Job Description

Position Description & Scope of Role

The Contracts Advisor provides expert commercial and contractual support across the full contract lifecycle for a major offshore decommissioning project.

The role is responsible for developing contracting strategies, leading complex tenders and commercial negotiations, managing contractual risk, and providing guidance to Contract Owners and internal stakeholders throughout contract execution.

The Contracts Advisor will ensure that contracting activities deliver optimum commercial value while maintaining compliance with relevant processes, procedures, legislation and ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Strategy & Planning

• Contribute to the development of contracting strategies.
• Advise stakeholders on appropriate contracting models, commercial structures and risk allocation.
• Develop contracting plans, procurement schedules and sourcing strategies.
• Conduct market assessments and identify suitable contractors and suppliers.
• Support prequalification and contractor capability assessments.

Tendering & Procurement

• Lead end-to-end tendering activities for high-value, high-risk and/or technically complex contracts.
• Prepare and issue ITTs/RFQs and manage bidder communications.
• Coordinate technical, commercial and HSE evaluations.
• Lead commercial clarification and negotiation processes.
• Prepare commercial evaluation reports and contract award recommendations.

Contract Negotiation & Award

• Lead or participate in negotiations with major offshore contractors, service companies and suppliers.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing mechanisms, payment terms, liabilities, indemnities, warranties, insurance and performance provisions.
• Develop appropriate risk allocation between the company and contractors. Identify, assess and mitigate contractual, commercial and financial risks.
• Review deviations from standard terms and conditions; liaise with Legal as required.
• Provide commercial recommendations to management prior to contract award.
• Ensure approved terms are accurately incorporated into final contract documentation.

Contract Administration & Management

• Provide commercial and contractual advice throughout the post-award lifecycle.
• Support Contract Owners in managing contractor performance and contractual compliance.
• Review and manage variations, amendments, extensions, claims and/or change orders.
• Advise management on claims, disputes, delays, liquidated damages and other contractual remedies.
• Ensure appropriate contract close-out and lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate contractual records and audit trails.

Candidate Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Commercial Management, Law or a related discipline.
• Professional procurement qualification such as CIPS/MCIPS is desirable.

Experience

• Typically 8–12+ years of progressive experience in contracts, procurement or commercial management.
• Significant experience within the offshore oil & gas, energy, EPC/EPCI or petrochemical industry. Proven experience in decommissioning is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience  in tendering, negotiating and managing complex, high-value and high-risk contracts.
• Experience with contract variations, claims, disputes and commercial risk management.

Technical / Commercial Knowledge

• Strong understanding of oil & gas contracting and procurement processes.
• Deep knowledge of APAC supplier market.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk allocation.
• Knowledge of contract terms, liabilities, indemnities, warranties, insurance and performance mechanisms.
• Understanding of applicable procurement legislation and industry regulations, including understanding of expectations from the Offshore Regulator.

Core Competencies

• Contract negotiation & Commercial acumen
• Risk management
• Claims and dispute management
• Communication and influencing & Stakeholder management
• Supplier/contractor management & contract lifecycle management

Personal Profile

The successful candidate will be a commercially astute and confident contracts professional who can operate effectively in a technically complex and high-risk offshore environment. Proven track record in a drilling or decommissioning environment is advantageous.

They will be comfortable challenging stakeholders and contractors when required, while maintaining strong working relationships. They will also have a deep knowledge of the APAC supplier market. The individual should demonstrate excellent negotiation, analytical and communication skills, sound commercial judgement and the ability to manage multiple high-value contracts simultaneously.

Personal Attributes

• Strong technical problem-solving capability.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a team environment.
• High level of professional integrity and accountability.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Commitment to safety and operational excellence.
• Commercially aware with an appreciation of client drivers and business objectives.
• Ability to adapt approach to achieve results.

About Zenith Energy

Zenith Energy is an international well engineering and project management consultancy supporting operators across the energy sector. Our teams provide technically robust, pragmatic solutions covering well engineering, drilling, completions, abandonment, project management and operational support.

We pride ourselves on technical excellence, professional delivery and building long-term relationships with our clients through the successful execution of complex well projects.