Drilling Superintendent

About the role

Libera Consultants is supporting a leading drilling contractor in Saudi Arabia to hire an experienced Drilling Superintendent. This senior, site‑based position holds overall accountability for the safe, efficient and compliant execution of onshore land drilling operations.

Key responsibilities

• Take full operational responsibility for day‑to‑day rig performance, ensuring drilling activities are executed safely, efficiently and in line with programmed objectives.
• Drive operational discipline across drilling, maintenance and support teams to maximise rig uptime and performance.
• Act as the primary site leader, aligning rig operations with onshore management teams.
• Coordinate delivery of materials, services and specialist support to maintain uninterrupted drilling.
• Oversee drilling fluid systems, well‑control practices and pressure‑control procedures, ensuring continuous monitoring.
• Maintain oversight of critical well‑control equipment, testing regimes, readiness status and compliance.
• Lead rig move execution on land locations, translating planning into safe and efficient field operations.
• Champion proactive maintenance, ensuring equipment reliability, readiness and proper inventory control of critical spares and consumables.
• Provide leadership during non‑routine operations and emergencies, ensuring structured response actions.
• Conduct regular operational audits and site inspections, identifying risks early and closing corrective actions.
• Develop, mentor and support rig crews, reinforcing strong safety behaviours and continuous performance improvement.
• Maintain accurate operational reporting and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• 10–15 years of operational experience in onshore (land) drilling, including at least 2–3 years as a Rig Superintendent.
• Strong knowledge of well‑construction, drilling operations and top‑drive systems.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a high‑hazard environment.
• Experience managing rig moves, maintenance programmes and emergency response.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to mentor crew members.

Required skills

• Operational reporting systems
• AC DC drilling rigs
• IWCF Well Control Certificate – Supervisor Level
• Well construction
• Drilling operations
• Top drive systems
• Onshore land drilling operations
• Microsoft Office