Sr. Operations Superintendent

Job Description

Job Description

The Sr. Operations Superintendent provides senior-level operational leadership for all completions, recompletions, drillout, coiled tubing, and snubbing operations across multiple assets in the Permian and South Texas. This role is accountable for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of well completion programs while driving field performance, contractor management, and full well life cycle collaboration with engineering and production teams. The Sr. Operations Superintendent serves as the primary operational liaison between completions field teams, engineering, HSE, supply chain, and executive management, ensuring all activities are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. The role also supports succession planning and long-term regional growth strategy in partnership with the Completions Manager.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee daily completions operations across multiple assets, managing Completions Field Superintendents, Wellsite Supervisors, and service company representatives.
• Supervise execution of all completions, recompletions, coiled tubing mill-outs/clean-outs, and snubbing operations to ensure safety, quality, and cost control.
• Provide operational guidance and decision-making support to field supervisors through completions program reviews, field visits, and HSE program implementation.
• Conduct daily operational reviews and performance meetings to monitor well progress, operational risks, and schedule adherence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing Non-Productive Time (NPT), optimizing stage counts, and lowering cost-per-stage.
• Work closely with the operations team to share knowledge and optimize the full well life cycle, including completion type selection, facility requirements, and production optimization.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Champion company HSE culture and ensure full compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and company safety standards across all completions operations.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.
• Supervise EHS compliance and promote good housekeeping techniques at all wellsites.
• Conduct periodic field inspections and safety audits to verify contractor compliance and operational integrity.
• Lead quarterly safety meetings; exhibit safety leadership daily.

Technical Oversight

• Review completions procedures, recompletion scopes, coiled tubing programs, and operational changes.
• Collaborate with completions and reservoir engineers on completion design, AFE cost estimates, procedures, and execution; provide feedback to ensure cost estimates are accurate and risks are appropriately accounted for.
• Identify hazards, evaluate new technology, and incorporate sound engineering practices into completion design and construction.
• Provide troubleshooting support for completions challenges including frac execution, coiled tubing operations, wellbore integrity, and equipment failures.
• Support identification of critical needs and requirements for specific well completion designs and alternatives, drawing on analysis of historical company and industry data.

Frac & Water Management

• Oversee frac operations execution, including stage execution, fluid management, and real-time monitoring of treatment parameters.
• Work with Water Team to ensure water sourcing, transfer, recycling, and disposal operations effectively support field and environmental teams.
• Ensure fluid movement is managed cost-effectively and efficiently across all active completions sites.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Develop strategic relationships with and effectively manage completions contractors, frac service providers, drillout crews, and third-party vendors.
• Confirm all wellsite contractors are properly approved through the Supply Chain group.
• Participate in contract evaluations, performance reviews, service bidding, and quality assessments.
• Ensure equipment, materials, and services are delivered to wellsites in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor expenditures and maintain wells within approved AFE and budget targets.
• Regularly review procedures for quality, check cost estimates, and ensure risks are identified with appropriate mitigation measures in place.
• Support strategic planning, long-range completions schedules, and annual budget development in partnership with engineering and accounting teams.
• Review and present operational reports and performance updates for senior management.
• Review daily Wellview reports; maintain accurate operational records.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead sourcing efforts for field supervisors.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture of accountability, compassion, and operational excellence aligned with SM values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of oil and gas experience required, with supervisory experience required and at least 5 years in a operations superintendent or senior completions leadership role.
• Demonstrated operational experience with horizontal well completions, frac execution, coiled tubing operations, and recompletions in unconventional resource plays.
• Experience with Permian and/or South Texas assets strongly preferred.

Software:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Wellview and OpenInvoice required.
• Familiarity with Spotfire or other data analytics software preferred.

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.