Lead Variation Manager

Position Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Lead Variation Manager to take full ownership and leadership of all contract variation matters for our major EPC project. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding all Contractor projects departments to identify and develop variations and preparing variations support documents, for negotiating with Client and securing client approval for project variations, directly impacting project profitability and risk mitigation. This is a position that requires outstanding professional knowledge in EPC contracts and business and variation work experience with internationally renowned EPC contractors.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the end-to-end variation process: From identification and substantiation to submission, negotiation, and final agreement with the client
2. Contractual Expertise: Provide expert analysis of the EPC contract terms to identify legitimate grounds for variations (change in scope, unforeseen conditions, client-driven changes, etc.)
3. Claim Management: Develop robust, well-documented variation claims and time extension requests, ensuring full compliance with contract procedures
4. Quantification: Work closely with project controls, engineering, and construction teams to accurately quantify the cost and schedule impact of variations
5. Negotiation: Serve as the focal point of variation and lead negotiator for all variation-related discussions with the client
6. Reporting: Prepare regular detailed reports for senior project and company management on the status of all variations, potential exposures, and opportunities
7. Team Leadership: Guide and mentor other commercial staff on variation management best practices

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

1. Must have business or variation experience working for international EPC Contractors (e.g., TechnipFMC, McDermott, Saipem, etc.)
2. Demonstrable track record of successfully managing variations on large-scale, complex EPC offshore projects in the oil and gas sector
3. Those who have project experience with Middle East Offshore/FPSO are highly preferred
4. In-depth knowledge of international contract forms (e.g., FIDIC) and bespoke EPC contract structures
5. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and analytical skills
6. Must be assertive, proactive, and results-driven

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.