About the role:

• Segment: Exploration of Natural Resources (SOCAR Exploration)
• Department: Projects & Operations
• Reports To: P&O Manager
• Location: Azerbaijan

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Wells PM Team Leader to lead the planning, execution and overseeing of exploration well projects across drilling, completion, workover, and abandonment operations, safely, on time, and within budget. This role leads multidisciplinary teams across organization and outside of it, and ensures compliance with technical, HSE, and regulatory requirements while optimizing well performance and cost efficiency.

Key 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 multiple 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

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
• Oversee incident investigations and implement lessons learned

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
• 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

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Drilling Engineering, or related field
• 10–15+ years of experience in well engineering/operations (exploration and development)
• Proven experience in leading well projects (exploration and development) or drilling teams
• 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
• Fluency in English is required; additional languages are a plus

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

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work on complex and technically challenging projects
• Exposure to international standards and best practices
• Collaborative and high-performing work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including health insurance, performance bonuses, training and development opportunities and etc.

Interested candidates can send their cv to the e-mail address in the Apply for job button.