Job  Title: Contract Manager

Job Location : Paris 16eme
Start date: ASAP
Permanent position / CDI

THE CLIENT :
This opportunity is with an internationally active subsea solutions provider specializing in offshore cable installation and burial operations. Headquartered in Europe, the company is renowned for its technical excellence, agile project delivery, and commitment to innovation within the marine infrastructure sector. With a track record of supporting major offshore energy developments—from renewables to interconnector projects—the client offers a high-impact environment for professionals with niche expertise.

ROLE PURPOSE
The Contract Manager will be responsible for all commercial and contractual management matters relating to the Main Contract with, Clients, partners and subcontractors.
This role will primarily entail Main Contract management, and Key Subcontract management support as further detailed within the job description provided hereafter.
This is a key position within the Project Management Team and potential candidates will be able to demonstrate extensive technical understanding and practical experience in the contractual and commercial management of complex international projects..


Key Areas of Responsibilities & Activities

• Facilitate a comprehensive handover of all relevant contractual documentation from Commercial department following award of Main Contract
• Preparation of an in-depth analysis of the Main Contract terms and conditions and identification of the company’s obligations and potential risks and opportunities. Dissemination of said analysis to project team, and corporate management
• Assist in preparation of board paper
• Oversee and drive the internal Contracts and Administration Kick Off meeting
• When required prepare “flow down” of Main Contract terms and conditions for inclusion in Subcontracts. Support and advise project Supply Chain Specialist regarding negotiation of Subcontract contractual/commercial terms and conditions.    During execution of subcontracts liaise with Supply Chain Specialist to ensure that Variations rechargeable to Client are captured.
• Arrangement and administration of all project bonds, guarantees and insurances in accordance with Main Contract obligations
• Participation in some internal and external project meetings dealing with contractual /commercial issues thus ensuring sound perspective on key issues impacting project performance and associated risks
• Ensure that rigorous standards are set and maintained in terms of quality of project correspondence and associated action tracking
• Monitor key Contractor, Subcontractors and Client deliverables as well as identification of risks and opportunities in the event of deliverable failure
• Prepare and ensure execution and ongoing management of all projects specific inter-company agreements
• Proactively manage the Variation process with Client with a view to maximising opportunity for positive project upside
• Ensure that Project Manager, technical/engineering team, cost controller, project planner, etc. are all engaged in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of all Variation Orders with the Client
• Engagement with project cost controller in monitoring and predicting internal and third-party project costs and associated revenues. Ensure timely issuance of invoices and payment of sums due from Client.
• Act as focal point in the event of claims or Client insurance policies. Ensuring that legal department, regional contracts function and insurance department are engaged in process
• Active participation in project risk review sessions
• Familiarize and ensure compliance with all relevant processes and procedures as set out in the New Starter Checklist and BMS: Internal VOR approvals and compliance with financial authority levels, Completion and Project Close-out activities, ensuring receipt of Completion Certificates from the Client, settlement of final accounts with the Client and subcontractors.
• Presentation of Commercial and Contractual lessons learned to Sales & Marketing/Tendering function.
• Provide first-class commercial and contractual advice and guidance to the Project Management Team
• Provide sound commercial and contractual advice to project Supply Chain Management function.
• Foster a culture of risk mitigation and optimization of opportunity within the project team
• Creation and maintenance of project records within the Global Contracts Database (CDMS) throughout full life of project
• Liaise with and support the project cost controller with the monthly financial reporting and preparation of monthly cost reports
• Assist in delivery of department initiatives and objectives as required by regional legal and contract’s function
• If applicable, manage, mentor, supervise and support the Senior or Contracts Engineer/Specialists allocated to the project
• If applicable, Mentor / support junior members of the Contracts Department
• Participate in training and Contracts Awareness sessions for non-Contracts personnel
• Perform such other contractual activities as required by functional Manager

Key Behaviours

• Act as a key member of the Project Management Team and participate in commercial/contractual strategic discussions and decision making, advising the project management team on the key contractual strategies to ensure and maximise profitability by contractually protecting the company rights of remedy for Claims and Changes.
• Interface directly with the Client on contractual matters.
• Provide sound commercial and contractual advice to the Project Management Team in relation to the implementation of the Main Contract and to the overall progress of the project.
• Provide sound commercial and contractual advice/support to the Subcontract Management Team in relation to all pre and post award SCM activities, to ensure key and mandatory flow downs form the Main Contract with the Client are achieved and ensure the company is adequately and strongly protected against Claims and Variations from Subcontractors.

PROFILE
Relevant previous experience in the offshore industry in a similar role is essential (minimum 10 to 15 years), experience in the subsea sector is preferable. A strong experience/involvement in subcontract management support will be a distinct advantage
 

• Candidates should be educated to degree level in a Quantity Surveying, Law (LLM/LLB)/, Project Management, or similar business discipline. Other recognised qualifications may be acceptable if combined with extensive relevant experience.
• High standard of written and spoken English is essential for this role 
• Focussed in maximising the commercial value to the company on all relevant contracts and subcontracts.
• A strong and relevant understanding of the technical requirements required for transportation and installation of offshore operations for both SURF and Conventional work scopes.
• Competency in Microsoft Office is essential.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Thank you for your interest.

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.