Lead Geotechnical Drilling Operations (Full-time / MNC)

Achieve Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Achieve Group in Singapore seeks an experienced Lead Geotechnical Drilling Operations to lead offshore geotechnical drilling activities across APAC, overseeing safety, equipment readiness and personnel competency.

The role combines onshore and offshore responsibilities, requires 10+ years in offshore geotechnical drilling, and travel across regions. You will mentor drilling crews, review procedures and drive continuous improvement while ensuring HSE standards are met.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of offshore geotechnical drilling experience and seabed data acquisition.
• Strong knowledge of offshore geotechnical drilling, downhole tools and seabed sampling/data systems.
• Proven ability to lead, train or assess drilling personnel.
• Experience with offshore operations, equipment management and troubleshooting.
• Willingness to travel internationally and undertake offshore assignments.
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders and maintain high safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead competency assessments and development programmes for drilling personnel.
• Provide technical guidance on drilling equipment, operations and HSE matters.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment for the drilling team.
• Review and implement work instructions and operational standards.
• Monitor geotechnical operations for compliance with procedures and safety.
• Drive continuous improvement in drilling operations and data execution.
• Serve as regional SME for geotechnical drilling equipment and operations.
• Lead equipment upgrades, maintenance and operational improvements.
• Coordinate with mobilisation and vessel teams on port calls and mobilisation.
• Support training and performance assessments for drilling staff.
• Ensure setup, testing and maintenance of geotechnical drilling tools.

Job description

Our client, an established international organisation within the marine and offshore geotechnical sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Geotechnical Drilling Operations to join its Singapore-based operations team.

This is a senior technical and operational role responsible for leading and developing offshore drilling personnel while ensuring the safe and effective execution of geotechnical drilling operations. The successful candidate will also serve as a technical subject matter expert, supporting equipment readiness, operational improvements and competency development across the Asia Pacific region.

The position involves a combination of onshore and offshore responsibilities, primarily within APAC, with international travel as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage competency assessments and development programmes for drilling personnel, including trainee drillers and experienced drilling personnel.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to drilling supervisors and relevant stakeholders on drilling equipment, operations and HSE matters.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment requirements for the drilling team.
• Review and implement work instructions, procedures and operational standards for drilling equipment and activities.
• Monitor ongoing geotechnical operations to ensure compliance with established procedures, technical requirements, HSE standards and company guidelines.
• Drive continuous improvement in drilling operations, borehole planning and drilling data execution.
• Serve as a regional Subject Matter Expert for geotechnical drilling equipment and operations.
• Lead and support initiatives relating to equipment upgrades, maintenance and operational improvements.
• Support the evaluation, inspection and readiness of geotechnical drilling equipment and associated consumables.
• Collaborate with relevant technical and operations teams to improve drilling systems, equipment and processes.
• Coordinate with mobilisation and vessel operations teams on port calls and mobilisation activities involving geotechnical equipment.
• Support the career and competency development of drilling personnel through guidance, coaching and performance assessments.
• Oversee the preparation, setup, testing and maintenance of geotechnical drilling tools, equipment and systems used for offshore data and sample acquisition.
• Ensure the safe and effective operation of geotechnical drilling and sample acquisition equipment.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and remote operational support to maintain equipment performance and minimise operational disruption.
• Participate in incident investigations involving drilling equipment and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support equipment and consumables inventory management and resupply requirements for vessels operating across the APAC region.
• Promote effective collaboration across offshore and onshore geotechnical sampling and drilling teams.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 or more years of relevant experience in offshore geotechnical drilling, including experience with seabed data acquisition and sampling systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of specialised offshore geotechnical drilling, downhole tools and seabed sampling or data acquisition systems.
• Demonstrated experience in offshore drilling operations, equipment management and technical troubleshooting.
• Experience in leading, training or assessing drilling personnel will be advantageous.
• Comfortable using relevant IT systems and software for operational and technical requirements.
• Able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders in a professional working environment.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to work effectively in offshore operating environments.
• Able to meet the medical and safety requirements necessary for offshore deployment, including requirements associated with working at height, where applicable.
• Willing and able to travel internationally and undertake offshore assignments as required.
• Collaborative and proactive, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary onshore and offshore teams.