Wells Project Manager

Responsibilities:

• Project Leadership & Delivery:
  • Lead end-to-end well project execution from concept to handover
  • Ensure wells are delivered safely, on schedule, and within AFE budget
  • Define project objectives, scope, and execution strategy • Oversee well operations and provide strategic direction
• Well Planning & Engineering Oversight:
  • Review and approve/assure well programs, drilling/completion designs, and procedures
  • Ensure robust barrier design and well integrity standards are met
  • Coordinate with subsurface teams (geology, reservoir) for optimal well placement
  • Drive technical assurance and peer reviews
  • Deliver well engineering and design for the exploration well, including casing design, mud programme, well control philosophy, and trajectory, in compliance with company, regulatory, and industry standards.
  • Develop the drilling programme and associated well delivery documentation (Basis of Design, drilling programme, procedures) from subsurface and offset well inputs.
  • Review and interrogate offset well data, seismic-derived pore pressure prognoses, and analogue well information to inform well design and identify key risks.
• HSE & Risk Management:
  • Champion a strong safety culture and ensure full HSE compliance
  • Lead risk assessments (HAZID, HAZOP, SIMOPS reviews) • Ensure proper well control and barrier management practices • Strong understanding of drilling fluids, cementing systems, and well intergrity management.
  • Oversee incident investigations and implement lessons learned
  • The role requires full commitment to safety and environmental stewardship in all aspects of well planning and operations, and compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice.
• Budget & Cost Control:
  • Own and manage AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) and well budgets
  • Monitor cost performance and forecast expenditures
  • Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising safety
  • Manage cost overruns and implement corrective actions
• Contractor & Vendor Management:
  • Select and manage drilling contractors and service companies • Identify long-lead items and material requirements, and support procurement and contracting activities.
  • Support contract negotiations and management
• • Oversee contract execution and performance (KPIs, SLAs)
  • Ensure quality assurance and service delivery standards
  • Lead tendering and technical evaluations where required
• Operations Supervision & Performance:
  • Monitor real-time operations and provide decision support for critical issues
  • Ensure operational readiness before spud (rig, equipment, personnel)
  • Track and improve KPIs (NPT, cost efficiency, safety performance)
  • Drive continuous improvement across well delivery
• Stakeholder & Regulatory Interface:
  • Act as the main focal point for internal stakeholders, partners, and regulators
  • Ensure compliance with local and international regulations
  • Prepare and present project updates to senior management

Requirements:

• Qualifications and Experience
  • Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Drilling Engineering, or related field
  • 12+ years of experience in well engineering/operations (exploration and appraisal)
  • Proven experience in leading well projects (exploration and appraisal) or drilling teams as a Wells Project Manager, Drilling Manager, Senior Drilling Engineer, Well Engineering Team Lead or equivalent role.
  • Strong knowledge of well integrity, well control, and drilling operations
  • Certifications (e.g., IWCF / IADC Well Control) preferred
  • Experience in vendor selection and contracting processes
• Key Skills and Competencies
  • Leadership and decision-making under pressure • Strong technical and operational expertise
  • Financial and commercial awareness
• • Risk management and problem-solving
  • Communication and stakeholder management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project). • Fluent in written and spoken English, Uzbek, Russian
• Advantageous • HPHT well experience.
  • Experience with deep gas exploration wells.
  • Familiarity with industry-standard well engineering software (e.g. StressCheck / WellCat / Landmark or equivalent).
  • Prior Central Asian experience
  • Operator experience is strongly preferred.

Terms:

• This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering UOC's exploration drilling program and to participate in a strategically important exploration project in Uzbekistan. The successful candidate will have significant responsibility for establishing the well delivery capability and taking the project from subsurface-defined drilling objectives through safe and successful well execution. We offer competitive compensation package, including medical insurance, training and development opportunities, a KPI-based performance system, and bonuses. Successful candidate will work closely with top management, have dynamic and professional working environment with a globally experienced team.