Drilling Operations Lead - Diamond Core & RC

Maandag®; Dammam; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Maandag Middle East is recruiting Operations Supervisors – Mining & Exploration Drilling for a leading Saudi mining and exploration services company. You will oversee and coordinate DD and RC drilling activities across multiple project sites, ensuring operational efficiency, equipment performance, and strict adherence to HSE standards.

The role requires 5–7 years of drilling operations experience with at least 3 years in supervision, hands‑on leadership of drilling crews, fluency in English, and

Qualifications

• Saudi nationality.
• 5–7 years of experience in drilling operations, including at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven technical experience in Diamond Core Drilling (DD) and/or Reverse Circulation Drilling (RC).
• Experience supervising drilling crews and coordinating field operations.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluids, downhole tools, geological formations, and drilling equipment.
• Knowledge of HSE standards and safe drilling practices.
• Ability to prepare and review drilling reports.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to work at remote mining project sites under rotational schedules.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily DD and/or RC drilling activities across assigned project sites.
• Plan and execute drilling operations in accordance with project schedules, budgets, and client requirements.
• Ensure proper drilling rig setup, alignment, and operational procedures.
• Monitor drilling performance, penetration rates, productivity, and core recovery where applicable.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, including stuck rods, drilling fluid loss, equipment breakdowns, and challenging geological formations.
• Ensure drilling activities meet project quality and operational targets.
• Lead and manage drilling crews, operators, drilling assistants, and support personnel.
• Assign daily tasks and monitor crew performance and productivity.
• Provide technical guidance, on-the-job training, and operational support.
• Promote a strong culture of teamwork, accountability, and workplace safety.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of drilling rigs, drilling fluids, downhole tools, and sampling equipment.
• Coordinate routine equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs.
• Verify drilling logs, depth records, sampling documentation, and daily operational reports.
• Ensure geological samples are collected, handled, and documented according to project requirements.
• Enforce compliance with all site-specific HSE policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Conduct daily safety briefings and toolbox talks.
• Identify operational hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure drilling crews use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Promote safe drilling practices across all assigned operations.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and project-related operational reports.
• Coordinate with Operations Managers, Project Managers, Geologists, and client representatives.
• Communicate project progress, operational challenges, and performance updates.
• Recommend improvements to drilling efficiency, equipment utilization, and operational safety.

Skills

Diamond Core Drilling

Reverse Circulation Drilling

Supervisory Experience

Team Leadership

HSE Awareness

Drilling Fluids Knowledge

Downhole Tools

Safety Compliance

English Fluency

Tools

Drilling Rigs

Sampling Equipment

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Job description

Maandag Middle East is recruiting Operations Supervisors – Mining & Exploration Drilling for a leading Saudi mining and exploration services company. You will oversee and coordinate DD and RC drilling activities across multiple project sites, ensuring operational efficiency, equipment performance, and strict adherence to HSE standards.

The role requires 5–7 years of drilling operations experience with at least 3 years in supervision, hands‑on leadership of drilling crews, fluency in English, and