Position title
Rig Manager
Description

CLIENT’S OVERVIEW

Our client is an engineering and contracting company providing construction, infrastructure, and project execution services across Nigeria. The company undertakes technically demanding projects supported by professionals in civil and structural engineering, corporate finance, and rig operations. With a focus on quality delivery, operational efficiency, safety, and effective project management. The company continues to strengthen its technical capacity and support the successful execution of projects for its clients.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling operations across the company’s well-delivery activities. Provides overall leadership and operational accountability for rig personnel, equipment, and performance, ensuring that drilling programs are executed in accordance with approved plans, regulatory requirements, HSE standards, and client expectations.

 

Acts as the primary on-site representative of the company, coordinates rig operations, manages resources, oversees equipment integrity, and drives operational excellence to deliver wells safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Rig Operations Management

  • Leads and supervises day-to-day drilling operations to ensure safe and efficient well execution.
  • Coordinates rig-up, drilling, completion support, rig-down, and mobilization activities.
  • Ensures drilling activities are performed in accordance with approved drilling programs and operating procedures.
  • Monitors rig performance and operational parameters to maximize efficiency and minimizes non-productive time (NPT).
  • Maintains effective communication with company representatives, drilling engineers, and operations management.

HSE Leadership and Regulatory Compliance

  • Promotes a strong safety culture and ensure strict compliance with HSE policies and procedures.
  • Conducts toolbox talks, safety meetings, and pre-job risk assessments.
  • Ensures adherence to well control requirements and industry standards.
  • Leads incident investigations and implement corrective actions where required.
  • Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and client-specific standards.

Equipment Integrity and Maintenance

  • Oversees preventive and corrective maintenance programs for rig equipment and associated systems.
  • Ensures equipment reliability and operational readiness.
  • Coordinates repairs and maintenance activities to minimize downtime.
  • Verifies that inspections, certifications, and maintenance records are properly

maintained.

  • Monitors inventory levels for critical spare parts and consumables.

 Personnel Leadership and Crew Management

  • Provides leadership and supervision to all rig personnel.
  • Ensures crew competency, discipline, and adherence to operational procedures.
  • Supports workforce development through coaching, mentoring, and training.
  • Conducts performance evaluations and identify competency gaps.
  • Fosters teamwork and effective communication across shifts and service providers.

 

Operational Planning and Performance Management

  • Executes drilling programs in accordance with project schedules and cost objectives.
  • Monitors key operational metrics including rate of penetration, downtime, and equipment utilization.
  • Prepares and review daily drilling reports and operational summaries.
  • Participates in planning meetings and operational reviews.
  • Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and operational optimization.

 

Documentation & Reporting

  • Prepares accurate site reports, progress updates, and engineering documentation.
  • Maintains records of inspections, test results, and structural work certifications.
  • Assists in preparation of as-built drawings and project close-out documentation.
  • Tracks project milestones and support overall schedule monitoring.

 

Stakeholder and Client Management

  • Serves as the primary interface between the company, clients, contractors, and third-party service providers at the rig site.
  • Coordinates activities with drilling engineers, mud engineers, cementing crews,
  • wireline contractors, and other service companies.
  • Ensures high standards of customer service and operational accountability.
  • Supports the successful delivery of integrated well services and turnkey projects.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or HND in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Additional technical or vocational qualifications in

Drilling operations are an advantage.

  • Valid IADC or IWCF Well Control Certification (Supervisor Level) – mandatory.
  • HSE Level 3 Certification or equivalent.
  • NEBOSH International General Certificate is an advantage.
  • Membership of relevant professional bodies such as:
  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
  • Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
  • Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
  • Strong understanding of drilling operations, well

control and rig equipment.

  • Sound knowledge of HSE regulations and industry

standards.

  • Understanding of preventive maintenance systems

and equipment reliability principles.

  • Familiarity with integrated drilling services and

turnkey well delivery models.

  • Knowledge of cost control, operational efficiency, and  performance management.
  • Understanding of Nigerian upstream regulatory requirements and industry best practices
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Land drilling rig operations and equipment management
  • Well control principles and drilling practices
  • Preventive and corrective maintenance coordination
  • Drilling reporting systems and operational documentation
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Working knowledge of Rig management software and digital reporting tools
  • Working knowledge of Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
  • Working knowledge of WellView or similar drilling databases
  • Working knowledge SAP or ERP systems
  • Working knowledgePerformance monitoring and operational analytics tools
SKILLS REQUIRED
  • Leading and supervising
  • Working with people
  • Applying expertise and technology
  • Adhering to principles and values
  • Writing and reporting
  • Presenting and communicating information
  • Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
  • Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
  • Deciding and initiating action
  • Planning and organizing
  • Coping with pressures and setbacks
Experience
  • Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive experience in drilling operations within the upstream oil and gas industry.
  • At least 5 years of experience in a supervisory or rig

management position.

  • Proven experience managing land rig operations and integrated well delivery projects.
  • Experience working with indigenous and international operators is an advantage.
Industry
EPCIC
Job Location
Victoria Island
Date posted
June 17, 2026
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Position: Rig Manager

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Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your application to HReade for job opportunities.

We write to confirm receipt of your CV which is currently being reviewed by our Recruitment and Selection Team.

Should your profile meet the stated requirements for this position, we will contact you within two weeks from this date. Otherwise, we will have your CV in our database for opportunities that may come up in the future.

Again, thank you for your interest.

 

Regards,

Recruitment Team

HReade Limited