Drilling Superintendent

Duration/Location

• Contract Type Open-ended (Contract Staff)

• Location France (Residential)

• Start ASAP Q1 2025

Context & Environment

Company is a leading E&P company operating shallow oil and gas wells in France. With a commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, Client focuses on maximizing production while minimizing environmental impact.

The Drilling Superintendent will oversee the planning and execution of shallow well drilling, workover, and completion operations. This role requires a focus on efficiency, cost control, and safety compliance, ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of operations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and leadership of contractors will be central to the role.

Key Responsibilities

Drilling Operations Management

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise shallow well drilling, completion, and workover activities.
• Optimize operations to account for the specific challenges and characteristics of shallow wells.
• Ensure the delivery of wells on time, within budget, and with minimal downtime.
• Manage rig and equipment mobilization, ensuring readiness for operations.
• Supervise contractors and service providers to ensure high-quality and efficient service delivery.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Foster a strong HSE culture, ensuring all operations adhere to client ’s safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and environmental standards related to shallow well operations.
• Lead safety audits, incident investigations, and root cause analyses, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Cost and Performance Management

• Prepare and manage budgets for shallow well operations, focusing on cost optimization.
• Monitor daily operational expenditures and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate contractor performance and ensure alignment with contractual obligations.

Technical Leadership

• Provide expertise in shallow well drilling techniques, including well design, drilling fluids, and completion methods.
• Address challenges specific to shallow well environments, such as wellbore stability and geotechnical constraints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, incorporating lessons learned and new technologies.

Stakeholder Communication

• Collaborate with internal teams, including geologists, reservoir engineers, and production teams, to align operational objectives.
• Act as the primary interface with contractors, service providers, and regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and present operational updates and performance reports to senior management.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years supervising shallow well drilling projects.
• Proven expertise in optimizing operations for shallow reservoirs.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of shallow well design, drilling fluids, and completion techniques.
• Proficiency in well control and safety protocols (IWCF or IADC certification preferred).
• Familiarity with drilling software and operational reporting tools.

HSE Expertise Comprehensive knowledge of safety management systems, risk assessments, and environmental compliance for shallow wells.

Languages Fluent in English; French proficiency is mandatory.