Senior Drilling Supervisor

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodations provided

Travel expenses covered

Contract extension opportunities

Exposure to diverse drilling projects

Access to field operations teams

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Supervisor for operations based in Klerksdorp, North West. The role requires hands-on leadership to oversee drilling, workover, crews and logistics while ensuring safe, efficient execution and compliance with company policies.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in drilling with 5+ in supervision, IWCF Level 3, and strong HSE knowledge. You will lead daily safety meetings, optimize drilling performance, and coordinate with service providers in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role (Drilling Supervisor, Rig Manager).
• IWCF Level 3 or higher certification.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, directional drilling, and well control.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of HSE best practices and regulations in Oil & Gas.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct all drilling and workover operations on the rig site.
• Ensure adherence to safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor drilling parameters and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage drilling crews, providing clear direction and fostering a safety-conscious culture.
• Oversee rig logistics, inventory management, and equipment maintenance coordination.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement spill prevention measures.
• Collaborate with company representatives and service providers to achieve operational objectives.
• Conduct daily safety meetings and toolbox talks with rig personnel.
• Prepare daily drilling reports and end-of-well reports.
• Manage drilling-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Safety culture

Drilling operations

Well control

HSE knowledge

Decision making under pressure

Communication

Data/reporting

Education

High School Diploma

Technical drilling training

IWCF Level 3 or higher

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Supervisor to oversee drilling operations based out of Klerksdorp, North West. This critical role demands strong leadership and hands‑on expertise to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound drilling execution. You will be responsible for managing drilling crews, equipment, and logistics on the rig site, ensuring adherence to approved drilling programs and company policies. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of drilling operations, well control, HSE regulations, and cost management. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to operational success in a key region. You will play a vital role in maintaining operational integrity and optimizing drilling performance, working within a hybrid model that balances site presence with remote oversight responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct all drilling and workover operations on the rig site.


• Ensure strict adherence to safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.


• Monitor drilling parameters and operational performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.


• Manage drilling crews, providing clear direction and fostering a safety‑conscious culture.


• Oversee rig logistics, inventory management, and equipment maintenance coordination.


• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement spill prevention measures.


• Collaborate with company representatives and service providers to achieve operational objectives.


• Conduct daily safety meetings and toolbox talks with rig personnel.


• Prepare daily drilling reports and end‑of‑well reports.


• Manage drilling-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent; formal technical training or certifications in drilling operations are highly preferred.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role (Drilling Supervisor, Rig Manager).


• Valid IWCF Level 3 or higher certification.


• Extensive knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, directional drilling, and well control.


• Proven leadership and team management skills.


• Strong understanding of HSE best practices and regulations within the Oil & Gas industry.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment.


• Proficiency in preparing drilling reports and managing operational data.


• Experience working in the North West region of South Africa or similar operating environments is advantageous.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive day rate or annual contract compensation.


• Accommodations and travel expenses provided during site work.


• Opportunities for contract extension based on performance.


• Exposure to diverse drilling projects.


• Access to experienced field operations teams.


• Professional development support.