C&P Drilling Lead

Our client, a leading international energy operator, is seeking an experienced Contracts & Procurement (C&P) Drilling Lead to oversee procurement and contracting activities supporting drilling, wells, and logistics operations on a major upstream project. This is a strategic leadership role requiring strong commercial acumen, supply chain expertise, stakeholder management, and experience supporting complex drilling and well operations.

Role Overview
The successful candidate will lead all drilling-related contracts and procurement activities, ensuring effective sourcing strategies, contract management, supplier performance, cost optimization, and compliance with corporate procurement standards. Working closely with technical and operational teams, you will play a key role in driving procurement excellence while supporting the delivery of critical drilling and well operations.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage contracts and procurement activities supporting drilling, wells, and logistics operations.
• Develop and implement effective sourcing and contracting strategies aligned with project objectives.
• Provide commercial support to technical and operational stakeholders throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Oversee tendering, evaluation, negotiation, award, and contract administration activities.
• Drive supplier performance management, qualification programs, and market intelligence initiatives.
• Identify and deliver cost optimization and value creation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with procurement procedures, governance requirements, and ethical standards.
• Manage procurement planning and workload coordination across the team.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to improve procurement efficiency and contract performance.
• Support resolution of contractual disputes and commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Promote continuous improvement, best practices, and knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Coach and develop procurement personnel to maintain a high-performing team.

Candidate Requirements
Essential

• Degree qualified (Master's degree or equivalent preferred).
• 10-15+ years of experience in Contracts & Procurement, Supply Chain, or Commercial Management within the oil & gas industry.
• Strong experience supporting drilling, wells, logistics, and operational procurement activities.
• Proven expertise in contract strategy development, tendering, negotiation, and contract management.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain management principles and procurement governance.
• Experience working in international and multicultural project environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Commercially focused with a track record of delivering cost savings and value creation.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Desirable

• Experience supporting large-scale offshore or upstream development projects.
• Advanced procurement systems and tools certification.
• Knowledge of category management methodologies.
• Understanding of project management, engineering, drilling, and field operations

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.