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- Tasks: Lead topside drilling operations and ensure safety and technical excellence.
- Company: Dynamic offshore operation with a focus on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Opportunity for strategic influence, mentoring, and long-term impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of offshore geotechnical drilling and drive operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in geotechnical drilling and strong technical grounding.
- Other info: Join a respected team and make a real difference in the industry.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
This is a Senior opportunity for our client as they look to further strengthen and expand their ever-growing team and offshore asset presence. Due to a very full ledger for Q1 & 2, our client are looking for an experienced Topside Drilling Team Lead / Manager to step into a senior, influential leadership role within a highly respected offshore operation. This is a very rare opportunity for a technically credible leader to shape how safe, reliable and high-performing geotechnical drilling operations are delivered across a modern fleet. This role suits a professional who thrives at the intersection of technical authority, operational leadership and safety excellence.
Why we think this role stands out:
- True subject matter expert status for topside drilling
- High visibility and influence across assets, people and strategy
- Strong focus on safety-critical assurance and technical governance
- Opportunity to drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement
- Work with complex, technically challenging offshore operations
The role at a glance:
- Lead technical assurance for all topside drilling programmes and operations
- Act as the approval authority for key technical specifications, deviations and risk-based decisions
- Oversee safety-critical drilling equipment and integrity management
- Lead Management of Change (MoC) reviews and risk assessments
- Contribute to HAZOP, LOPA and other formal safety studies
- Develop competency frameworks and mentor drilling personnel
- Monitor equipment performance, inventory and improvement initiatives
- Coordinate resources across drilling assets and personnel
- Champion innovation, bespoke developments and operational efficiency
- Ensure geotechnical boreholes are delivered to the highest technical and operational standards
Who are our client looking for?
- A proven operator experience in geotechnical site investigation and topside drilling
- Strong technical grounding in drilling engineering, rig operations and borehole integrity
- In-depth understanding of industry regulations and safety management systems
- Confident risk manager with sound technical judgement
- Clear, influential communicator and problem-solver
- Visible leader with a strong commitment to HSE excellence
- Working knowledge of electro-hydraulic systems, HP air, generators, winches and CMMS
- A profile with a proven Geotechnical, ideally DeepWater drilling background
- Bachelors or Higher in Geotechnical / Civil / Geosciences Engineering (or similar relevant)
The opportunity: Our client are offering a route into genuine technical authority, strategic influence and long-term impact making with this role. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to set standards, mentor teams and play a defining role in the future of offshore geotechnical drilling.
Interested? If this sounds like it could be you and you are a senior drilling professional, ready to step into a role with real influence and challenge, we’d welcome a confidential conversation. Get in touch today directly with James: james@lmoceans.com
Topside Drilling Manager in Birmingham employer: LMOceans
Contact Detail:
LMOceans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Topside Drilling Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and recent projects. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of your past successes in topside drilling and safety management. We believe that demonstrating your technical authority can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. We recommend expressing your enthusiasm for the role and reiterating how you can contribute to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Topside Drilling Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Topside Drilling Manager role. Highlight your experience in geotechnical drilling and operational leadership, as well as any relevant technical skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in drilling operations and how you’ve driven safety and efficiency in your previous positions.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t shy away from showcasing your technical authority in drilling engineering and safety management systems. We want to see how your expertise can contribute to our client’s offshore operations and innovation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at LMOceans
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to topside drilling and geotechnical operations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This role demands a strong technical grounding, so show them you're the expert they need!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Topside Drilling Manager, you'll be leading teams and influencing strategy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive operational efficiency—this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount in this role, so be ready to discuss your experience with safety management systems and risk assessments. Share specific instances where you ensured compliance and improved safety standards. This will demonstrate your commitment to HSE excellence, which is crucial for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this senior role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. Use examples to illustrate your points and ensure you engage with your interviewers—show them that you're not just knowledgeable, but also a great communicator.
