Contracts Engineer

HAVE YOU GOT SPIRIT?  In operation since 1985, Barrow Gas Terminal is a key piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure and supports the Morecambe Bay gas fields. The terminal has played a long‑standing role in processing and delivering natural gas, supporting both local employment and national energy supply.  With a focus on safety, environmental sustainability and community engagement, we believe in operational excellence at every stage of production. If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a dynamic and energetic team, then we are keen to hear from you.   THE OPPORTUNITY – CONTRACTS ENGINEER  The role owner leads the end-to-end contract lifecycle management and strategic sourcing across key categories, delivering commercial value, managing supplier performance, and ensuring risk-controlled, compliant procurement aligned with business objectives.  Location: Barrow-in-Furness Duration: 2-year contract Contract Type: PAYE Day Rate: TBC - For your application to be progressed, please ensure you provide a PAYE day rate banding expectation. Please note that there is no travel and accommodation allowance provided.  Please only apply if you have existing right-to-work in the UK. Please outline notice period/availability to start.   Spirit Energy currently have a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement for all office-based workers. 4 days must be worked in the office with compulsory days being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The fourth day worked in-office (either Monday or Friday) is of the worker’s choosing but should be in keeping with what is most efficient and effective for their team. The office is open 5 days a week for full time, in-office working if this is the contractor’s preference.   AND NOW FOR THE TECHNICAL BIT… In role, you will be required to:  Category Management Lead end-to-end contract lifecycle management, ensuring maximum value from strategy through to contract close-out Conduct category and market assessments to evaluate sourcing options and trade-offs Create and deliver category plans aligned with business objectives Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories Continuously review category performance to improve value, efficiency, and leverage Forecast future spend and identify value improvement opportunities  Procurement & Tendering Lead end-to-end procurement activities across designated categories Identify and execute competitive tendering opportunities Source goods and services to achieve optimal value for money within quality and service requirements Apply commercial judgement to balance cost, risk, and supply resilience  Contract Management & Negotiation Develop negotiation strategies and lead complex commercial negotiations Draft, negotiate, and finalise contracts, ensuring risks are minimised Manage contract lifecycle, including implementation and close-out Ensure compliance with contractual, legal, and commercial terms  Supplier & Stakeholder Management Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and drive performance improvements Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and manage disputes Act as commercial interface between suppliers and the business Challenge business requirements to drive better commercial outcomes Ensure delivery of negotiated value and cost savings  Risk & Compliance Management Identify, assess, and manage contractual, regulatory and commercial risks Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and internal governance requirements Lead discussions on risk mitigation and remediation strategies Maintain accurate systems, documentation, and audit readiness  Safety & Operational Compliance Ensure adherence to HSE standards, policies, and procedures Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement Identify and escalate operational and regulatory risks  Any other associated duties as reasonably required   ABOUT YOU To be successful in this role, we are looking for:  Understanding of category management principles & the end-to-end processes Understanding of contract law and LOGIC contracting models Experience in leading complex negotiations Skills in contract development, execution and dispute resolution Ability to lead supplier performance and relationship management Competent user of SAP (procurement, finance, GR/IR); Ivalua and MS Office tools Degree educated (preferably in Science or Engineering) or appropriate relevant in work experience MBA or MSc in Supply Chain Management will be an added advantage Membership of CIPS (or equivalent)   In addition to technical knowledge and credibility, we are looking for someone who lives our values - Agility, Collaboration, Courage, Care, and Delivery. A person who embraces and supports change, while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a mature asset. People are our business  worldwide  Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a net