This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of Project Operations (Drilling) based in the United States.
This role is a rare opportunity to architect and scale a high-performance field operations organization at the forefront of geothermal energy deployment. You will own the systems, teams, and execution strategy that enable large-scale, commercial drilling projects to be delivered safely, efficiently, and repeatedly in complex urban environments. Acting as both operational leader and project executive, you will oversee end-to-end project delivery while building the playbooks, infrastructure, and field capabilities needed to scale nationally. The role blends hands-on operational leadership with strategic planning, requiring you to define KPIs, establish resourcing models, and design scalable workflows from the ground up. You will collaborate closely with engineering, product, and equipment partners to deploy cutting-edge subsurface technologies that reshape how geothermal systems are built. This is a high-impact leadership position where execution quality, safety, and efficiency directly influence the success of clean energy adoption. Your work will help establish the operational foundation and culture for a rapidly scaling energy transition company.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of Project Operations (Drilling) based in the United States.
This role is a rare opportunity to architect and scale a high-performance field operations organization at the forefront of geothermal energy deployment. You will own the systems, teams, and execution strategy that enable large-scale, commercial drilling projects to be delivered safely, efficiently, and repeatedly in complex urban environments. Acting as both operational leader and project executive, you will oversee end-to-end project delivery while building the playbooks, infrastructure, and field capabilities needed to scale nationally. The role blends hands-on operational leadership with strategic planning, requiring you to define KPIs, establish resourcing models, and design scalable workflows from the ground up. You will collaborate closely with engineering, product, and equipment partners to deploy cutting-edge subsurface technologies that reshape how geothermal systems are built. This is a high-impact leadership position where execution quality, safety, and efficiency directly influence the success of clean energy adoption. Your work will help establish the operational foundation and culture for a rapidly scaling energy transition company.
Accountabilities:
- Build and scale a world-class drilling and field operations organization capable of executing safe, efficient, and high-quality geothermal construction projects.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, playbooks, and workflows covering procurement, mobilization, maintenance, and deployment of field equipment.
- Oversee project execution end-to-end, including P&L responsibility, cost control, permitting, commissioning, and delivery against engineering specifications.
- Establish and enforce safety standards, regulatory compliance, and operational best practices across all field activities.
- Develop KPIs, reporting systems, and performance frameworks to drive operational excellence and scalability.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy and iterate on proprietary drilling technologies and subsurface systems.
- Lead cross-functional coordination with clients, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless project delivery and strong customer experience.
- Build communication, scheduling, and productivity systems for distributed field teams operating in dynamic environments.
- Analyze field data and operational feedback to identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement in execution and technology.
- Support strategic planning by defining resourcing needs, investment priorities, and long-term operational scaling strategies.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or related field; advanced degree is a plus.
- 10+ years of experience leading drilling operations, field execution teams, or large-scale construction/energy projects.
- Proven experience owning project delivery with P&L responsibility and direct client engagement.
- Strong background in building operational systems, processes, and scalable field execution frameworks.
- Deep understanding of drilling operations, field logistics, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in dynamic environments.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical and operational complexity into clear insights for diverse audiences.
- Experience collaborating closely with engineering teams on technical deployment and product iteration.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to operational improvement.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively (25% steady-state, up to 50%+ during ramp-up and project execution phases).
- Leadership style grounded in accountability, collaboration, and building high-performing field teams.
- Competitive annual salary range of $175,000 – $210,000
- Opportunity to build and scale a foundational field operations organization from the ground up
- Direct impact on the development of next-generation geothermal energy systems
- High-visibility leadership role with ownership of major commercial drilling projects
- Exposure to cutting-edge clean energy and subsurface technology innovation
- Collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on sustainability and engineering excellence
- Significant travel opportunities across diverse project sites and operational environments
- Strong culture of ownership, learning, and continuous improvement.