Drilling Department Manager
Location: Dubai, UAE
Reports to: Senior Director - Development & Drilling
Department: Drilling
Team Size: 90
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Drilling Department Manager to lead drilling, completion, and workover operations. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all drilling activities while ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The manager will guide staff toward innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Operational (30%)
- Plan, direct, and coordinate drilling and workover activities.
- Develop and implement the drilling department budget; monitor expenditures.
- Review and approve drilling, completion, and workover schedules in line with budget.
- Supervise preparation of drilling, completion, and workover programs, ensuring compliance with safety standards and statutory requirements.
- Oversee technical scope of work and equipment lists; participate in technical evaluation of tenders.
- Assess contractors' prequalification and capabilities; develop contract terms and monitor contractor performance.
- Ensure compliance with well procedures, quality standards, and schedules.
Control: Policy, Procedure, and Risk Mitigation (20%)
- Develop and implement policies and best practices for drilling and workover activities.
- Set annual HSE objectives and ensure compliance with company HSE policies.
- Ensure proper management, storage, and retrieval of technical data.
- Maintain compliance with company procedures, internal regulations, and confidentiality requirements.
Strategy (20%)
- Align drilling and workover strategies with overall company objectives.
- Define scope of work based on the Field Development Plan.
- Prepare annual department plan to ensure resource and work program alignment.
Technical (10%)
- Provide technical guidance and solutions for challenges encountered during drilling, completion, or workover.
- Stay informed of developments in drilling technology and communicate applicable updates to team members.
Liaison and Coordination (10%)
- Review well work programs with sponsoring departments and recommend modifications.
- Maintain effective working relationships with contractors and service companies.
Reporting (5%)
- Review department reports for completeness and accuracy.
- Provide reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Supply management with drilling input for field development decisions.
Coaching, Training, and Mentoring (5%)
- Support staff training and professional development.
- Coach and mentor employees to build knowledge, skills, and succession readiness.
- Motivate staff by recognising and rewarding performance.
Skills and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
- Approximately 20 years' experience in drilling and workover operations and engineering, including:
- 7 years offshore experience, including horizontal and/or extended reach drilling
- 3 years drilling gas wells and/or HPHT wells
- 5 years in supervisory roles
- Broad analytical skills and ability to exercise independent judgment on complex matters.
- Strong leadership, planning, and organisational capabilities.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills with both internal teams and external contractors/service companies.
Additional Information
- Level 4 - Administrative Direction: High level of independent decision-making and broad impact on operations.
- Internal customers include general management and division managers; external customers include contractors and service companies.