Rig Manager
Resume Sample
A real resume example showing how we transform global drilling expertise into proof contractors trust
Being qualified isn't enough — you need to be the obvious choice.
We fix your resume with one conversation
What Makes a Strong Rig Manager Resume?
A Rig Manager resume must prove ability to deliver complex drilling projects on time and under budget in challenging global environments. Drilling contractors scan for international experience, cost performance, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. This sample demonstrates projects valued at up to $20 million completed on time and under budget, 50% cost savings bringing $8M project in at $4M, operations on world's largest jack-ups valued at $300 million, 3-rig importation to Aramco specifications within tight deadlines, and Trinidad start-up from scratch with zero downtime.
Why Do Rig Manager Resumes
Get Rejected?
Most rig manager resumes get rejected not because of ATS software, but because they don't prove you're better than the other 27 applicants. Generic bullets like "managed construction projects" don't differentiate you — quantified achievements do.
See how we transform generic statements into interview-winning proof:
We showed project scale ($20 million), cost performance (50% savings, $8M to $4M), and innovative problem-solving (650 tonne crane, unique manufacturing). Quantified savings prove exceptional cost management.
We showed team leadership (12-15 subcontractors), start-up scope (office, logistics, warehouse), outcome (zero downtime, most successful), and international complexity (3 rigs, Aramco specifications). Zero downtime proves exceptional planning.
We showed compliance recognition ("gold standard"), regulatory breadth (6 agencies), and asset scale ($300 million jack-ups). "Gold standard" designation proves exceptional compliance capability.
How Do Oil & Gas Resume Writers Transform a Rig Manager Resume?
Professional resume writers transform rig manager resumes by analyzing job postings for required keywords, extracting specific achievements through targeted questions, quantifying impact with dollar values and percentages, and positioning you as the solution to employer problems.
We Analyze Rig Manager Job Postings
We identify exactly what hiring managers search for:
- Budget management and cost control requirements
- Schedule recovery and timeline management skills
- Site safety compliance and OSHA standards
- Subcontractor coordination and vendor management
We Extract Your Achievements
Our 1-on-1 interview uncovers:
- Project values and budgets you've managed
- Team sizes and subcontractors you've coordinated
- Problems you've solved that others couldn't
- Metrics you didn't think to track or quantify
We Quantify Your Impact
We find the numbers that prove ROI:
- Dollar values of projects completed on time
- Percentage of schedule improvements achieved
- Cost savings from value engineering decisions
- Safety record improvements and incident reductions
We Position You as the Solution
Your resume proves you solve employer problems:
- Delivering projects on time despite site challenges
- Managing subcontractors and maintaining quality
- Controlling costs while meeting specifications
- Leading teams through complex project phases
Listen to a Real Resume Interview
Hear how our writers extract drilling operations achievements from rig managers.
What Does a Rig Manager Resume Interview Look Like?
A rig manager resume interview is a conversation where our writer asks targeted questions about your projects, probes for specific details, and extracts achievements you'd never think to include.
History of succeeding on every project undertaken – valued at up to $20 million – based on knack for completing assignments on time and within / under budget. Brought in project at $4 million – 50% less than the original $8 million. Averted the prospect of a 20% cost over-run by utilizing a 650 tonne crane and a unique manufacturing style to assemble heat shielding.
Every bullet on this resume was created through this same process.
Schedule Your InterviewWatch How We Transformed This Executive Resume
See how our interview process uncovered global project achievements and cost savings.
Get Your Resume Transformed
What a Rig Manager Resume Example That Gets Interviews Looks Like
A complete rig manager resume is typically 1-2 pages and includes a professional summary, core competencies, detailed work experience with quantified achievements, education, and certifications. Here's an actual resume created through our interview process.
Which Rig Manager Resume Example
Do You Need?
The rig manager resume you need depends on your career stage:
Assistant Rig Manager or Toolpusher Position
Your resume needs to prove crew leadership, safety compliance, and operational efficiency.
Questions We Ask in Your Interview:
- What crew sizes have you supervised?
- What safety record have you maintained?
What We Highlight on Your Resume:
- Crew supervision and training
- Safety compliance and incident-free operations
Rig Manager or Operations Manager Transition
Your resume needs to differentiate you through project value, cost savings, and international regulatory compliance.
Questions We Ask in Your Interview:
- What project values have you managed?
- What cost savings have you delivered?
What We Highlight on Your Resume:
- Multi-million dollar project delivery
- International compliance and cost performance
How Do You Write a Rig Manager Resume That Gets Interviews?
To write a rig manager resume that gets interviews, focus on four key sections:
- Professional Summary — highlighting your experience level and specialty areas
- Skills Section — matching keywords from your target job postings
- Work Experience — quantified achievements using the Problem-Solution-Result format
- Credentials — relevant certifications and education
Most rig manager resumes list operational responsibilities without demonstrating project value or cost performance. Our interview process extracts the multi-million dollar projects, percentage savings, and international start-up successes that prove you can deliver results in challenging environments.
What Should a Rig Manager Put in Their Profile Summary?
Your summary must signal both operational excellence and business impact. This manager describes "projects valued at up to $20 million" completed "on time and within / under budget" with ability to operate "world's largest jack-ups with a market value of up to $300 million" across "12+ countries."
Lead with problem-solving reputation and international scope. Highlight project values ($20 million), operating environments (world's toughest), and budget performance (on time, under budget). Include regulatory knowledge across jurisdictions and asset values operated ($300 million jack-ups).
For drillers or assistant managers seeking senior roles...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What crew sizes have you supervised?"
- "What safety record have you maintained?"
For assistant managers targeting rig manager or operations roles...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What project values have you managed?"
- "What cost savings have you delivered?"
What Skills Should a Rig Manager Highlight?
Skills must show both operations capability and business acumen. This resume includes Tenders & Competitive Bidding alongside Start-Up Operations — demonstrating ability to win and execute projects.
Include operational and business competencies: Start-Up Operations (Logistics, Construction, & Warehousing), Project Set-Up & Management, Tenders & Competitive Bidding alongside Health & Safety Initiatives, Team-Building, Training, & Leadership, Policy / Procedure / Compliance Updates. Add Business Development & Growth Strategies.
Operations and safety skills establish foundation...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What start-up experience do you have?"
- "What safety initiatives have you led?"
Business development and compliance skills differentiate...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What bidding experience do you have?"
- "What compliance updates have you made?"
How Should a Rig Manager Describe Their Experience?
Every contribution must show measurable impact. This resume shows "valued at up to $20 million," "50% less than the original $8 million," "no downtime whatsoever," and "gold standard of compliance."
Lead with quantified achievements showing project value, cost savings, and outcomes. Include specific dollar figures ($20M projects, $4M vs $8M savings), international locations (Trinidad, Middle East), team sizes (12-15 subcontractors), and recognition ("gold standard" compliance).
Show crew leadership and safety performance...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What crew sizes have you led?"
- "What safety record have you achieved?"
Demonstrate project scale and cost impact...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What project values have you delivered?"
- "What cost savings achieved?"
What Credentials Matter for Rig Managers?
Credentials should show multi-jurisdictional capability. This resume demonstrates knowledge of 6+ regulatory bodies enabling operation of "$300 million" assets — proving senior-level regulatory competence.
Include Certificate of Fitness and demonstrate knowledge of multiple regulatory bodies: Transport Canada, U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, DNV, and applicable Petroleum Boards. List safety certifications and leadership training.
Basic certifications and safety training establish eligibility...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What safety certifications do you have?"
- "What drilling tickets?"
Multi-agency compliance and Certificate of Fitness differentiate...
Expert Questions We Ask:
- "What regulatory bodies have you worked with?"
- "What Certificate of Fitness do you hold?"
Skip the guesswork — let our expert resume writers ask these questions for you.
Schedule Your Resume InterviewHow Does a Resume Interview Extract
Your Rig Manager Achievements?
A professional resume interview extracts rig manager achievements by probing into specific projects, uncovering the goals you were trying to achieve, documenting the systems and processes you implemented, and surfacing challenges you overcame.
What Projects Should You Include
on a Rig Manager Resume?
Include projects that demonstrate scope, stakes, and significance. We probe to understand the project value, team size, and your specific role.
How Do You Show Business Impact
on a Resume?
Connect your work to business outcomes by documenting the company's objectives and how your contributions achieved them.
What Systems and Processes
Should You Highlight?
Document the specific systems, processes, and strategies you implemented. This is where your expertise becomes visible.
How Do You Present
Challenges Overcome?
Describe challenges you faced and how you solved them. Problem-solving examples prove you can handle obstacles.
The Power of a 1-on-1 Resume Interview
No cookie-cutter calls. Your interview length matches your career complexity. We ask the questions you can't ask yourself.
Telephone Interview
Telephone Interview
Telephone Interview
Telephone Interview
Telephone Interview
How Competitive Is the
Rig Manager Job Market?
Rig Manager jobs are lowly competitive, averaging 28 applicants per position. With most job seekers applying to 20+ roles, you're competing against approximately 560 candidates for the same jobs.
Rig Manager Job
Jobs Posted (30 Days)
Per 20 Applications
Hardest to Land
Most competitive oil & gas rolesEasier to Land
Less competitive oil & gas rolesData based on LinkedIn job postings, updated January 2026. View full job market data →
Here's the math most job seekers don't do:
Your resume needs to stand out against 560 other oil & gas professionals.
Most of them list the same projects. The same certifications. The same responsibilities.
What makes you different is the story behind the projects.
Oil & Gas Professionals We've Helped Are Now Working At
From general contractors to specialty trades, our clients land roles at top oil & gas firms across North America.
Reach Oil & Gas's Hidden Job Market
80% of oil & gas positions are never advertised. Get your resume directly into the hands of recruiters filling confidential searches.
Oil & Gas Recruiter Network
When you purchase our Resume Distribution service, your resume goes to 150+ recruiters specializing in oil & gas — included in Advanced & Ultimate packages.
Spencer Ogden
Houston, TX
Airswift
Aberdeen, UK
Sample Oil & Gas Recruiters
150+ Total| Agency | Location |
|---|---|
SO Spencer Ogden |
Houston, TX |
AS Airswift |
Aberdeen, UK |
NF NES Fircroft |
Houston, TX |
Frequently Asked Questions About
Rig Manager Resumes
Your resume must demonstrate project value, cost performance, and international regulatory compliance. Include project scale (this sample shows up to $20 million), cost savings (50% reduction, $8M to $4M), asset value operated ($300 million jack-ups), and regulatory bodies (Transport Canada, U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, DNV, Petroleum Boards).
The rig manager market shows 28 applicants per position. Competition is specialized with emphasis on international experience. Candidates with multi-million dollar project delivery, cost savings track record, and multi-jurisdictional compliance differentiate significantly.
Include operational and business skills: Start-Up Operations (Logistics, Construction, & Warehousing), Project Set-Up & Management, Tenders & Competitive Bidding alongside Health & Safety Initiatives, Team-Building, Training, & Leadership, Policy / Procedure / Compliance Updates. Add Business Development & Growth Strategies for senior roles.
Quantify savings with before/after figures. This resume shows "Brought in project at $4 million – 50% less than the original $8 million" and "Averted the prospect of a 20% cost over-run." Specific dollar savings with percentages prove financial impact.
Absolutely — global experience is highly valued. This resume shows experience in "U.K., Norway, the Middle East, the Gulf of Mexico, North America, Trinidad / Tobago, The Netherlands, Brazil, Asia, the Pacific Rim, New Zealand, and Australia." 12+ country experience demonstrates adaptability.
Include regulatory certifications and training. This resume shows Certificate of Fitness plus knowledge of Transport Canada, U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, DNV, Canadian Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and Canadian Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board. Multi-agency compliance demonstrates senior capability.
Ready to Transform Your Resume?
Schedule your 60-minute interview and get a resume that proves you're the obvious choice.
Choose Your Interview LengthHave Questions?
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