Senior Drilling Supervisor

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Supervisor to oversee drilling operations in Soweto, Gauteng. The role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in managing complex drilling projects safely and efficiently.

You will supervise drilling crews, coordinate with service providers, and ensure adherence to programs, procedures, and safety standards. A strong leadership track record and IWCF supervisor certification are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in drilling operations with at least 5 in supervision.
• IWCF supervisor level certification is required.
• Proven ability to lead drilling crews and interface with service companies.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluids, cementing, directional drilling and formation evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all drilling operations on assigned rigs, ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure adherence to approved drilling programs and procedures.
• Lead drilling crews, provide guidance and performance feedback.
• Coordinate with service providers (directional drilling, mud logging, wireline).
• Monitor rig performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee well control operations and compliance with safety regulations.
• Manage drilling-related inventory and equipment on location.
• Conduct safety meetings and risk assessments to promote safety culture.
• Prepare daily drilling reports, performance analyses and incident reports.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permits.

Skills

10+ years drilling ops

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Safety culture

IWCF supervisor level

Education

IWCF supervisor level certification

Tools

Drilling software

Reporting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major upstream oil and gas operator, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Drilling Supervisor to oversee drilling operations in the Soweto, Gauteng area. This critical role requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record in managing complex drilling projects safely and efficiently. The Senior Drilling Supervisor will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of drilling crews, ensuring adherence to drilling programs, safety procedures, and operational best practices. You will manage rig operations, coordinate with various service providers, and ensure optimal performance and cost control. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in drilling engineering and operations, exceptional leadership qualities, and a commitment to uncompromising safety standards. This position is based in Soweto, offering direct involvement in significant drilling activities. Our client is dedicated to operational excellence and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement within their drilling teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise all aspects of drilling operations on assigned rigs, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution.
• Ensure adherence to approved drilling programs, operational procedures, and company policies.
• Manage drilling crews, providing leadership, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate with directional drilling, mud logging, wireline, and other service providers to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor rig performance, equipment status and operational parameters, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee well control operations and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
• Manage drilling-related inventory and equipment on location.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and risk assessments, promoting a proactive safety culture.
• Prepare daily drilling reports, performance analyses and incident reports.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and permit requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role (Drilling Supervisor, Toolpusher).
• Extensive knowledge of drilling equipment, operations, and techniques, including BOPs and well control procedures (IWCF certification required at supervisor level).
• Proven ability to manage drilling crews and interface effectively with service companies.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluids, cementing, directional drilling and formation evaluation.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the Gauteng region.
• Ability to work on a rotational schedule, typically involving extended periods on site.
• Proficiency in using drilling software and reporting tools.
• Commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in all operations.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Employees receive generous paid time off and opportunities for advanced training and career development within a leading international company. This role provides direct impact on critical operational outcomes and significant career progression potential. Join a dynamic and safety-focused organization with a strong commitment to its workforce. The Soweto location places you at the heart of significant energy development activities.