Drilling Superintendent

Role Overview

Libera Consultants is partnering with a leading drilling contractor in Saudi Arabia to recruit a seasoned Rig Superintendent dedicated to overseeing land-based drilling activities. This position commands senior leadership at the worksite, with comprehensive responsibility for the safe, compliant, and effective execution of onshore drilling operations. The superintendent will lead multiple teams to ensure safety and operational integrity while maximizing rig performance.

Key Duties

• Assume full accountability for daily rig operations, ensuring drilling tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and align with planned objectives.
• Promote operational discipline amongst the drilling, maintenance, and support teams to optimize rig uptime and productivity.
• Serve as the main on-site leader, facilitating coordination between rig operations and onshore management.
• Oversee logistics related to materials, services, and specialized support to sustain continuous drilling operations.
• Ensure correct application and monitoring of drilling fluid systems, well control methods, and pressure control protocols.
• Maintain supervision of critical well control equipment, including adherence to testing schedules, readiness, and compliance standards.
• Lead the execution of rig relocations on land, translating planning into safe and efficient field activities.
• Encourage proactive maintenance programs to uphold equipment reliability, availability, and inventory management of critical spares and consumables.
• Provide decisive leadership during atypical or emergency events, guaranteeing methodical and controlled response efforts.
• Conduct frequent operational audits and inspections to identify risks promptly and ensure corrective measures are completed effectively.
• Mentor and develop rig personnel, fostering a culture of safety and ongoing performance enhancement.
• Maintain precise operational records and ensure transparent communication with stakeholders internally and externally.

Candidate Requirements

• 10 to 15 years of operational experience in onshore drilling, including 2 to 3 years in a Rig Superintendent capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling procedures, well construction, and the oil and gas sector at large.
• Experience with top drive systems and mechanical or AC/DC drilling rigs.
• Educational background including high school diploma, technical certification, or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications and operational reporting software.

Mandatory Certification

Possession of a valid IWCF Well Control Certificate at the Supervisor level is required.

Location and Work Conditions

Position based in Saudi Arabia with field rotations on land drilling sites.