Chief Operations Geology

About the role

The Chief Operations Geology leads all geological activities related to exploration, appraisal and development drilling for MariEnergies. Reporting to senior management, this senior authority translates approved subsurface plans into executable well programmes, data acquisition strategies and ensures safe, efficient and cost‑effective delivery at the rig.

Key responsibilities

• Own the operations geology function, establishing standards, procedures and assurance requirements for well planning, wellsite geology, real‑time operations and post‑well reporting.
• Convert subsurface prognosis into detailed geological well programmes, defining formation tops, target windows, casing, coring points, sampling and logging requirements.
• Prepare the Well Statement of Requirements and fit‑for‑purpose data acquisition programmes covering mudlogging, wireline, LWD/MWD, coring, biostratigraphy, fluid sampling and formation testing.
• Integrate offset‑well reviews, pore‑pressure and fracture‑gradient predictions, and shallow‑hazard assessments into well design, recommending mitigations for stability risks.
• Provide real‑time geological decision support, geosteering and hazard management during well execution.
• Monitor contractor performance, well cost and data acquisition efficiency, and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in operations geology for on‑shore and off‑shore drilling portfolios, covering exploration, appraisal and development phases.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and interface with subsurface, drilling, HSE and data‑management functions.
• Strong track record of delivering geological objectives safely, on schedule and within budget.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on technical excellence and continuous learning.

Required skills

• Mudlogging
• Wireline logging
• LWD/MWD
• Coring
• Biostratigraphy
• Fluid sampling
• Formation testing
• Geosteering
• Real‑time operations decision support