PRINCIPAL CONTRACTS ENGINEER (2-3 DAYS PER WEEK)

Our client, an Oil and Gas Operator is seeking a Principal Contract Engineer. This is a 12 Month PAYE contract role and working 2-3 days per week and based in Aberdeen.

Job Overview:

Leads end-to-end contract lifecycle management and strategic sourcing, delivers commercial value, manages supplier performance, and ensures risk-controlled, compliant procurement aligned with business objective.

Key Role Deliverables:

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.

Job Description:

Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Identify and escalate operational and regulatory risks.

Competence & Qualifications:

Technical Skills:

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

Qualifications

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)