Lead Contract Engineer

Role Overview

Lead Contract Engineer at Wood PLC, supporting the delivery of the ADNOC Offshore Umm Shaif Gas Cap Phase 1 Onshore Project (Packages 2 & 3). The role leads all contract administration, commercial management, contractual compliance, change management and claims activities throughout the project lifecycle.

Role Purpose

Provide contractual and commercial leadership to the PMC, ADNOC and EPC Contractor teams, ensuring effective administration of project contracts and safeguarding the client's commercial interests. Act as the focal point for all contractual matters, supporting project management through proactive contract management, risk mitigation, claims assessment and dispute avoidance while ensuring compliance with ADNOC requirements, project procedures and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Management

• Lead all contract administration and contract management activities for assigned project packages.
• Review and administer EPC, procurement, construction and service contracts throughout project execution.
• Serve as the primary PMC focal point for contractual matters between ADNOC Offshore, PMC and EPC Contractors.
• Review, evaluate and manage contractor correspondence relating to contractual issues.
• Interpret contract terms and conditions and provide recommendations on contractual rights, obligations and liabilities.
• Ensure timely issuance and management of contractual notices in accordance with contract requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive records of contractual communications, notices, claims and change documentation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, project procedures and ADNOC contractual requirements.
• Ensure compliance with company governance, ethics, audit and contractual control requirements.
• Participate in commercial and contractual risk assessments throughout project execution.
• Identify potential contractual exposures and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support project teams in resolving contractual disputes and minimizing commercial risks.

Change Management & Claims

• Support the preparation, review and negotiation of contract amendments, variations and supplemental agreements.
• Evaluate contractor change requests and assess contractual and commercial impacts.
• Manage the Change Management process and ensure proper contractual documentation of approved changes.
• Review and assess Extension of Time (EOT) submissions and associated contractual entitlements.
• Evaluate contractor claims relating to delays, disruptions, acceleration, productivity losses and additional compensation.
• Prepare contractual assessments, recommendations and formal responses to contractor claims.

Stakeholder Support & Coordination

• Provide contractual guidance and commercial support to the Project Management Team and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Project Controls, Planning, Cost Control and Engineering teams to support contractual assessments.
• Interface with ADNOC Legal, Supply Chain, Commercial and Project Management teams on contractual matters.
• Support procurement and tendering activities, including bid clarification and contract award recommendations when required.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Review contractor performance against contractual commitments and project milestones.
• Monitor compliance with key contractual deliverables, obligations and performance requirements.
• Review and validate contractual aspects of project schedules, progress reports and commercial submissions.
• Participate in progress meetings, commercial reviews and management review sessions.
• Prepare contractual reports, commercial summaries and management presentations.

Project Close-Out & Leadership

• Support project close-out activities, final account negotiations and contract completion processes.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and technical guidance to contract administration personnel within the project team.
• Promote best practices in contract administration, commercial management and dispute avoidance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in contract management and contract administration within the oil & gas industry.
• Significant experience supporting major onshore and offshore Greenfield developments.
• Extensive experience managing EPC, EPCM, PMC and major construction contracts.
• Proven experience evaluating contractor claims, variations and Extension of Time (EOT) submissions.
• Experience supporting large-scale oil & gas capital projects throughout execution and close-out phases.
• Experience reviewing project schedules and project controls information for contractual assessments.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary project teams and multiple stakeholder environments.
• Previous experience working within a PMC/EPCM environment representing the Owner/Operator.
• Strong understanding of ADNOC contractual and commercial processes is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial management and contract administration principles.
• Strong understanding of change management, claims management and dispute resolution processes.
• Familiarity with international contract forms and contractual frameworks.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.