Title:

Senior Manager – Drilling Operations (EPC)

"Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design and engineering capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets."

KBR is looking for Senior Manager – Drilling Operations (EPC) with Offshore project experience in MEGA EPC projects to be based in Abu Dhabi for PMC project.

Key Responsibilities

Below is a professional Job Description (JD) for Senior Manager – Drilling Operations suitable for an oil & gas operator, drilling contractor, or national oil company.

Job Title

Senior Manager – Drilling Operations

Department

Drilling & Wells Operations

Reports To

Director / VP Drilling & Wells

Job Location

As per business requirements

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager - Drilling Operations is responsible for leading, planning, and managing all drilling activities to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling programs. The role provides strategic direction for drilling operations, oversees well delivery performance, drives operational excellence, ensures regulatory compliance, and delivers wells in line with production and development objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Lead and oversee drilling operations for onshore and/or offshore assets.
• Develop and execute annual drilling plans, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Ensure drilling programs are completed safely, on schedule, and within approved budgets.
• Monitor drilling performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize drilling processes to improve efficiency, reduce non-productive time (NPT), and lower operational costs.
• Review and approve drilling procedures, well designs, and operational programs.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ)

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company HSE policies.
• Ensure all drilling activities comply with local, international, and industry regulations.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Drive risk management initiatives, well control preparedness, and emergency response planning.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop long-term drilling strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Identify opportunities for technology adoption and operational innovation.
• Support field development plans and reserve growth initiatives.
• Provide technical and operational expertise to executive leadership.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Prepare and manage drilling budgets and cost forecasts.
• Monitor drilling expenditures and identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Review and approve contractor invoices, contracts, and procurement strategies.
• Participate in tender evaluations and contract negotiations.

Stakeholder & Contractor Management

• Manage relationships with drilling contractors, service providers, and regulatory authorities.
• Coordinate with subsurface, production, reservoir, facilities, and project teams.
• Ensure contractor performance meets agreed KPIs and contractual requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary drilling teams.
• Mentor drilling engineers, superintendents, and field personnel.
• Establish performance objectives and succession planning initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering discipline.
• Master's Degree is preferred.
• IWCF or IADC Well Control Certification is highly desirable.

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in drilling and well operations within the oil and gas industry.
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven experience managing complex drilling campaigns, including deep wells, HPHT wells, offshore, or unconventional operations.
• Experience working with major operators, NOCs, or international E&P companies preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Drilling Engineering
• Well Planning & Execution
• Well Control Management
• Directional Drilling
• Drilling Fluids & Cementing
• Rig Operations
• Cost Control & Budget Management
• Contract & Vendor Management
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Performance Optimization
• Regulatory Compliance

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Decision Making
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Change Management
• Problem Solving
• Communication & Influencing Skills
• Business Acumen

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety Performance (TRIR, LTIF, HSE compliance)
• Well Delivery Performance
• Drilling Cost per Well
• Non-Productive Time (NPT) Reduction
• Schedule Adherence
• Budget Compliance
• Contractor Performance Metrics
• Operational Efficiency Improvements
• Well Integrity and Regulatory Compliance

Interested and suitable candidates please apply for the role. Suitable candidates will be contacted directly.