HEAD EXPLORATION DRILLING

Job Description : HEAD EXPLORATION DRILLING OPERATIONS NIGERIA 20+ years experience Key Responsibilities 1. Exploration Drilling Leadership & Business Growth Lead the overall Exploration Drilling function and set clear technical, operational, commercial and financial objectives. Prepare and implement the drilling business plan, including fleet requirements, service capability, manpower, technology and growth targets. Develop and expand AIGs exploration drilling business in Nigeria and identify suitable opportunities in West Africa. Develop relationships with exploration companies, mining companies and other potential clients and build a sustainable drilling order book. Lead preparation of technical and commercial proposals, tenders, negotiations and contract execution. Identify opportunities to introduce new drilling methods, equipment and technologies to improve productivity, quality and competitiveness. 2. Technical Leadership – Exploration Drilling Provide technical leadership for diamond core, RC and DTH drilling programmes and ensure the correct drilling method, rig, tooling and consumables are selected for each project. Review drilling programmes, drill-hole plans, hole depths, diameters, casing requirements, drilling parameters and execution methodology in coordination with the Exploration and Geology teams. Ensure high standards of core recovery, sample quality, borehole accuracy, drilling productivity and turnaround time. Ensure proper core handling, logging support, sample identification, preservation and transfer in line with project QA/QC requirements. Ensure proper use of modern downhole survey and core-orientation systems used in exploration drilling, including Reflex and Gyro-type downhole survey tools and core-orientation tools. Ensure accurate measurement and control of borehole deviation, azimuth and inclination and proper use of survey data in drill-hole planning and geological interpretation. Monitor drilling performance and use drilling data to optimize drilling parameters, penetration rates, recovery and overall productivity. Provide technical solutions for difficult ground conditions, loss of circulation, hole instability, poor recovery, excessive deviation and other drilling challenges. Ensure drilling outputs are suitable for exploration, resource-definition, infill and extension drilling programmes. 3. P&L and Financial Management Own and manage the annual budget, forecast and P&L of the Exploration Drilling function. Take responsibility for revenue, profitability, EBITDA, working capital and capital expenditure within the approved business plan. Drive cost per metre, rig utilization, drilling productivity, consumables efficiency and overall cost control. Prepare business cases for acquisition, replacement and upgrading of drilling rigs and related equipment. Monitor project profitability, contract performance, cash flow and commercial risks and take timely corrective action. 4. Drilling Operations & Fleet Performance Plan and manage drilling operations across multiple rigs and sites, ensuring programmes are completed safely, on time and within budget. Set and monitor drilling KPIs covering metres drilled, penetration rate, core recovery, rig utilization, mechanical availability, downtime and cost per metre. Ensure effective preventive maintenance, breakdown maintenance, spare-parts planning and workshop support to maximize rig availability. Ensure appropriate planning of rigs, compressors, support equipment, tooling and consumables before mobilization to site. Review daily, weekly and monthly drilling performance and implement corrective actions where required. Maintain proper drilling records, operational reports and performance dashboards. 5. HSE, Quality & Environmental Responsibility Provide visible leadership for safe drilling operations and maintain a strong zero-harm culture. Ensure compliance with AIG HSE requirements, Nigerian regulations and client HSE standards. Ensure appropriate risk assessments, equipment inspections, toolbox meetings, emergency arrangements and incident reporting are implemented. Ensure drilling activities follow approved environmental practices covering water, waste, drilling fluids and site rehabilitation. Ensure incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions are investigated and corrective actions are implemented. Maintain appropriate technical and quality standards throughout drilling operations. 6. People & Team Leadership Lead and develop drilling engineers, supervisors, drillers, rig crews, mechanics and other support personnel. Set clear responsibilities, performance standards and accountability for the drilling team. Develop competency, training and certification programmes for drilling personnel. Build a strong pipeline of skilled drilling personnel and succession plans for key positions. Promote discipline, teamwork, safety awareness, technical excellence and continuous improvement. 7. Systems, Software & Materials Management Ensure effective use of drilling-planning and drilling-execution software for drill-hole planning, programme scheduling, drilling progress, survey data, reporting and performance monitoring. Ensure drilling data and operational information are captured accurately and available for technical and management review. Have working knowledge of ERP systems used for drilling stores and materials management. Ensure proper processes for indenting/requisitioning, inventory management, material issue slips, stock reconciliation, consumables tracking and procurement coordination. Monitor critical drilling consumables, spares and tooling to avoid operational delays while maintaining appropriate inventory levels. 8. Client & Stakeholder Management Maintain effective relationships with key clients and ensure quality, contract compliance and customer satisfaction. Coordinate with Exploration/Geology, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, HR, Logistics and HSE functions. Engage drilling-equipment OEMs, suppliers, consultants, regulators and host communities as required. Represent AIG Exploration Drilling in client meetings, technical discussions, industry forums and other relevant engagements.

---