Drilling Operation Manager📣 Job Ad

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specializing in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom’s mining value chain, SGR aligns with the Vision 2030 mining pillar and the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM). The company produces responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operating to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invests in its people, processes, and controls.

Role Overview: Drilling Operation Manager

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Drilling Operation Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role is critical for leading and optimizing the company's exploration and production drilling activities, defining mineral resources that feed into SGR’s downstream refining and bullion production value chain. The successful candidate will ensure all drilling operations meet strict safety, environmental, and technical standards required by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. Reporting directly to the Drilling Director, this position plays a key role in executing SGR’s resource expansion strategy, managing complex contractor relationships, driving Saudization initiatives, and delivering high-quality geological data for assay and resource modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily execution of drilling programs to ensure meterage targets are met safely and efficiently, including managing rig mobilization, site preparation, and operational scheduling.
• Enforce strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations across all drilling sites, conducting regular audits and leading incident investigations to maintain a zero-harm culture.
• Manage relationships with drilling contractors to ensure service levels meet contractual obligations, monitoring performance metrics, negotiating variations, and resolving operational disputes.
• Control the drilling operational budget by tracking expenditures on fuel, consumables, and services, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or data quality.
• Ensure that all drilling data, including logs and samples, are captured accurately and securely, maintaining chain-of-custody protocols for samples sent to the assay laboratory.
• Drive the development of the drilling workforce through targeted training and mentorship programs, actively supporting Saudization goals by recruiting and upskilling Saudi nationals.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources inspections, ensuring all drilling activities remain compliant with national mining laws and environmental permits.
• Oversee the maintenance schedules for drilling rigs and support equipment to prevent mechanical failures, ensuring spare parts inventory is optimized for remote site operations.

Performance Expectations

• Delivery of 95% of planned drilling meterage within the approved annual budget.
• Zero lost-time injuries (LTIs) and recordable incidents across all drilling operations.
• Reduction of non-productive time (NPT) by 10% compared to the previous year.
• Achievement of Saudization targets for the drilling workforce as per Nitaqat requirements.
• 100% compliance with MIM regulatory inspections and environmental permits.
• Maintenance of sample integrity with zero chain-of-custody breaches reported.
• Successful training and promotion of at least two Saudi nationals to supervisory roles.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this role should possess 5-10 years of experience in drilling operations management. The position requires a leader with a proven ability to manage complex contractor relationships, drive Saudization initiatives, and ensure the delivery of high-quality geological data. Strong capabilities in HSE compliance, budget and cost control, technical data integrity, and workforce development are essential.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.