Head of Contracts, MEAC

About the Role
As a key member of the commercial function, you will manage the regional contracts team, lead complex client contract negotiations, and provide strategic contractual and commercial guidance across a diverse portfolio of projects and markets. Your role will encompass client agreements, framework arrangements, financial instruments, and confidentiality agreements, driving commercial success while effectively managing contractual risk.

In the capacity of Regional Head of Contracts - MEAC, you will provide contractual and commercial leadership across the Middle East, Caspian, and Africa. This includes managing contract review workloads, advising stakeholders on contractual matters, driving best practice contract management, and supporting the achievement of commercial objectives while minimizing risk. You will work closely with the Heads of Contracts, the Regional Head of Commercial, and key regional leadership to lead a team of contract professionals located across the region and various businesses, strengthening stakeholder relationships and acting as a trusted advisor on contract law and governance.

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, clients, and suppliers to ensure successful project delivery, lead contract management activities, influence commercial decision-making, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Manage the regional Contracts team day-to-day and coordinate priorities to support the business.
• Oversee client contract reviews following contracting policy.
• Supervise proposed contract qualifications with other functions to balance risk and service remuneration.
• Provide contract T&Cs overviews to senior management and execution teams as needed.
• Ensure timely contracts input into the Tender Governance Process and proposals.
• Advise assigned business(es) on client contracting and negotiation strategies and terms and conditions.
• Assist the commercial function with timely provision of commercial deliverables (e.g., bonds, Performance Guarantee, evidence of insurance) according to contract and policies.
• Manage preparation, negotiation, establishment, and administration of unincorporated Joint Ventures and/or Partnering agreements.
• Develop and maintain internal stakeholder relationships and identify strategies to mitigate contract-related risks.
• Provide input for commercial handovers to execution teams for awarded contracts.
• Deliver continuous improvement across the function and explore innovative working methods, including advancing the existing Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system and future AI legal tool implementations.
• Ensure key relevant Commercial policies are understood and applied within assigned business(es).
• Provide robust client contracts, governance, and assurance across assigned business(es) and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop main contract flowdown requirements for supplier NDAs, POs, and subcontracts, in collaboration with the supply chain.
• Assist in pursuing claims or defending against claims.
• Represent the organization in industry-wide contract initiatives, seminars, and workgroups.

Qualifications

• Degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, or Business.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Line management experience with a team across multiple international locations.
• Experience in contracts and commercial areas related to engineering and construction projects in sectors such as oil & gas, mining, power, infrastructure, and environmental industries.
• Proven track record in contract review, drafting, and negotiation in a service company environment.
• Understanding of risks and exposures in various operational industries.
• Experience negotiating and setting up Joint Ventures, MOUs, bidding agreements, and consortium agreements.
• Expert knowledge of contract terms, principles, and the development and rollout of contracting policies.
• Working knowledge of Company Finance and HR systems.
• Awareness of corporate and project procedures.
• Excellent understanding of client contract structures, principles, and policies.
• Extensive experience with standard contract model forms (NEC, FIDIC, JCT, LOGIC, or regional equivalents).
• Relevant client-facing contracting experience.
• High level of commercial acumen supported by contractual knowledge.

Personal Attributes

• Acts with integrity and demonstrates sound ethical judgment.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence outcomes.
• Proven leadership and management skills to motivate and develop others.
• Strategic mindset contributing to operational improvements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organized with strong planning and prioritization skills.
• Builds strong relationships with a focus on client satisfaction and trust.
• Committed to continuous improvement and driving positive change.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Effective mentoring and coaching abilities for team development.
• Capable of working under pressure and managing competing priorities.