Principal Contracts Specialist

Overview

In this role you will support the Project Contracts Manager in delivering contractual and commercial outcomes during the execution of large-scale EPCI projects. You will work with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, manage change, and protect McDermott’s contractual rights as projects progress. You will engage with clients to foster collaboration and drive timely resolutions, contributing to the company’s energy transition agenda. This is a hands-on, stakeholder-facing position that influences project risk, cost, and schedule through effective contract management.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Contracts Manager in implementing the project’s contractual/commercial strategy during execution
• Disseminate contract requirements within the project team after project award
• Identify critical or sensitive contractual issues
• Develop an effective working relationship with the Client to resolve contractual issues
• Support establishment of the change management process and foster a culture of change identification
• Lead/participate in change management meetings to assess entitlement for compensation or schedule relief
• Assist in Client negotiations and timely resolution of change orders and contract amendments
• Assist in administering contractual correspondence with the Client to preserve contractual rights
• Support preparation of weekly and monthly progress reports per internal and contract requirements
• Support project risk and opportunity management processes

Key requirements

• 7+ years of project execution experience in energy and/or construction
• University degree in Law, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar (preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, legal, commercial, or quantity surveying plus 7 years of contracts management experience
• Proven EPC/EPCI contract management experience (energy transition, onshore, offshore, subsea, FPSO/FPU)
• Knowledge of EPC/EPCI lifecycles (design, procurement, construction, installation)
• Strong negotiation, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze complex contract requirements and identify risks
• Proficiency with contract management software and MS Office
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

• Negotiation
• Stakeholder management
• Clear communication
• Collaboration across cross-functional teams
• Contract management software
• MS Office Suite

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