Contract: Drilling Superintendent / Basrah

Role: Drilling Superintendent

Location: Basra, Iraq

Rate: Competitive

Duration: 12 months renewable

Rotation: 28/28 Normal Rotation

Job Level F

Role synopsis

The Well Superintendent is responsible for safe and efficient delivery of drilling operations in the field. The Well Superintendent is the focal point for all drilling operations, working closely with Drilling Engineering, Subsurface, rig and service contractors, PSCM, HSE, Civils, Security, Production Operations, Projects and other teams within the wells organization. The Superintendent reports to the Drilling Manager and it is anticipated that the role will immediately manage a portfolio of 5 rigs potentially increasing to 8 in 2023. This will be a combination of day rate and turnkey contracts from local and international service companies and rig contractors.

There are a number of new or returning rig contractors entering the field, including the state rig contractor IDC. Therefore a large proportion of the role will be to enhance and develop an HSE culture within the fleet, as well as assisting each contractor in the development of comprehensive Safety Management systems, preventative maintenance systems, and other elements of an IMS. A calm and patient personality will be essential in this challenging working environment.

Key accountabilities

• Delivery of safe and reliable drilling operations, on time and within budget.
• Proactive HSE Leadership of the Rig teams, including the implementation and enforcement of the HSSE policies.
• Be a visible safety leader by conducting field visits to the rig sites and participating in the rig based self-verification (SV) an Leadership Site Visit (LSV) programs.
• Mentor and manage a team of Iraqi Team Leader positions who report to the Superintendent.
• Responsible for the implementation of the drilling program, utilizing good oil field practices including communication with all necessary third party contractors.
• Active monitoring and directing of operations including but not limited to HSE, well control, planning and preparation of upcoming operations based on the requirements provided in the Standards and best practices as recorded elsewhere.
• Manage rig contractor relationships for multiple rig operations, and the development of the national Iraqi Drilling Company (IDC) capabilities.
• Provide Oversight and Assurance of activities across multiple rig fronts, including risk identification and mitigation, application of relevant standards, integrity, operational delivery, direction provided to WSL’s, and daily reporting accuracy.
• Lead incident investigations for well control, HSE, and significant NPT events, ensuring actions are tracked to closure.
• Lead technical and safety audits.
• In Category Management, the Well Superintendent will:
• Lead and co-ordinate input to Drilling contract tender specification and evaluation
• Lead technical contribution for PRM’s
• Monitor service providers through formal & informal audit and inspections
• In Organisational Capability, the Well Superintendent will:
• Provide mentoring and support to the development of Iraqi National staff.
• Develop the Drilling team’s capabilities through the formulation and optimisation of staff developmental programmes.
• Recognize and reward success with positive reinforcement
• Lead Continuous Performance Improvement, collaborating with Drilling Engineering, Drilling Team Leads, and other stakeholders

Essential Education

• IWCF Well Control certificate (Level 4 – Supervisor or equivalent) Essential experience and job requirements
• Strong safety leadership, with a demonstrated track record in delivery of safe and efficient operations.
• Detailed knowledge of, and strong track record in, supervision of drilling operations, including previous experience as a Well Superintendent.
• A detailed knowledge of rig equipment, either through working in rig engineering or for a drilling contractor, in order to facilitate troubleshooting of frequent rig equipment issues.
• Extensive experience in rig contractor management.
• Proven ability to lead drilling operations through theoretical and practical approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multicultural teams.
• Strong team player with demonstrated ability in a similar leadership role. A proven ability to coach, train and mentor staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Experience of managing third party contractual relationships.
• Proven ability to delivery in a fast paced, challenging environment with very limited direction, support or coaching.
• An aptitude to innovate.

Desirable criteria and qualifications

• Preference for prior land drilling experience, including producer and injector wells in vertical, S- or J-shaped, and high-angle/horizontal well profiles with challenging loss and sulphurous water flow zones, reactive shales, and depleted zones.
• Preference for experience working in a Joint Venture environment.
• Experience working in a remote location in a multicultural environment is preferred (preference for Middle East).
• Pad Drilling and simultaneous production and drilling operational experience would be extremely beneficial.

Travel required

Yes, rotational basis role - Standard rotation pattern is 4/4 but it can vary depending on business needs. Up to 5% - contractor meetings in the region, if required.