Subsurface and Wells Lead

Location: North East England (with flexibility and occasional travel across the UK)

12-month fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity

About the Organisation

We are a collaborative energy venture focused on advancing large-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) infrastructure in the UK. Our mission is to support the transition to a low-carbon economy by enabling secure, long-term CO₂ storage solutions.

As we expand our regulatory and operational portfolio, we are seeking an experienced Subsurface and Wells Lead to join our technical team. This is a high-impact, multidisciplinary role supporting the stewardship of multiple carbon storage licences and the development of key infrastructure.

The Role

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the Subsurface and Wells Lead will coordinate wells and subsurface activity across several storage licences and permits. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing relationships with delivery partners, regulators, and shareholders to ensure high technical standards, effective governance, and regulatory compliance.

Although this position does not carry direct line management responsibility, it requires strong leadership and the ability to influence technical delivery across diverse teams.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Coordination: Oversee delivery of wells and subsurface activity by external operating partners. Ensure work meets agreed technical, safety, and schedule standards. Regulatory Interface: Represent the organisation in discussions with regulatory authorities concerning wells and subsurface matters. Project Oversight: Manage the organisation’s role in drilling and appraisal programmes and monitor performance under relevant construction agreements. Licence Stewardship: Coordinate and challenge the technical quality of subsurface evaluations across active storage sites and support the appraisal of future stores. Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a primary contact for internal technical committees, shareholder representatives, and external forums in relation to wells and storage development.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Skills

Professional background in subsurface or wells disciplines within CCS, energy, or adjacent sectors. Familiarity with UK carbon storage licensing and regulatory processes. Experience in risk-based subsurface appraisal and technical assurance. Working knowledge of well design, drilling, and completions. Excellent stakeholder engagement and cross-functional coordination abilities. Strategic mindset with the ability to provide constructive challenge and systems-level thinking.

Desirable

Direct experience in CCS projects or low-carbon energy ventures. Exposure to well intervention or injection operations. Established presence in relevant technical or regulatory networks.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.