Topside Drilling Manager

LMOceans; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading offshore drilling company is seeking a Senior Topside Drilling Team Leader/Manager in Birmingham. This role demands a proven expert in topside drilling and geotechnical operations, known for exceptional safety standards and operational leadership. You will oversee technical assurance, approve safety-critical equipment and drive innovations within the team. This opportunity offers significant influence on offshore drilling strategies, shaping future operations and mentoring the next generation. A Bachelor's in Geotechnical Engineering is required, alongside deep operational experience.

Qualifications

• Proven operational experience in geotechnical site investigation and topside drilling.
• Strong technical grounding in drilling engineering and rig operations.
• In-depth understanding of industry regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical assurance for all topside drilling programmes.
• Approve key technical specifications and risk decisions.
• Manage drilling equipment and integrity.

Skills

Technical authority in topside drilling

Operational leadership

Safety management systems

Influential communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelors or Higher in Geotechnical / Civil / Geosciences Engineering

Tools

Electro-hydraulic systems

HP air systems

Generators

Winches

CMMS

Job description

BRAND NEW ROLE * * * * Topside Drilling Team Leader/Manager * * * (Geo)

This is a Senior opportunity for our client as they look to further strengthen and expand their ever-growing team and offshore asset presence.

Due to a very full ledger for Q1 & 2, our client are looking for an experienced Topside Drilling Team Lead / Manager to step into a senior, influential leadership role within a highly respected offshore operation. This is a very rare opportunity for a technically credible leader to shape how safe, reliable and high-performing geotechnical drilling operations are delivered across a modern fleet.

This role suits a professional who thrives at the intersection of technical authority, operational leadership and safety excellence.

Why we think this role stands out:

• ✔ True subject matter expert status for topside drilling
• ✔ High visibility and influence across assets, people and strategy
• ✔ Strong focus on safety-critical assurance and technical governance
• ✔ Opportunity to drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement
• ✔ Work with complex, technically challenging offshore operations

The role at a glance:

• Lead technical assurance for all topside drilling programmes and operations
• Act as the approval authority for key technical specifications, deviations and risk-based decisions
• Oversee safety-critical drilling equipment and integrity management
• Lead Management of Change (MoC) reviews and risk assessments
• Contribute to HAZOP, LOPA and other formal safety studies
• Develop competency frameworks and mentor drilling personnel
• Monitor equipment performance, inventory and improvement initiatives
• Coordinate resources across drilling assets and personnel
• Champion innovation, bespoke developments and operational efficiency
• Ensure geotechnical boreholes are delivered to the highest technical and operational standards

Who are our client looking for?

• A proven operator experience in geotechnical site investigation and topside drilling
• Strong technical grounding in drilling engineering, rig operations and borehole integrity
• In-depth understanding of industry regulations and safety management systems
• Confident risk manager with sound technical judgement
• Clear, influential communicator and problem-solver
• Visible leader with a strong commitment to HSE excellence
• Working knowledge of electro-hydraulic systems, HP air, generators, winches and CMMS
• A profile with a proven Geotechnical, ideally DeepWater drilling background
• Bachelors or Higher in Geotechnical / Civil / Geosciences Engineering (or similar relevant)

The opportunity:

Our client are offering a route into genuine technical authority, strategic influence and long-term impact making with this role. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to set standards, mentor teams and play a defining role in the future of offshore geotechnical drilling.

Interested?

If this sounds like it could be you and you are a senior drilling professional, ready to step into a role with real influence and challenge, we’d welcome a confidential conversation. Get in touch today directly with James: [e-mail]

LMOceans