Lead Driller

Job Description

Are you ready to take a leading role in offshore ground investigation projects that help shape safer coastlines, cleaner energy solutions, and more resilient global infrastructure? As a Lead Driller, you’ll be at the heart of our offshore operations working with specialised marine drilling equipment to uncover the vital subsurface insights that power Fugro’s mission. You’ll join project teams operating across offshore environments, leading drilling operations that directly impact the quality and success of our geotechnical campaigns. Reporting to the Back Deck Supervisor, Offshore Operations Coordinator, and Functional Manager, you'll guide and mentor your drilling team while working in a dynamic, collaborative offshore setting. This is a full‑time offshore role, typically structured around project rotations, where flexibility, teamwork, and safety are central.

Your Role and Responsibilities

Expectations & Deliverables

• Safely and confidently operate Fugro’s specialist offshore marine drilling equipment, ensuring compliance with company documentation, manufacturer guidelines, and industry standards.
• Lead drilling work to meet project specifications achieving efficient, accurate, and safe borehole execution for in situ testing, logging, and sample recovery.
• Deliver high‑quality drill logs, ground descriptions, and operational documentation as required by the project plan.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor drilling team members, including Assistant Drillers, rig mechanics, and electricians, ensuring clarity of tasks and high operational standards.
• Maintain responsibility for deck‑level HSE performance during shifts, fostering a culture of safety, intervention, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders - Back Deck Supervisors, Operations Managers, and Operations Coordinators to ensure project objectives are met.
• Keep excellent housekeeping standards on the drill floor and promptly report incidents, near‑misses, or unsafe conditions.
• Complete mandatory online and practical training, staying up‑to‑date with Fugro’s safety flashes and procedural updates.

What You’ll Need to Thrive in This Role

• Proven Drilling experience in a relevant offshore or drilling environment.
• Ability to work offshore for extended periods, including weekends and night shifts, with travel and staying away from home is required.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English, enabling clear and respectful teamwork in a high‑pressure environment.
• Physical ability to perform demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, within legal limits.
• A minimum high‑school‑level education with competency in English and Maths (or equivalent).

About Us 

Who we are  
 

Do you want to join our Geo-data revolution? Fugro’s global reach and unique know-how will put the world at your fingertips. Our love of exploration and technical expertise help us to provide our clients with invaluable insights. We source and make sense of the most relevant Geo-data for their needs, so they can design, build and operate their assets more safely, sustainably and efficiently. But we’re always looking for new talent to take the next step with us. For bright minds who enjoy meaningful work and want to push our pioneering spirit further. For individuals who can take the initiative but work well within a team.  

What we offer  

Fugro provides a positive work environment as well as projects that will satisfy the most curious minds. We also offer great opportunities to stretch and develop yourself. By giving you the freedom to grow faster, we think you’ll be able to do what you do best, better. Which should help us to find fresh ways to get to know the earth better. We encourage you to be yourself at Fugro. So bring your energy and enthusiasm, your keen eye and can-do attitude. But bring your questions and opinions too. Because to be the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, we need the strength in depth that comes from a diverse, driven team.  

Our view on diversity, equity and inclusion  

At Fugro, our people are our superpower. Their variety of viewpoints, experiences, knowledge and talents give us collective strength. Distinctive beliefs and diverse backgrounds are therefore welcome, but discrimination, harassment, inappropriate behaviour and unfair treatment are not. Everybody is to be well-supported and treated fairly. And everyone must be valued and have their voice heard. Crucially, we believe that getting this right brings a sense of belonging, of safety and acceptance, that makes us feel more connected to Fugro’s purpose ‘together we create a safe and liveable world’ – and to each other.  

Benefits of joining our team: 

• Extensive career & training opportunities both nationally and internationally. 

• Competitive salary  

• Contributory pension scheme 

• Private medical insurance 

• Health cash plan 

• Group life assurance 

• Group income protection 

• Electric car scheme 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Discounted gym membership 

• Discounts platform 

• The Fugro Card (pre-paid virtual visa card, which earns cash back automatically when money is spent at any participating retailers) 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

• Long service awards 

• Fugro values awards 

• Employee referral bonus scheme 

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Disclaimer for recruitment agencies:

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated.