Senior Drilling Supervisor - Onshore Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site Upington

Medical aid

Provident fund

Rotational schedule

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Drilling Supervisor for onshore operations in Upington, Northern Cape. The role demands decisive leadership and hands-on experience in executing safe, efficient drilling programs on site.

You will manage rig crews and contractors, ensure adherence to HSE standards, monitor drilling performance, and coordinate with service providers to deliver operational excellence in a demanding oil & gas environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Onshore drilling experience is essential.
• IWCF Level 3 Well Control certification required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all drilling operations on the rig site daily.
• Ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in drilling.
• Oversee rig crew performance and provide guidance.
• Ensure compliance with drilling programs, procedures, and policies.
• Manage well control operations and respond to emergencies.
• Monitor drilling parameters and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with service providers and assess service quality.
• Maintain accurate daily drilling reports and communicate status to management.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure HSE adherence.
• Manage rig site logistics and resource allocation.

Skills

Drilling operations

Team leadership

Education

IWCF Level 3 Well Control Certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent upstream operator in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Supervisor for their onshore operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This critical on-site role requires proven leadership and extensive hands‑on experience in managing safe and efficient drilling operations. The Senior Drilling Supervisor will be responsible for the day‑to‑day execution of drilling programs, ensuring all activities comply with company policies, industry best practices, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, well control, and HSE procedures. We are looking for a decisive leader who can effectively manage rig crews, contractors, and resources to achieve operational objectives in the demanding Upington environment. This is a key on‑site position focused on operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all drilling operations on the rig site on a daily basis.
• Ensure drilling operations are conducted in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.
• Oversee rig crew performance, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Ensure compliance with drilling programs, procedures, and company policies.
• Manage well control operations and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Monitor drilling parameters, identify potential problems, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with service providers and ensure the quality of services rendered.
• Maintain accurate daily drilling reports and communicate operational status to management.
• Ensure adherence to HSE regulations and promote a strong safety culture on the rig.
• Manage rig site logistics and resource allocation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role (Drilling Foreman or Supervisor).
• Proven experience in onshore drilling operations.
• Strong knowledge of drilling equipment, practices, and procedures.
• Valid Well Control certification (e.g., IWCF Level 3 or higher).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of HSE regulations and their application in field operations.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work on a rotational schedule at the Upington site.
• Experience in the Oil & Gas industry is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and generous on-call allowances.
• Significant leadership opportunity within Oil & Gas operations.
• On-site role with direct impact on project success.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Rotational schedule offering a structured work-life balance.
• Opportunities for further training and career progression.
• Work in the unique operational landscape of Upington.
• Supportive and experienced management team.