Senior Drilling Operations Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement provisions

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities in George, Western Cape. The role demands strong leadership, safety focus, and hands-on site management to plan, execute, and supervise drilling campaigns.

The successful candidate will manage crews, equipment, budgets, and interfaces with subsurface and logistics to ensure safe, cost-effective operations and adherence to industry standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in drilling engineering and operations.
• Experience with deepwater or challenging environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or closely related field.
• IWCF Level 4 well control certification.
• Willing to relocate to George, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive drilling plans for exploration wells.
• Supervise drilling crews, service providers, and contractors.
• Oversee equipment selection, procurement, and usage.
• Monitor performance, identify risks, and implement mitigations.
• Ensure adherence to policies, regulations and environmental standards.
• Manage drilling budgets, control costs, and optimize efficiency.
• Conduct regular safety audits and promote a strong safety culture.
• Coordinate with subsurface and logistics for project execution.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and develop solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Drilling operations

Cost control

Safety management

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Drilling Operations Manager to oversee all drilling activities in George, Western Cape. The role demands strong leadership, safety focus, and hands-on site management to plan, execute, and supervise drilling campaigns.

The successful candidate will manage crews, equipment, budgets, and interfaces with subsurface and logistics to ensure safe, cost-effective operations and adherence to industry standards.