Job Openings Operations Superintendent - Deep Drilling

About the job Operations Superintendent - Deep Drilling

We are seeking an Operations Superintendent – Deep Drilling Land Rigs (3000 HP / HPHT) for our client in Kuwait.  

Position Overview: The Operations Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of deep drilling land rig operations, ensuring compliance with client requirements, company policies, and regulatory standards. 

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management:

  • Manage the day-to-day operational performance of assigned 3000 HP deep drilling land rigs.
  • Ensure drilling operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved drilling programs.
  • Monitor rig performance and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce non-productive time (NPT).
  • Support rig start-ups, mobilizations, commissioning, and demobilization activities.
  • Coordinate operational resources to meet contractual obligations and client expectations.
  • Provide technical and operational guidance to Rig Managers and field leadership.

HSE & Well Control:

  • Promote a strong HSE culture across all drilling operations.
  • Ensure compliance with company HSE policies, client requirements, and local regulatory standards.
  • Verify implementation of well control procedures and emergency response plans.
  • Participate in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.
  • Lead operational risk assessments and management of change (MOC) processes.
  • Ensure operational readiness for HPHT drilling activities.

HPHT & Deep Drilling Operations:

  • Oversee execution of HPHT drilling operations while maintaining operational integrity.
  • Monitor drilling parameters and operational risks associated with deep wells.
  • Ensure equipment suitability for high-pressure drilling environments.
  • Coordinate with engineering, drilling, and maintenance teams to manage operational risks.
  • Review drilling performance and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.

Client Management:

  • Serve as the primary operational interface with clients.
  • Attend daily operational meetings and performance reviews.
  • Ensure timely reporting of operational performance.
  • Resolve operational issues while maintaining strong client relationships.
  • Support contract execution and service delivery objectives.

Personnel Leadership:

  • Provide leadership and coaching to Rig Managers, Toolpushers, and field supervisors.
  • Promote teamwork across multicultural workforces.
  • Identify training and competency development requirements.
  • Conduct operational audits and performance evaluations.
  • Support succession planning and workforce development.

Financial & Performance Management:

  • Monitor operational costs and identify efficiency improvements.
  • Support budgeting and cost control initiatives.
  • Review KPIs, including:
    • Non-Productive Time (NPT)
    • Rig uptime
    • Safety performance
    • Drilling efficiency
    • Operational reliability
  • Optimize resource utilization while maintaining operational integrity.

Planning & Coordination:

  • Coordinate with Maintenance, Logistics, Procurement, HSE, and Engineering departments.
  • Ensure availability of equipment, consumables, and personnel.
  • Participate in operational planning meetings.
  • Manage contingency planning for critical operations.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related technical discipline (preferred).
  • Proven experience of 12+ years of drilling operations with minimum 5 years as Operations Superintendent or equivalent.
  • Experience managing multiple drilling rigs simultaneously.
  • Proven leadership of 3000 HP deep drilling land rig operations in HPHT environments.
  • Strong operational experience across Middle East drilling projects.
  • Ability to manage multicultural teams and build high-performing operational cultures.
  • Demonstrated success in reducing NPT and improving drilling performance.
  • Strong client-facing experience with international operators and drilling contractors.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of drilling operations, well control, and HSE management systems.
  • Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • High level of commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational performance, safety, and cost efficiency.
  • Experience supporting rig upgrades, commissioning, and major operational improvement projects.
  • Valid IWCF or IADC WellSharp Supervisor certification.
  • Candidates from Canada, United States, Europe, Eastern Europe, Australia, China are preferred.