Drilling Operations Manager - Oil & Gas

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuities

Life cover

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities in Paarl, Western Cape. The role requires proven leadership, deep drilling engineering knowledge, and a focus on safe, cost-efficient execution.

You will plan, supervise, and optimize drilling campaigns while coordinating with subsurface teams. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in drilling operations, a strong track record in onshore/offshore projects, and IWCF Level 4 or equivalent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• At least 10 years in drilling operations with 5+ years in supervisory/management roles.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, HSE procedures and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drilling programs and operational plans.
• Supervise drilling crews, contractors and service providers.
• Ensure operations comply with safety, health and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Drilling operations

Budget management

HSE awareness

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

IWCF certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the **Oil & Gas** exploration and production sector, is seeking a seasoned Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities. This pivotal role is based in **Paarl, Western Cape, ZA**, and requires a leader with a proven track record in managing complex drilling campaigns safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. You will be responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, a deep understanding of drilling engineering principles, and a strong commitment to operational integrity. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on major projects within a well-respected company, contributing directly to the company's success in the upstream sector. We are looking for a results-oriented professional ready to take on significant responsibility in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive drilling programs and operational plans.
• Manage and supervise drilling crews, contractors, and service providers.
• Ensure all drilling operations are conducted in compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Monitor drilling performance, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Control drilling budgets, manage costs, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of drilling equipment and services.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and ensure all safety procedures are in place before operations commence.
• Manage casing and cementing programs to ensure wellbore integrity.
• Coordinate with subsurface teams to ensure alignment between drilling plans and reservoir objectives.
• Provide regular reports on drilling progress, performance, and challenges to senior management.
• Mentor and develop junior drilling engineers and supervisors.
• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, HSE procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in managing complex onshore and/or offshore drilling operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.
• Experience with rig selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
• Valid IWCF certification (Level 4 or equivalent).
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with drilling simulation software is an advantage.
• Must possess valid work authorization for **South Africa**.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, potential for bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, retirement annuities, and life cover. Opportunities for professional growth and development are abundant, including advanced training programs and exposure to cutting-edge drilling technologies. The company promotes a culture of safety and collaboration, valuing the contributions of its employees. This role offers a chance to work on challenging projects in the vibrant **Western Cape** region. This position will involve a hybrid working arrangement, blending remote work flexibility with essential on-site operational oversight.