Role Overview
The Well Operations Manager is responsible for planning, leading, and executing all well-related activities, including drilling, completion, workover, and well monitoring operations. The role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of operations in compliance with local regulations and international standards. This position requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and extensive international exposure, particularly within complex operating environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all well operations activities, including drilling, completion, workover, and well monitoring.
- Ensure full compliance with HSE standards, company policies, and local regulatory requirements.
- Oversee operational planning, budgeting, risk management, and performance optimization.
- Manage contractors, service providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient execution of operations.
- Provide technical and operational leadership to multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of international best practices.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 15 years of experience in drilling and well operations, including at least 5 years in managerial or supervisory roles.
- At least 3 years of working experience in Iraq, with strong knowledge of local regulations, policies, and the operating environment.
- Proven experience in managing complex drilling, completion, workover, and well monitoring operations.
- Demonstrated international experience, with exposure to global operations and multicultural work environments (preferred).
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (mandatory).
- Master’s degree is preferred.
- Valid international well control certification (IWCF) is a strong advantage.
Language & Leadership Skills
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Strong leadership capability with proven experience managing international and multicultural teams.
- Effective decision-making, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills in high-risk operational environments.
Target Talent Benchmark & Preferred Candidate Profile
- Benchmarking against leading International Oil Companies (IOCs) such as ConocoPhillips and Shell to identify Well Operations and Drilling Managers with strong international exposure and best-in-class operational standards.
- Targeting National or Regional Drilling & Completion Managers from IOC's companies with demonstrated leadership in complex, large-scale operations.
- Considering Well Operations Managers, Drilling Directors, and Deputy Drilling Directors with proven Iraq project experience from CNPC, CNOOC, and Sinopec, particularly candidates with international operating experience and strong cross-cultural capability.
