Drilling Manager

Position Overview

The Drilling Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and governance of drilling and completion operations for offshore field developments. This role carries accountability for well delivery safety, cost, and schedule, and requires deep technical expertise in well design, rig selection, and contractor management. With the uptick in deep-water drilling campaigns and the shrinking pool of experienced drilling professionals, this role is among the most critically short in the offshore industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage drilling and completion operations for offshore field development and exploration campaigns.
• Develop well design, drilling programme, and basis of design in compliance with API, NORSOK, or client standards.
• Manage drilling rig selection, contracting, and mobilisation including rig specification reviews and acceptance.
• Oversee well delivery performance, including cost tracking, schedule management, and technical limit implementation.
• Ensure compliance with well integrity standards and regulatory requirements throughout the well lifecycle.
• Manage drilling service contractors, including directional drilling, mud, cementing, wireline, and completions.
• Champion HSE performance in drilling operations, including well control incident prevention and emergency response.
• Conduct and review risk assessments for drilling operations, including relief well planning.
• Coordinate with subsurface, production, and operations teams on well placement and completion design.
• Develop and mentor drilling engineers and supervisors to build organisational capability.

Qualifications

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Drilling Engineering
• Certifications: IWCF Well Control (Supervisor Level); BOSIET/FOET; WellCap or equivalent
• Experience: 15–20+ years in offshore drilling with 5+ years in a drilling management role; deep-water experience strongly preferred
• Technical Skills: Well design and drilling programme development; rig selection and contracting; well integrity management; deep-water drilling operations; HPHT well design; contractor management

Preferred

• Experience with subsea completion and intelligent well systems
• Involvement in managed pressure drilling (MPD) operations
• Knowledge of HPHT well design and execution
• Familiarity with dual-activity rig operations and batch drilling