Drilling Operations Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities from the Durban hub. The role requires hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and coordination with drilling engineers, supervisors, and service providers to achieve safe, efficient results.

You will guide well planning, budgeting, contractor management, and regulatory compliance, driving continuous improvements while maintaining stringent HSE standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive drilling operations experience.
• At least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role within Oil & Gas.
• Strong knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment and technologies.
• Proven ability to manage offshore/onshore drilling projects.
• Solid HSE regulatory understanding and practice in drilling operations.
• Demonstrated leadership of diverse teams.
• Excellent budgeting and contracting skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all drilling operations from well planning to reporting.
• Supervise engineers, toolpushers and rig crews for safe, efficient operations.
• Develop and manage drilling budgets and control expenditures.
• Oversee selection and performance of contractors, equipment and services.
• Enforce HSE policies and manage drilling risks with contingency plans.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineering, geology and production teams.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive improvements to reduce downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Negotiation

Decision making

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities from their operational hub in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This critical leadership role requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record in managing complex drilling campaigns, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. You will be responsible for leading a team of drilling engineers and supervisors, managing rig operations, and liaising with various stakeholders to achieve drilling objectives. This is a demanding, site-based position requiring hands-on leadership and strategic planning within a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be expected to provide on-the-ground oversight and decision‑making to optimize drilling performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of drilling operations, including well planning, execution, and reporting.
• Supervise drilling engineers, toolpushers, and rig crews to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Develop and manage drilling budgets, ensuring cost control and optimization of expenditures.
• Oversee the selection and performance of drilling contractors, equipment, and services.
• Implement and enforce stringent health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Manage operational risks and develop contingency plans for drilling-related challenges.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineering, geology, and production departments to align drilling strategies with overall project goals.
• Monitor drilling performance metrics and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce non-productive time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, and associated technologies.
• Proven experience in managing complex onshore and/or offshore drilling projects.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations and best practices in drilling operations.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience managing diverse teams.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Strong negotiation and contracting skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Commitment to residing in or commuting to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, performance incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions. This position provides significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. You will be part of a dedicated team focused on achieving operational excellence in the heart of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , contributing directly to the success of critical energy projects. Expect challenging yet rewarding work with a commitment to professional development.