Senior Contract Engineer

Our client, a leading international energy operator, is seeking an experienced Senior Contract Engineer to support the delivery of major project and operational work scopes. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercial and contracts professional to play a key role in the management of high-value contracts across complex engineering, construction, and operational activities.
The Role Working closely with engineering and project teams, you will lead contractual and procurement activities throughout the full contract lifecycle, from strategy development and tender execution through to contract management, claims resolution, and close-out. You will serve as the commercial focal point for assigned projects, ensuring contractual compliance while protecting the commercial interests of the business.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contracting and procurement strategies for project-related activities.
• Lead tendering processes, including market engagement, bidder qualification, tender preparation, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
• Conduct detailed commercial and contractual evaluations of supplier and contractor proposals.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout the procurement process.
• Support project teams during contract execution, ensuring contractual obligations are effectively managed.
• Monitor contractor performance and support resolution of contractual issues.
• Manage change orders, contract amendments, and extension negotiations.
• Evaluate and manage contractor claims, working closely with legal, insurance, finance, and project stakeholders where required.
• Participate in commercial negotiations and dispute resolution activities.
• Maintain accurate contract records and ensure effective contract close-out processes.
• Support the development and mentoring of junior contracts and procurement personnel.

Essential

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Commercial Management, Supply Chain, Law, or a related discipline.
• 10-15 years of Contracts & Procurement experience within the Oil & Gas, Energy, Infrastructure, or Industrial sectors.
• Demonstrable experience in contract administration and subcontract management.
• Strong understanding of contract execution, commercial negotiations, claims management, and change control.
• Experience working with industry-standard contract forms, including FIDIC and bespoke contracts.
• Strong knowledge of contractual risk assessment and mitigation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Desirable

• Engineering background or technical project experience.
• International project experience within a multicultural environment.
• Experience using procurement and contracting platforms such as SAP, Ariba, or equivalent enterprise systems.
• Previous involvement in major capital projects, EPC/EPCM environments, or large-scale operational contracts.

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.