Job Description
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is inviting applications from experienced engineering professionals for the position of **Manager – Drilling Operations**. This strategic leadership opportunity is designed for a results-oriented professional capable of directing complex geothermal drilling activities while ensuring operational excellence, workforce safety, efficient resource utilization, and continuous performance improvement. Reporting to the General Manager – Drilling & Infrastructure, the successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for delivering drilling programs that support Kenya's long-term renewable energy objectives.
The role provides executive oversight for drilling operations across geothermal fields, ensuring that wells are planned, executed, monitored, and completed according to approved technical specifications, project schedules, quality requirements, environmental standards, and budgetary expectations. The successful candidate will coordinate engineering expertise, operational planning, equipment utilization, contractor management, logistics, procurement support, and technical decision-making to maintain reliable drilling performance throughout project lifecycles.
Working closely with geoscientists, drilling engineers, infrastructure specialists, procurement teams, finance professionals, environmental experts, and external technical partners, the Manager will establish operational priorities that maximize drilling efficiency while minimizing operational risks and downtime. The position also requires strong leadership in organizational planning, departmental budgeting, workforce development, policy implementation, governance compliance, and performance management.
Beyond supervising day-to-day drilling activities, the successful candidate will champion innovation by identifying opportunities to improve drilling technologies, optimize operational processes, strengthen equipment reliability, and implement industry best practices that enhance productivity and sustainability. The position demands exceptional leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to coordinate multiple large-scale drilling projects within demanding operational environments.
GDC offers an opportunity to contribute directly to Kenya's renewable energy expansion through technically challenging assignments that support national development and sustainable power generation. Individuals who possess extensive drilling management experience, strong engineering expertise, excellent leadership abilities, and a commitment to operational excellence are encouraged to submit their applications for this exciting executive position.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the planning, coordination, execution, and continuous improvement of geothermal drilling operations across assigned projects.
- Translate organizational strategic objectives into practical departmental work plans, measurable performance indicators, and operational priorities.
- Direct drilling activities to ensure wells are completed according to approved engineering specifications, technical standards, project schedules, and quality expectations.
- Monitor drilling performance indicators and implement corrective measures that improve operational efficiency, productivity, and overall project delivery.
- Prepare, administer, and monitor departmental budgets while ensuring prudent utilization of financial and operational resources.
- Develop annual procurement plans supporting drilling programs, equipment availability, maintenance requirements, and operational continuity.
- Supervise departmental personnel through effective recruitment support, coaching, mentorship, succession planning, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the drilling operations function.
- Coordinate with engineering, geology, reservoir management, infrastructure, logistics, procurement, finance, and environmental teams to achieve integrated project execution.
- Lead negotiations with contractors, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and technical service providers to secure reliable operational support and long-term value.
- Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards, safety regulations, environmental obligations, corporate governance requirements, and internal operational procedures.
- Strengthen departmental risk management frameworks by identifying operational risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Oversee drilling schedules to ensure planned well trajectories, directional targets, and operational milestones are achieved efficiently.
- Evaluate drilling technologies and recommend innovations that improve equipment performance, operational reliability, and cost effectiveness.
- Prepare executive reports highlighting operational achievements, project progress, budget performance, productivity indicators, and emerging operational challenges.
- Promote workplace health, safety, environmental stewardship, and emergency preparedness throughout all drilling operations.
- Support organizational initiatives that enhance sustainability, technical excellence, workforce capability, and long-term geothermal resource development.
- Maintain productive relationships with regulatory agencies, contractors, technical consultants, and relevant industry stakeholders.
- Drive continuous operational excellence by identifying improvement opportunities, implementing lessons learned, and promoting best engineering practices across drilling operations.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master's Degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mining Engineering, Energy Engineering, Geothermal Engineering, Drilling Technology, or another closely related engineering discipline from a recognized institution.
- Successful completion of a recognized management course lasting not less than four cumulative weeks.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer or Engineering Technologist with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB), or an equivalent recognized professional body.
- Demonstrated proficiency in modern computer applications and engineering management systems.
- Compliance with the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the stated requirements are invited to submit a complete application consisting of: A detailed and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV). A signed Cover Letter/Application Letter. Copies of academic and professional certificates. Evidence of registration with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB), or an equivalent recognized professional body. Certificate(s) confirming completion of a management course lasting not less than four cumulative weeks. Copies of relevant testimonials and supporting professional documents. Shortlisted candidates will be required to present valid clearance certificates from the following institutions: Kenya Revenue Authority (Valid Tax Compliance Certificate). Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Certificate of Good Conduct). Higher Education Loans Board (HELB Compliance Certificate, where applicable). Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Self-Declaration Form). Credit Reference Bureau (Credit Clearance Certificate or Credit Report). Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. GDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment, diversity, fairness, integrity, and professionalism throughout the selection process.