Contracts and Procurement Manager

Job Title: Contracts and Procurement Manager

Reports to: General Manager, Supply Chain & Business Services

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Contracts and Procurement Manager to join our team. The Contracts & Purchasing (C&P) Manager is responsible for developing and executing enterprise-wide sourcing, contracting, and procurement strategies that support Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited's production targets, drilling campaigns, asset integrity, and cost optimization programs.

This role leads the entire C&P function and manages strategic sourcing initiatives for high-value and high-risk categories in alignment with corporate goals. The C&P Manager oversees the full contract lifecycle and supplier performance across the business, manages the talent development and organizational performance of a team of C&P professionals (including the C&P Leads), and serves as a critical advisor to leadership on sourcing risks, market intelligence, and contract governance. The role also provides the company leadership in identifying innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement opportunities within the supply chain, and ensures compliance with JV, regulatory, and local content requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Contract Management:

• Lead the formulation and execution of strategic sourcing plans – and develop contingency sourcing plans - for critical goods and services categories across HEOSL's operations.
• Advise leadership on supply chain risks, opportunities, and the commercial impact of operational decisions.
• Drive category management initiatives that align with business needs and long-term value creation, leveraging innovation, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee contract planning, tendering, negotiation, execution, administration, and close-out processes for high-value and complex contracts.
• Coordinate with operations, logistics, and inventory teams to ensure business continuity and limited supply chain disruptions.

 2. Contract Administration:

• Direct spend analysis, cost modeling, and optimization strategies to identify savings opportunities and improve procurement performance.
• Build and maintain comprehensive market intelligence systems that support proactive sourcing decisions and risk mitigation.
• Responsible for authorization of all contract engagements.
• Ensure supply chain budget, spend, utilization and cost recovery.
• Ensure maintenance of accurate and up-to-date contract records and databases
• Ensure contract compliance and adherence to contractual obligations.

  3. Contract Risk Management:

• Serve as the authority on commercial and contractual risk management, designing frameworks that ensure compliance with regulatory, local content, and JV governance expectations.
• Provide guidance on identification and assessment of contract-related risks.
• Provide guidance on the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure monitoring and reporting on contract risk exposure.

4. Stakeholder Management:

• Lead high-level supplier engagement and negotiation efforts to secure favorable commercial terms and foster long-term strategic partnerships.
• Resolve escalated supplier performance and contractual disputes while promoting continuous improvement and supplier development programs.
• Coach, mentor, and manage the performance of the C&P team, including Leads and Officers, building internal capabilities and driving procurement excellence.
• Influence and support cross-functional teams, aligning procurement activities with technical, finance, legal, and operational functions to achieve integrated business outcomes.
• Provide contract guidance, support, and training to stakeholders.
• Ensure competency enhancement of Contract Holders and C&P direct reports.

5. Contract Dispute Resolution:

• Ensure contracts are legally valid, with clearly defined terms, obligations, and rights for all parties to avoid ambiguity in resolution of any potential conflict.
• Guide any dispute resolution process to ensure honesty, transparency, and fairness.
• Support the management of contract disputes and claims based on reliable evidence and clear documentation
• Support the negotiation of dispute resolutions and settlements.

6. Contract Reporting and Analytics:

• Identify trends in contract performance, risk exposure, or vendor compliance.
• Analyze contract usage and spend vs. budgets.
• Spot bottlenecks in contract approvals or execution.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve contract management processes.
• Review contract data to ensure accuracy, complete, and up to date.

7. Contract Compliance and Governance:

• Support audits, JV partner reviews, and executive reporting by maintaining transparency, data accuracy, and best-in-class documentation practices.
• Enforcement of best practice and standard service delivery in compliance with HEOSL policies and statutory requirements.
• Ensure contract compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain contract governance frameworks and policies.
• Ensure contract governance is aligned with company objectives and strategies.

8. Digitalization & Process Optimization:

• Lead the implementation of e-procurement tools, contract lifecycle management systems, and automation initiatives.
• Ensure digitization of contract records, workflows, approvals, and performance metrics for transparency and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to streamline key processes and reduce cycle time.

Requirements:

1. A Bachelor or HND degree in any Art, Management, Social/Science discipline.
2. A Master's degree in Supply Chain Management.
3. Certified Supply Chain Management designated professional – MCIPS, SCMP etc.
4. A minimum of 15 years' experience in core contracting function with 5 of those years in Contract Management position.
5. A minimum of 10 years' experience with an oil and gas operating or service company in core contracting function.
6. Proven experience in managing contracts, agreements, and other contractual documents.
7. Strong knowledge of contract law in Nigeria and applicable territories, contract management principles, and practices.
8. Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
9. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights.
10. Proficient in contract management software, such as contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems.

Preferred Requirements:

1. Possession of other postgraduate degrees in Law or Management.

1. Professional certification in contract management, such as CCM or CCCM.
2. Deep industry knowledge - understanding of PIA, NCDMB guidelines, NUPRC regulations, and local & international market dynamics.
3. Experience in oil and gas industry or related sector.
4. Experience in a similar role in an exploration and production company
5. Strong knowledge of procurement principles, practices, and regulations.
6. Experience with contract analytics and reporting tools.

What We Offer:

1. Competitive salary and benefits package.
2. Opportunity to work with a dynamic and experienced team.
3. Professional development and training opportunities.
4. Collaborative and supportive work environment.

If you're a motivated and experienced contract management professional looking for a new challenge, please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter.