Lead Driller

IGNE; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Pension

Life insurance (3x salary)

Health Cash Plan & medical cash back

Annual leave buy and sell scheme

Ongoing training and development

Cycle to work

Green Vehicle & Home/Tech Scheme

Long Service Awards

Job summary

Igne Group Limited is seeking an experienced Lead Driller to oversee borehole projects across the UK. You will organise equipment, operate drilling rigs, and manage sites from domestic to commercial water wells, ensuring safety and technical compliance.

The role demands physically demanding tasks, travel, and the ability to work outdoors in all weathers. Excellent leadership and communication are essential for coordinating teams and maintaining rig health.

Qualifications

• Essential: Full UK driving licence (travel is a requirement).
• Essential: Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations.
• Essential: Previous experience of operating Rotary drilling rigs.
• Essential: Able to work within a high-pressured environment.
• Essential: Clear communication skills (written and verbal).
• Essential: Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers and stay away from home as required.
• Desirable: NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling.
• Desirable: Tele-Handler ticket.

Responsibilities

• Carry out drilling, construction, and installation of water supply boreholes.
• Selecting all required equipment for each project.
• Handle all site operations ensuring all work is carried out as safely as possible.
• Maintain the rig and carry out routine maintenance.
• Train assistant drillers to the required standards to enable them to operate a drilling rig and other plant equipment.
• Transportation of drilling rig and specialist plant equipment.
• Set up and operation of the drilling rig and specialist plant equipment.
• Maintain and carry out routine maintenance on equipment.

Skills

Full UK driving licence

Health & Safety knowledge

Rotary drilling rig experience

Ability to work under pressure

Clear communication

Willingness to travel and stay away

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling

Tools

Rotary drilling rigs

Job description

Igne is growing and currently seeking an experienced Lead Driller to join our dedicated team, working on a variety of exciting projects across the UK. We are also open to applications from full drilling crews who are looking to make the move together.

As a Lead Driller, you will be responsible for organising equipment, operating drilling rigs, and managing sites for both domestic and commercial water well projects ensuring all work is delivered to technical specifications and in line with company procedures.

Due to the nature of the work, the role requires physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, and handling equipment and materials in line with health and safety guidelines.

If you’re looking to join an innovative, fast-paced, and committed team that’s making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out drilling, construction, and installation of water supply boreholes
• Selecting all required equipment for each project
• Handle all site operations ensuring all work is carried out as safely as possible
• Maintain the rig and carry out routine maintenance
• Train assistant drillers to the required standards to enable them to operate a drilling rig and other plant equipment
• Transportation of drilling rig and specialist plant equipment
• Set up and operation of the drilling rig and specialist plant equipment
• Maintain and carry out routine maintenance on equipment

Person Specification

Essential:

• Full UK driving licence (travel is a requirement)
• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations
• Previous experience of operating Rotary drilling rigs
• Able to work within a high-pressured environment
• Clear communication skills (written and verbal)
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers and stay away from home as required

Desirable:

• NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling
• Tele-Handler ticket

Salary & Benefits

• c£42,000
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Company Pension, Life insurance ( 3x salary) & sick pay
• Health Cash Plan & medical cash back
• Annual leave buy and sell scheme
• Ongoing training and development
• Cycle to work, Green Vehicle & Home/Tech Scheme
• High Street Discounts & Long Service Awards

We are Igne Group Limited, a synergetic amalgamation of six companies, renowned within our respective fields, with over 350 years of combined experience—a one‑stop shop for pre‑and post‑construction services. Igne’s six service categories are ground investigation, testing, unexploded ordnance (UXO), specialist drilling, geothermal, and geo‑environmental.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, and signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recruit talented individuals who care about making a positive difference. We want colleagues to bring their whole selves to work, so equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our culture and integral to our success. We also want all colleagues to thrive, which is why we have trained and dedicated mental health first aiders across the organisation who are available to support employees whenever needed. We believe in developing our talent, which is why at Igne you will have many opportunities for training and progression within your role.

As part of our commitment to health, safety and wellbeing, all successful candidates may be required to undergo a drug and alcohol screening process before employment commences. Employees are also subject to random and for‑cause drug and alcohol testing during employment in accordance with our Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Igne is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.