Drilling Operations Manager
Job Description
KAR OG KH DMCC is seeking an experienced Drilling Operations Manager to join our team.
Summary
The Drilling Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all drilling operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution. This applies across all KAR assets in Northern and Southern Iraq. This role involves managing the Well Delivery Process, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring Company and industry standards compliance, and delivering wells that meet technical, budgetary, and schedule objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Management
- Lead and manage the drilling team, including Drilling Superintendents, Drilling engineers, workover engineers and contractors.
- Provide technical direction and decision-making support during drilling and workover operations.
- Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE policies and standards.
- Planning & Execution
- Develop and oversee drilling programs, budgets, and schedules.
- Assist to develop Field drilling manuals for each block.
- Ensure well designs meet reservoir, geological, and operational objectives.
- Optimize drilling performance through application of best practices and new technologies.
- Bench mark performance and set targets and KPI’s
- Ensure cost reporting and tracking in place.
- Manage rig selection, contracting, and service provider performance.
- Operational Oversight
- Monitor day-to-day drilling activities and provide guidance on troubleshooting and problem-solving.
- Ensure operational risks are identified and mitigated.
- Approve drilling programs, operational procedures, and contingency plans.
- Ensure Company policies are complied with and audit as necessary.
- Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulatory requirements.
- Ensure Management of Change process is complied with.
- Review and approve permits, drilling reports, and post-well evaluations.
- Provide regular updates to senior management on progress, challenges, and performance.
- Deliver to management, weekly / monthly reports as necessary.
- Continuous Improvement
- Analyze drilling performance data and implement lessons learned.
- Drive cost-efficiency and operational excellence initiatives.
- Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulations.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 15+ years of drilling experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Strong knowledge of well design, drilling fluids, directional drilling, and well control practices.
- Demonstrated track record of managing onshore multi-rig drilling operations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Competencies
- Strong safety and risk management mindset.
- Financial and project management acumen.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strategic thinker with operational execution capability.
- Skilled in contractor management and stakeholder engagement.
- Report writing and presentation skills.