Job Description
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
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
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