Execution Planning Lead – Deepwater Drilling

Start Date: 01/01/2026

Applications close on: 24/12/2025

Contract Type: Contract

Country: United Arab Emirates

Discipline: Drilling

Minimum Experience: 20 Years+

Job Contact: cheryl.scott@visuna.com

The Execution Planning Lead will be
responsible for orchestrating all pre-execution planning activities for a
deepwater exploration well, ensuring robust front-end loading (FEL),
early-stage alignment between subsurface and execution teams, and full
integration of procurement, contracting, logistics, and resourcing into
a coordinated execution plan. This role is critical to bridging the gap between technical study outputs (e.g., well basis-of-design, risk registers)
and execution readiness, including third-party and partner alignment.

Execution Planning & FEL Leadership

• Lead the execution
  readiness process from FEL through to final drilling execution.
• Translate well concept and basis-of-design into a fully executable plan with
  clear deliverables, timelines, and interdependencies.
• Coordinate
  with subsurface, wells, HSE, procurement, legal, and logistics to ensure
  integrated planning.
• Champion
  the stage-gate process to secure internal and partner approvals.

Long-Lead & Procurement Strategy

• Identify
  and secure long-lead items (e.g., wellheads, risers, casing, critical
  equipment) in coordination with supply chain.
• Develop
  and execute the procurement and contracting strategy in alignment
  with project risk, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Monitor
  vendor readiness, delivery lead times, and fabrication milestones.

Personnel & Resourcing

• Define
  the organizational structure and resourcing plan for all execution phases.
• Work
  closely with HR and project services to secure internal and external
  (contractor) resources.
• Ensure
  offshore/onshore readiness for drilling operations (logistics,
  accommodations, HSSE plans, etc.).

Stakeholder & Governance Management

• Establish
  and manage a Joint Executive Steering Committee (JESC) with key
  stakeholders.
• Drive
  alignment across operatorship, partners, regulators, and contractors.
• Prepare
  and deliver key steering committee materials and decision briefs.

Project Risk Management

• Lead the
  identification, quantification, and mitigation of execution risks
  (technical, commercial, operational).
• Maintain
  and update the Execution Risk Register, with mitigation plans and
  clear ownership.
• Facilitate
  regular risk reviews, lessons learned integration, and mitigation progress
  tracking.

Interface Management

• Serve as
  the single point of accountability for all execution interfaces—subsurface,
  drilling, logistics, HSSE, etc.
• Resolve
  cross-functional disconnects that could compromise schedule, cost, or
  safety.
• Champion
  digital planning tools (e.g., integrated planning software, risk tracking
  platforms).

• Bachelor’s
  degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related technical discipline
  (advanced degree preferred).
• 20+ years
  of upstream oil & gas experience, including:
• Minimum
  10 years in execution planning or drilling operations.
• Proven
  track record in deepwater exploration well planning and execution.
• Familiarity
  with FEL frameworks, procurement strategy development, and long-lead item
  management.
• Experience
  managing JV partners, regulatory interfaces, and steering committees.

Benefit of Working with Visuna?

• A dedicated member of the team responsible for your placements and welfare
• Some of the best day rates in the industry
• FREE worldwide insurance and Medevac cover whist on a Placement
• 24/7 access to our specialist support team
• Assistance and advice on a range of business topics
• FREE access to our Competency Scheme
• Increased exposure to potential clients and more placement opportunities