Drilling Operations Manager

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentives

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Travel allowances

Professional certifications

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities in and around George, Western Cape. The role demands strategic planning, strict safety management, and efficient campaign execution to meet production targets.

You will manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a team of drilling engineers and supervisors toward optimized performance and minimal NPT, within a high-integrity, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• Over 10 years of drilling operations experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record in onshore and/or offshore drilling project management.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic drilling plans, optimizing rig utilization and operational efficiency.
• Plan, execute, and supervise all drilling and completion operations.
• Ensure SHE policies and procedures are followed on all drilling sites.
• Oversee drilling contracts, equipment, and services for cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor drilling progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation to prevent NPT.
• Lead and mentor the drilling team to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Drilling Operations Manager to oversee and direct all drilling activities for their operations in and around George . This senior position requires strategic planning, rigorous safety management, and efficient execution of drilling campaigns to meet production targets. You will be responsible for managing drilling budgets, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and leading a team of drilling engineers and supervisors. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing drilling performance, minimizing non-productive time, and upholding the highest standards of operational integrity and safety in the Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic drilling plans, optimizing rig utilization and operational efficiency.
• Manage the planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling and completion operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental (SHE ) policies and procedures on all drilling sites.
• Oversee the management of drilling contracts, equipment, and services, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor drilling progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to prevent NPT.
• Lead and mentor the drilling team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of progressive experience in oil and gas drilling operations , with at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successful onshore and/or offshore drilling project management.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, and associated technologies.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluids, well control, and directional drilling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with annual performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous travel allowances and accommodation support for site visits.
• Professional development opportunities and support for industry certifications.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading energy company operating in George .