Project Manager - Aftermarket

NOV; Kristiansand; On-site; NOK 850,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Oilwell Varco (NOV) in Kristiansand, Norway, seeks a Project Manager – Aftermarket Projects to lead complex drilling equipment upgrade and recertification projects from sales handover through site execution and close-out.

As the single point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders, you will combine strong technical expertise with project leadership to deliver safe, high-quality projects across global locations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex projects, including site execution.
• Strong technical knowledge of drilling rigs and drilling equipment.
• Proven experience managing projects throughout the full lifecycle, from planning to completion.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 30% on average).

Responsibilities

• Lead complex aftermarket projects from project initiation through planning, site execution and final After-Action Review.
• Act as the single point of contact for customers and all internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Plan, coordinate and execute drilling equipment recertification (SPS), upgrade and automation projects.
• Develop project scope, schedules, resource plans and execution strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineering, field service, planning, supply chain, sales and project support functions.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, risks and progress while ensuring clear and timely communication with stakeholders.
• Lead on-site execution activities at customer facilities, shipyards and drilling rigs, ensuring safe and efficient project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance during project execution and confidently communicate technical scope with customers and rig personnel.
• Resolve technical and commercial challenges while maintaining strong customer relationships and stakeholder confidence.
• Ensure accurate project documentation, reporting and close-out activities are completed to a high standard.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with NOV and customer HSE requirements.
• Represent NOV professionally throughout all customer interactions.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Planning

Communication

Technical knowledge

Travel willingness

Leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Lead complex drilling equipment upgrade and recertification projects globally. Act as single point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders.

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex projects, including site execution
• Strong technical knowledge of drilling rigs and drilling equipment
• Fluent in Norwegian and English
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approx. 30%)
• Experience with drilling rig upgrades, SPS or aftermarket projects
• Exposure to global customers and international travel
• High level of ownership and autonomy

Do you drive Purposeful Innovation?

Project Manager – Aftermarket Projects (m/f/d)

Short Description

Join NOV's Aftermarket Projects team in Kristiansand and lead complex drilling equipment upgrade and recertification projects from sales handover through site execution and project close-out. As the single point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders, you will combine strong technical expertise with project leadership to deliver safe, high-quality projects across global locations.

Objectives

As a Project Manager within the Aftermarket Projects team, you will manage large, technically complex aftermarket projects, primarily involving drilling equipment recertifications (SPS), upgrades and automation projects. You will own the complete project lifecycle—from project initiation and planning through site execution and After-Action Review—ensuring projects are delivered safely on schedule and in close collaboration with customers and internal teams.

This role is based in Kristiansand, Norway, with regular domestic and international travel (typically around 30%, depending on project requirements). During project execution you will work on-site at customer facilities, shipyards or offshore rigs, while day-to-day project activities are office-based.

You will serve as the central coordination point for each project, bringing together engineering, planning, field service, supply chain, sales and customers to ensure successful execution. The role requires both strong technical credibility and excellent interpersonal skills, as you will regularly communicate with customers, rig crews, field service technicians and senior management during demanding project situations.

At NOV, you'll join an experienced and collaborative Aftermarket Projects team delivering challenging projects for customers worldwide. You'll work across the full project lifecycle, gain exposure to a wide variety of technologies and project types.

Why Join Us

From project initiation through site execution and final review, you'll take ownership of complex drilling equipment recertifications, upgrades and automation projects while working with customers and colleagues across the globe. This is an opportunity to combine your technical expertise with project leadership in a role that offers variety, autonomy and international exposure. You'll work alongside knowledgeable professionals in an open, supportive team environment where collaboration, trust and continuous learning are valued.

What We Offer

The opportunity to manage complex, high-value aftermarket projects across the full project lifecycle.

A collaborative and experienced team with an inclusive culture and an open-door leadership style.

Exposure to global customers, international travel and a wide variety of drilling equipment and automation projects.

A high level of ownership and autonomy as the single point of contact for your projects.

The opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions that improve the safety, reliability and performance of drilling operations worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex aftermarket projects from project initiation through planning, site execution and final After-Action Review.
• Act as the single point of contact for customers and all internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Plan, coordinate and execute drilling equipment recertification (SPS), upgrade and automation projects.
• Develop project scope, schedules, resource plans and execution strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineering, field service, planning, supply chain, sales and project support functions.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, risks and progress while ensuring clear and timely communication with stakeholders.
• Lead on-site execution activities at customer facilities, shipyards and drilling rigs, ensuring safe and efficient project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance during project execution and confidently communicate technical scope with customers and rig personnel.
• Resolve technical and commercial challenges while maintaining strong customer relationships and stakeholder confidence.
• Ensure accurate project documentation, reporting and close-out activities are completed to a high standard.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with NOV and customer HSE requirements.
• Represent NOV professionally throughout all customer interactions.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex projects, including site execution.
• Strong technical knowledge of drilling rigs and drilling equipment.
• Proven experience managing projects throughout the full lifecycle, from planning to completion.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong planning, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Fluent in Norwegian and English.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 30% on average).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NOV equipment or previous employment with NOV.
• Experience with drilling rig upgrades, Special Periodic Surveys (SPS) or aftermarket projects.
• Automation or Controls background.
• Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• Experience in the drilling industry.

• Norsk
• Risikostyring

Join our Global Family:

We offer an inspiring place to work with great opportunities to develop your skills and the opportunity to work with the brightest minds in the oil and gas industry. You will become part of a professional culture where we work together in teams with other dedicated professionals to achieve common goals.

National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV) is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil and gas industry that supports customers full-field drilling, completion, and production needs. Since 1862, NOV has pioneered innovations that improve the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of oil and gas operations. NOV powers the industry that powers the world. Visit www.nov.com for more information.

drilling, engineering, technical, project manager