Contracts Lead
Gulf Drilling International
Job Description
Lead the contracts and sourcing function at Gulf Drilling International in Doha. This senior role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing complex negotiations, overseeing supplier performance, and ensuring all contracting activities deliver maximum commercial value and compliance for the organization. The position requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and deep expertise in oil and gas procurement and contract management.
## Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category and contracting strategies that drive commercial value and challenge existing approaches
- Lead cross-functional alignment with Operations, Technical, Business Development, Legal, Finance, and IT to deliver strategy before and after contract award
- Design and implement procurement, contracting, and inventory management approaches to secure services and materials on optimal terms
- Manage sourcing activities including competitive tenders and sole-source negotiations in line with governance and ethical standards
- Prepare strategy and award recommendation papers for executive review at the Tender Committee
- Oversee contract drafting, review, and approval to ensure compliance with oil and gas legal and regulatory requirements
- Lead negotiations with strategic suppliers, build negotiation plans, and resolve stalemates through escalation pathways
- Manage supplier relationships and performance through KPIs covering QHSE, operations, and cost, and drive continuous improvement
- Conduct contract kick-offs and regular business performance reviews with key contractors
- Evaluate claims and disputes, develop counterproposals, and mitigate financial exposure in line with contract terms
- Partner with internal stakeholders to forecast contract spend, monitor budgets, and identify opportunities for cost savings
- Ensure adherence to ethics, compliance, and governance standards across all tendering and contracting processes
- Drive process improvements, policy development, and knowledge sharing across the supply chain function
- Coach and mentor junior team members and broader contract managers within GDI
## Requirements
- Proven experience leading contracting, procurement, and supplier management in the oil and gas industry
- Strong expertise in contract negotiation, claims management, and risk mitigation
- Demonstrated ability to develop category strategies and manage complex stakeholder relationships
- Solid understanding of legal and commercial terms, ERP systems, and contract governance models
- Excellent communication, influencing, and leadership skills across executive and operational levels
- Experience with cost control, budgeting, and value improvement initiatives
- Commitment to ethics, compliance, and continuous improvement in supply chain practices
## Why This Role Matters
You will be at the center of GDI's commercial operations, shaping how the company engages with suppliers and delivers value. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategy and performance across a leading drilling organization in the region.