SURF Lead Document Controller

SeaOwl Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SeaOwl Group in London seeks a SURF Lead Document Controller to oversee the DMS, lead a team of four document controllers, and ensure compliant documentation across all project phases. You will organize workflows, supervise issuance and archiving, and coordinate with field operations to deliver timely, auditable documentation in a demanding offshore context. Fluency in English is required; French is a plus.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of document control experience in large-scale projects.
• Strong knowledge of document management systems and metadata standards.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with attention to detail.
• English proficiency; French is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define and organize the SURF Document Management System (DMS) and workflows.
• Supervise document control across contractors and ensure compliance with standards.
• Coordinate with Schedule Engineers to align document production with timelines.
• Provide weekly KPIs and maintain high-quality workflows during absences or transitions.
• Oversee EDMS setup, training, and SharePoint management at contractor premises.

Skills

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

English proficiency

Tools

EDMS

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

Mission

The SURF Lead Document Controller ensures the integrity, traceability and accessibility of project documentation throughout the EPSCC phases of the SURF project. The role defines and implements the document management process in line with Company standards, project procedures and specifications, and contractual requirements. It also supervises a team of four Document Controllers and serves as the main point of contact for documentation matters between the Company and SURF contractors.

Key responsibilities

• Define and organize the SURF Document Management System (DMS), including workflows for document issuance, review, approval, correspondence and archiving.
• Maintain the DMS and oversee its configuration, use and evolution throughout the project.
• Supervise document monitoring and control across contractors and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with numbering, formatting and metadata standards.
• Supervise the recording and issuance of correspondence and manage package correspondence and any internal documentation.
• Organize, support and supervise the Document Controllers, ensuring consistent, high-quality workflows and continuity of service during absences or between packages.
• Monitor completion of SURF final documentation and support its delivery to Field Operations, in coordination with the Project Lead Document Controller.
• Prepare handover packages for Field Operations and ensure project documentation is properly archived.
• Coordinate with Schedule Engineers to align document production with project timelines and reporting needs.
• Conduct documentation audits and regular DMS quality checks; report concerns to management in a timely manner.
• Participate in implementing the EDMS at contractor premises, including setup, training and communication of rules and procedures.
• Assist with EDMS troubleshooting and package SharePoint management, including access rights.
• Provide weekly KPIs and other statistics as requested by SURF or project management.

HSE responsibilities

• Comply with Project HSE site instructions and policies.
• Report HSE anomalies, deficiencies, incidents and near misses through the applicable reporting systems and to HSE.
• Maintain office security and safety, and report any deficiencies.
• Carry out HSE inspections and audits as required.
• Attend project HSE meetings, training sessions, audits and inspections regularly.
• Provide feedback on HSE conditions and actively promote safe working practices.

Project context

The TotalEnergies Venus Project SURF development will operate in ultra-deep water at approximately 3,000 metres. It is designed to process 160,000 barrels of oil per day, with associated gas reinjected to maintain reservoir pressure. The unit will be permanently spread-moored using a 16-line system designed for station-keeping in relatively harsh Atlantic conditions. The development includes up to 40 subsea wells tied back to the SURF subsea architecture. The project operates in an international, multicultural environment.

Location and duration

• Location: EPSCC contractor premises, London, United Kingdom
• Start date: October 2026, subject to FID
• Duration: Minimum 1 year, up to 4 years
• Renewable: Yes
• Status: Residential

Qualifications and experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in document control, including leadership roles on large-scale industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of document management systems and techniques, preferably in oil and gas engineering and construction environments.
• Proficiency with electronic document management platforms, collaborative tools and Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency in English; French is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and communication abilities.
• Team leadership experience.