Contracts Manager

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The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design and engineering capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.

Contracts manager – oil & gas (EPCM)

Location: Abu Dhabi

Job summary

The contracts manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of contracts across EPCM oil & gas projects, ensuring commercial protection, compliance, and effective contract administration. This role supports project delivery by managing client, subcontractor, and vendor contracts, minimizing risk, and ensuring alignment with company and client requirements.

Key responsibilities

1. Contract strategy & management
Develop and implement contract execution strategies aligned with EPCM project requirements
Lead contract drafting, review, negotiation, and award processes
Interpret contract terms and ensure compliance across project teams
Provide contractual guidance to project managers and discipline leads

2. Client & stakeholder interface
Act as the primary point of contact for contractual matters with the client
Manage contract correspondence including notices, claims, and formal communications
Support negotiations related to variations, claims, and disputes

3. Subcontracts & procurement support
Oversee preparation and administration of subcontract agreements (LSTK, service contracts, manpower supply)
Ensure flow-down of main contract terms into subcontracts
Support procurement and supply chain teams in tendering and commercial evaluations

4. Claims & change management
Identify, evaluate, and manage variation orders, claims, and back-charges
Lead preparation and defense of contractual claims (EOT, cost recovery, etc.)
Maintain detailed contractual records to support claims and dispute resolution

5. Risk & compliance
Identify contractual and commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies
Ensure compliance with company procedures, client requirements, and local regulations
Support audits and internal reviews related to contracts and commercial governance

6. Reporting & documentation
Prepare regular contract status reports for senior management
Maintain contract registers, logs, and documentation control systems
Provide commercial input to project progress and cost reports

Qualifications & experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, law, quantity surveying, or related discipline
• 20 years of experience in contracts/commercial roles within oil & gas EPC/EPCM projects
• Strong experience in Middle East/Iraq onshore brownfield or major capital projects
• Proven track record in managing complex client and subcontractor contracts
• Knowledge of international contracting standards (FIDIC, NEC, bespoke EPC contracts)
• Professional certifications (e.g., MRICS, PMP, CIPS) preferred

Key skills & competencies

• Strong contractual and commercial acumen
• Excellent negotiation and dispute resolution skills
• Knowledge of EPCM project lifecycle (FEED, EPC, commissioning)
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in high-risk environments
• High attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Strong communication and reporting skills

Typical project context (EPCM oil & gas)

• Large-scale upstream/downstream projects (CPF, pipelines, utilities, infrastructure)
• Multi-contract environment (client plus multiple EPC contractors)
• Brownfield and greenfield developments
• High emphasis on change management and claims control