Project Manager — Deepwater Drilling Support at a Lagos-based Underwater Services Company - Petit Debut

Petit Debut - Our client is a Lagos-based diving and marine services company expanding into deepwater drilling operations through a strategic joint venture with an international partner.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Manager — Deepwater Drilling Support

Location: Lagos

Description

• This role sits at the heart of a joint venture between our Client's (local Nigerian partner) and an international offshore operator.
• The successful candidate will be employed directly by our Client and serve as the primary interface between both partners — bridging local knowledge, regulatory compliance, and operational execution with the technical and commercial requirements of the international partner.

About the role

• They are seeking an experienced Project Manager with a deepwater drilling background to lead the day-to-day management of this partnership.
• Reporting to the Managing Director, you will represent the company’s interests while ensuring seamless collaboration with the international partner, alignment with Nigerian regulatory requirements, and delivery of project milestones to the highest technical and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the principal interface between our company and the international JV partner, managing communication, alignment, and issue resolution at all levels
• Lead project planning, scheduling, and execution for support of the deepwater drilling campaigns in line with agreed JV scope and objectives
• Represent the local partner in technical, commercial, and governance meetings with the international partner
• Ensure all operations comply with NUPRC, NIMASA, and DPR regulations as well as JV contractual obligations
• Monitor project budgets, cost forecasts, and performance metrics; report progress to both partners’ management teams
• Coordinate local content requirements, support vendor selection, and Nigerian personnel mobilisation in line with NCDMB guidelines
• Manage relationships with government agencies, associated authorities, and other relevant Nigerian stakeholders
• Oversee HSE performance across all JV project activities; champion a safety-first culture on and offshore
• Identify and mitigate project risks; escalate issues appropriately to both partners
• Support business development by leveraging JV experience to position the company to maximise revenue and profits and for future deepwater opportunities.

Required qualifications

• B.Sc. / B.Eng. in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Offshore Engineering (or related field)
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in oil and gas project management, with at least 3 years in deepwater drilling environments
• Proven track record managing multi-stakeholder or joint venture projects
• Strong understanding of deepwater drilling systems, well engineering, and rig operations
• Familiarity with NUPRC, NIMASA, NUIMS and NCDMB regulatory frameworks.

Preferred skills:

• Experience working within an IOC–local company joint venture structure
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
• Project Tracking and monitoring software
• Existing relationships with Nigerian upstream regulators and government stakeholders
• Exposure to deepwater fields in the Niger Delta offshore basin
• Exposure to drilling services providers
• Commercial awareness of JV agreements, PSCs, and Nigerian local content policy.

Personal attributes:

• Confident and credible interface between Nigerian and international stakeholders at senior level
• Politically astute, with strong negotiation and diplomacy skills
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities across different time zones
• Deep personal commitment to HSE leadership and operational integrity
• Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable operating in a small, growing company while engaging with large international partners.

What's on offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Project-based allowances and offshore per diem
• Flexible schedule suited to consultants or professionals with portfolio careers
• A pivotal role in shaping a growing deepwater capability within a Nigerian-owned company

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV to: adefolake@petitdebut.com using the job title as the subject of the email.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks.