Contracts Manager - Oil & Gas

About This Role

The Contracts Manager will lead all contractual, commercial, and risk management activities across both pre-award and post-award phases of major EPC projects in the Oil & Gas sector. This senior role requires deep expertise in client contracts, partnering agreements, vendor/subcontractor arrangements, and cross-functional commercial governance. The position ensures that the company’s commercial interests are protected, risks are mitigated, and contractual obligations are fully understood and executed by project teams.

Job Responsibilities

Pre-Award / Bidding Stage

• Manage all activities related to pre-qualification, bidding, and pre-award contractual and commercial matters.
• Oversee contractual negotiations with clients, partners, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Lead the risk review process, ensuring identification, mitigation, and management of contractual risks.
• Ensure compliance with commercial procedures and promote continuous improvement.
• Assess and allocate commercial resources required for bidding activities.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and authority levels for commercial team members.
• Manage partnering agreements and exclusivity/tie-up arrangements with key vendors/subcontractors.

Post-Award Stage

• Manage all contractual, legal, and commercial issues arising after contract award.
• Support the Contracts Manager and project teams in risk and opportunity reviews.
• Participate in dispute resolution, claims preparation, negotiation, and defense.
• Ensure proper handover of contract documentation from pre-award to project execution teams.
• Guide project teams on key contract terms, obligations, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with Group Legal, external counsel, and corporate dispute management teams.
• Oversee adherence to HSE and Quality System Procedures.

Pre-Award Responsibilities

• Support and manage contractual risk identification, mitigation, and management.
• Participate as a member of the Risk Review Committee.
• Manage all contractual, legal, tax, commercial, and insurance matters during bidding.
• Conduct due diligence on potential partners and clients.
• Ensure legal diligence in new jurisdictions is properly addressed.
• Secure legal advice in coordination with Senior Manager Contracts.
• Present key contract terms to Project Management upon award and ensure proper documentation handover.
• Resolve major deviations from vendors regarding purchase and site service terms.
• Coordinate with Group Legal and external law firms as needed.
• Support internal/external audits.
• Develop and monitor commercial KPIs.
• Provide training and guidance to ensure compliance with company procedures.

Post-Award Responsibilities

• Manage contract administration, including risk identification and mitigation.
• Supervise Deputy Managers, Contract Engineers, and Contract Administrators.
• Support HOD in preparing variations and claims; assist in negotiation and resolution.
• Evaluate and advise on contractual conflicts and claims.
• Review project reports to identify discrepancies, risks, and opportunities.
• Manage all contractual, legal, tax, commercial, and insurance matters post-award.
• Ensure legal diligence guidance is understood by direct reports.
• Ensure project teams understand key contract terms and obligations.
• Support corporate dispute management activities.
• Ensure adherence to HSE and Quality System Procedures.
• Support internal/external audits.
• Assist in developing and monitoring commercial KPIs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in Contracts Management within Oil & Gas EPC projects.
• Strong knowledge of international contracting standards (FIDIC, EPC, EPCC).
• Proven experience in claims management, dispute resolution, and risk management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with multinational teams and joint ventures.
• Strong understanding of legal, commercial, tax, and insurance frameworks in EPC environments.

Key Competencies

• Contract drafting & negotiation
• Risk assessment & mitigation
• Claims preparation & defense
• Commercial strategy & governance
• Vendor/subcontractor management
• Leadership & team development
• Stakeholder management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills