Contracts Lead

Role Overview

Contracts Lead at Wood PLC, based on a project in Saudi Arabia. This is a 5-month position with potential extension based on business requirements and project needs.

Role Purpose

Provide owner-side contract management and commercial advisory support to the Client throughout the project lifecycle. Ensure commercial integrity, contractual compliance, and effective risk management across all contracts.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Strategy & Procurement Support

• Support the development and implementation of project contracting strategies aligned with project objectives.
• Prepare and review tendering and contract documentation, including scopes of work, commercial terms, and bid evaluation criteria.
• Participate in contractor prequalification, tender evaluation, commercial assessment, and contract award recommendations.
• Support commercial negotiations with contractors and service providers on behalf of the Client.

Contract Administration & Advisory

• Provide contractual guidance to project management and functional teams throughout contract execution.
• Monitor contractor compliance with contractual obligations, milestones, deliverables, and performance requirements.
• Review and assess contract amendments, variation orders, change requests, and commercial proposals.
• Ensure contractual records, correspondence, and documentation are maintained in accordance with project procedures.

Commercial & Risk Management

• Identify and assess contractual and commercial risks and provide mitigation recommendations.
• Support cost control, forecasting, and commercial reporting activities.
• Review contractor payment applications and provide recommendations to the Client.
• Assist in managing commercial exposure and protecting the Client's interests.

Claims Management & Dispute Avoidance

• Review and evaluate contractor claims, compensation events, and extension of time requests.
• Provide contractual interpretations and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Assist in the preparation of contractual correspondence and responses.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution efforts through proactive contract management.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Client representatives, engineering teams, project controls, procurement, legal, and construction personnel.
• Provide contract and commercial advice to project stakeholders.
• Facilitate alignment between project objectives and contractual obligations.
• Participate in project reviews, risk workshops, and commercial meetings.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with project governance requirements, company procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Promote best practices in contract management and commercial administration.
• Support audits, lessons learned activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 15+ years of contract management and commercial experience in oil & gas, energy, or petrochemical sectors.
• Proven experience supporting major capital projects from an owner/operator, PMC, or EPCM environment.
• Experience in unconventional gas, upstream oil & gas, shale gas, tight gas, drilling, completions, or gas processing projects.
• Experience managing or advising on EPC, EPCM, drilling, well services, infrastructure, and construction contracts.
• Middle East experience, particularly Saudi Arabia, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Saudi Aramco project delivery and contracting practices is advantageous.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Law, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, MRICS, CCM, PMP, or equivalent are advantageous.

Additional Information

• Contract duration: 5 months with potential extension based on business requirements and project needs.