Drilling Supervisor (Company Man)

Position Overview

The Drilling Supervisor (commonly known as the Company Man) is the operator's senior representative at the wellsite, responsible for the safe and efficient execution of drilling operations in accordance with the approved well program. This role carries ultimate on-site authority for operational decisions, HSE compliance, and contractor management. It is one of the most responsible and highest-paid rotational positions in the oil and gas industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the operator at the wellsite with full authority to make operational decisions within the approved well program.
• Supervise all drilling, completion, and workover operations ensuring compliance with the drilling program and HSE standards.
• Coordinate and direct all service company personnel and third-party contractors on location.
• Manage well control situations in coordination with the driller and rig crew, ensuring correct well kill procedures are followed.
• Authorise and manage operational deviations, non-productive time (NPT), and change orders at the wellsite.
• Conduct daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and pre-job briefings with all on-site personnel.
• Monitor drilling parameters, manage rig time, and drive operational efficiency to minimise NPT.
• Report daily operations, costs, and forecasts to the onshore drilling team.
• Ensure all well barrier and integrity requirements are maintained throughout operations.
• Manage emergency response at the wellsite, including activation of ER protocols and coordination with onshore crisis management.

Qualifications

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical preferred); extensive field experience may substitute.
• Certifications: IWCF Level 4 (Supervisor) — mandatory; BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS; Offshore Medical; Well Control certification (current).
• Experience: 12–20+ years in drilling operations with significant time in a supervisory role at the wellsite.
• Technical Skills: Expert well control knowledge; comprehensive understanding of all drilling operations and rig systems; strong leadership, communication, and decision-making under pressure.

Preferred

• Experience supervising deepwater operations from 6th/7th generation drillships or semisubs.
• HPHT well supervision experience.
• Incident-free track record and demonstrated safety leadership.
• Familiarity with digital drilling reporting and real-time data systems.