Remote Drilling Operations Manager

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Stock options

Health insurance

Home office allowance

Annual bonus

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Drilling Operations Manager for a global leader in the Oil & Gas sector. This fully remote role offers flexibility to oversee drilling campaigns from anywhere and to lead remote teams across projects.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in drilling engineering and operations, with supervisory experience, and a proven ability to optimize safety, efficiency, and costs in complex projects. A strong command of drilling tech and project management is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years drilling engineering and operations experience, with 3+ years in a management or supervisory role.
• Experience managing complex drilling projects, including unconventional resources.
• Expertise in drilling fluid technology, well control, directional drilling, and completion operations.
• Strong understanding of drilling contracts, equipment and service providers.
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote teams effectively.
• Excellent organizational, planning and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in drilling software and project management tools.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills for remote collaboration.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely and possess a reliable internet connection.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic drilling plans for onshore and offshore projects.
• Oversee daily drilling operations, ensuring safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines for multiple drilling projects simultaneously.
• Supervise and mentor drilling engineers, rig supervisors, and other operational staff remotely.
• Implement best practices in drilling technology, risk management, and performance optimization.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable operational practices.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to remote teams.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and develop effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Liaise with procurement, logistics, and other support departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain detailed records of drilling activities, costs, and performance metrics.

Skills

Remote team leadership

Strategic drilling planning

Budget and resource management

Drilling fluid technology

Well control and directional drilling

Contract and vendor management

Communication and negotiation

Autonomous work style

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Eng. or Mechanical Eng.

Tools

Drilling software

Project management tools

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is actively seeking a highly motivated and seasoned Remote Drilling Operations Manager . This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to manage critical drilling operations from anywhere. You will oversee all aspects of drilling campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Your expertise in managing complex drilling projects, navigating diverse geological challenges, and leading remote teams will be paramount to success. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking professional who thrives in an autonomous environment and possesses a strong command of drilling technologies and project management methodologies. We are looking for an individual with a proven track record of successfully executing drilling programs and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, regardless of physical location. This position is designed for a leader who can inspire and guide teams effectively in a virtual setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic drilling plans for onshore and offshore projects.
• Oversee daily drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines for multiple drilling projects simultaneously.
• Supervise and mentor drilling engineers, rig supervisors, and other operational staff remotely.
• Implement best practices in drilling technology, risk management, and performance optimization.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable operational practices.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to remote teams.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and develop effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Liaise with procurement, logistics, and other support departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain detailed records of drilling activities, costs, and performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling engineering and operations, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex drilling projects, including unconventional resources.
• Expertise in drilling fluid technology, well control, directional drilling, and completion operations.
• Strong understanding of drilling contracts, equipment, and service providers.
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote teams effectively.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in relevant drilling software and project management tools.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, adapted for remote collaboration.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely and possess a reliable internet connection.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary reflecting the senior nature of the role.
• Full remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Annual performance bonus and stock options.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and internet expenses.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• A supportive and collaborative virtual work culture.