Drilling Manager

Job title: Drilling Manager – Oil & Gas (Upstream)

Work Location: Chennai / Kharsang

Reports to: Head of Drilling

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Drilling Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and supervising drilling operations to ensure wells are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory and company standards . The role provides technical leadership, operational oversight, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams and contractors, from well design through completion or handover.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and approve well designs , drilling programs, and operational procedures
• Select appropriate drilling technologies, equipment, and materials
• Review geological and subsurface data to optimize well trajectories and drilling performance
• Prepare AFE budgets , cost estimates, and drilling schedules
• Operations Management
• Oversee day-to-day drilling operations (onshore )
• Ensure compliance with HSE policies , well control standards, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor drilling performance, NPT, and KPIs; implement corrective actions
• Manage risks related to well integrity, lost circulation, kicks, and stuck pipe
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
• Champion a zero-incident safety culture
• Ensure compliance with local regulations , company HSE standards, and environmental permits
• Lead or participate in incident investigations and audits
• Ensure emergency response and well control preparedness
• Contractor & Stakeholder Management
• Manage drilling contractors, service companies, and rig crews
• Evaluate contractor performance and control service quality and costs
• Coordinate with subsurface, completions, production, logistics, and procurement teams
• Interface with regulators, partners, and joint venture representatives
• Cost & Performance Control
• Track drilling expenditures against AFE and manage cost overruns
• Optimize drilling efficiency and reduce NPT
• Approve invoices and verify contractor charges
• Implement lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
• Leadership & Reporting
• Lead and mentor drilling engineers and supervisors
• Prepare daily, weekly, and end-of-well reports
• Present operational updates to senior management
• Support long-term drilling strategy and field development planning

Education and Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering , or related discipline
• 15+ years of drilling experience, including supervisory or management roles
• Strong knowledge of well design, drilling fluids, casing design, well control, and drilling optimization
• Valid Well Control Certification (IWCF)
• Experience with onshore/offshore drilling operations (as applicable)
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills