Responsible for the overall management of rig operations, personnel, equipment, and resources to ensure the approved well program is executed safely, efficiently, and productively. Provides overall operational leadership on the rig, coordinating drilling, maintenance, materials, HSE, and other rig activities in collaboration with the Client representative, Rig Superintendent, department heads, and third-party service providers.
Ensures that rig equipment and systems remain operational and properly maintained, regulatory and certification requirements are met, and Company policies, procedures, and HSE standards are consistently applied.
Provides leadership to rig personnel, manages operational priorities and rig moves, oversees performance and competency development, and maintains effective communication between the rig, client, and onshore support teams.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Rig Operations and Wells Program Execution
Manages the planning and efficient execution of the approved drilling and workover program in coordination with the Client Representative and rig department heads.
Provides overall direction and supervision for drilling, maintenance, and associated rig operations.
Conducts daily operations meetings with the Client Representative and relevant rig department heads.
Ensures pre-job meetings are conducted for hazardous, critical, and non-routine operations.
Monitors rig operations to ensure established operating parameters, procedures, and equipment limits are observed.
Coordinates activities across rig departments to minimise operational downtime and ensure effective use of personnel and resources.
Equipment, Maintenance and Operational Readiness
Monitors the condition, utilization, testing, inspection, and operational readiness of rig equipment and systems.
Oversees implementation of the Company's Computerised Maintenance
Management System (CMMS) across rig departments.
Sets maintenance priorities to ensure critical equipment and systems remain available for operations.
Ensures rig equipment and structures maintain valid inspections, certifications, and statutory documentation.
Ensures third-party equipment and services used on the rig meet applicable company, client, certification, and operational requirements.
Rig Move and Critical Operations
Develops rig move plans in coordination with the Rig Superintendent and appointed third-party rig movers.
Leads and coordinates rig-down, transportation, rig-up, and associated rig move activities.
Ensures personnel, equipment, materials, and third-party resources required for rig moves are appropriately planned and coordinated.
Client, Contractor and Regulatory Coordination
Maintains effective working relationships with Client Representatives, rig department heads, third-party contractors, and other relevant stakeholders.
Ensures third-party personnel comply with applicable Company and rig-specific procedures while on location.
Ensures rig operations comply with applicable regulatory requirements, standards, contractual obligations, and Company procedures.
Supports client, regulatory, and Company inspections and audits and ensures identified actions are appropriately addressed.
HSE and Operational Compliance
Provides visible HSE leadership and ensures Company HSE policies, procedures, and programmes are communicated, understood, and applied by all rig personnel.
Ensures emergency drills and exercises involving firefighting, lifesaving, well control, and other emergency equipment are conducted and recorded as required.
Maintains high standards of hygiene and housekeeping across the rig and camp.
Budget, Materials and Inventory Management
Supports the development and submission of the rig's annual maintenance and operational budget.
Monitors rig expenditure and resource utilization against approved requirements.
Oversees inventory levels and ensures critical operational and maintenance requirements are adequately supported.
Rig Administration and Reporting
Ensures required daily, periodic, and operational reports are prepared and submitted within established timelines.
Provides the Rig Superintendent and relevant stakeholders with timely information on rig performance, operational challenges, equipment status, and personnel matters.
Ensures equipment certification, inspection, maintenance, and operational records are properly maintained.
Team Leadership & Development
Provides overall leadership, direction, and coordination to rig-based personnel.
Ensures personnel possess the required competence, certification, and training for their assigned responsibilities.
Ensures employees receive periodic and annual performance appraisals and appropriate performance feedback.
EDUCATION
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree, HND, or recognised technical qualification in Engineering, Drilling Operations, or a related discipline is desirable.
Relevant technical or vocational qualification supported by extensive drilling and workover experience may be considered.
Valid Well Control Certification appropriate to the position.
Valid medical fitness certification for rig deployment.
Relevant HSE and safety certifications required for land rig operations.
Relevant drilling, rig management, well control, or operational leadership training will be an advantage.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 15 years' relevant experience in drilling and/or workover operations.
Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Toolpusher, Rig
Manager, or equivalent senior rig operations position on a land drilling rig.