep you updated throughout and make sure you feel supported at every stage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, 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. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.