Senior Drilling Operations Leader - Drive Campaigns & Safety

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonus potential

Retirement plan

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Operations Manager for a major energy group overseeing drilling campaigns from Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA. You will plan, execute, and safely complete drilling programs, lead engineers, rig crews, and service providers to meet safety, environmental, and production targets.

You will manage budgets, select contractors, monitor performance, and implement risk controls while coordinating with exploration, production, and HSE teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering).
• Minimum 10 years in drilling operations with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, well control, and risks.
• Proven track record managing complex campaigns in challenging environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drilling plans, programs and budgets aligned with targets.
• Supervise all drilling operations ensuring safety and compliance.
• Mentor and develop drilling engineers, rig crews, and support staff.
• Oversee contracting and performance management of drilling contractors.
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate hazards and risks.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement to cut costs.
• Coordinate with exploration, production, HSE, and engineering teams.
• Procure materials, equipment, and services for drilling operations.
• Conduct post-drilling reviews and lessons learned sessions.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Drilling operations

HSE management

Budgeting

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling planning software

Performance tracking tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Operations Manager for a major energy group overseeing drilling campaigns from Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA. You will plan, execute, and safely complete drilling programs, lead engineers, rig crews, and service providers to meet safety, environmental, and production targets.

You will manage budgets, select contractors, monitor performance, and implement risk controls while coordinating with exploration, production, and HSE teams.