CONTRACT ENGINEER required by our client to be hired on a contract basis, located in Houston & Beaumont, Texas in the USA. INDUSTRY SECTOR: Oil & Gas POSITION SCOPE The Contract Engineer - EPC execution management from tendering period, analysis, award, and up through project completion. Participate with Contractor on the subcontractor evaluations prior to start of EPC tendering and approval of Commercial Bid Tabulations prior to Contractor awarding the subcontract. Ensure the correct application of the contractual and commercial aspects of all engineering and construction contracts will assure that all engineering and construction contractors carry out their obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of their respective contract. Maintain a high level of awareness regarding Project contractual risks and exposure to claims or elevated costs, with continued proactive early identification of risks and trends, and minimization of cost growth. PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbents main function will be participating in the preparation of contracts, through the negotiation, award and management during execution of the EPC phase of the Project, specifically: The incumbents main function will be participating in the preparation of contracts, through the negotiation, award and management during execution of the EPC phase of the Project, specifically: Develops and/or adheres to overall Project procedures, plans and strategies concerning Contract Management when applicable. Participates in establishment of a list of recommended Bidders for Construction Contracts. Prepares contract enquiry documents with support from the Project Management Team to ensure that the complete enquiry package is a viable commercial document which reflects, as far as practicable, the true nature and extent of the Scope of Work. Carries out tender evaluations, including tender clarification meetings, and preparation of reports and bid tabs covering all aspects of the enquiry and will recommend a contractor for contract award. Negotiates with potential contractors to resolve exceptions or qualifications to contract documents prior to contract award. Prepares all relevant supporting documentation and rationales allowing the Contract Committee to review and approve the Project recommendation to award. Prepares contracts for the Work after formal approval of the bid tab by Contract Committee. Ensures that the commercial and contractual aspects of the contracts are maintained at all times, that the Project Director is fully aware of the contractors scope, responsibilities, commitments and risk allocations. Attends commercial meetings with contractors and reviews the notes of progress meetings. Maintains records of the status of contracts such as correspondence, minutes of meetings, cost reports, progress valuations, claims, additional work and information affecting or likely to affect the value and duration of the contracts. Reviews Monthly report prepared by Contractor. Composes EPC Contractor correspondence and responses to Contractor and maintains a log of all correspondence. Reports to the Project Director without delay on all potential claims, carries out preliminary investigation into claims, and assists in the preparation of back-up documentation for negotiating a settlement. Ensures that routine procedures are carried out in connection with contractors man-hours valuations, payment certificates, invoices, measurement, additional work and aspects affecting Contract Prices. Reviews the contractual and cost implications before allowing Contractor to undertake additional work. Carries out special cost exercises and applies the Project procedures regarding changes and Change Orders. Assesses back-charges promptly and accurately and ensures that they are included in the payment arrangements. Records, for future reference, any potential or known delays incurred by the Contractor at the time the delay is realised. Actively participates in the project risk management process. Liaises with all Project Managers to get an accurate picture of the project status and to anticipate any potential risks to the project. Carries out other similar or related duties including, but not limited to, coordinating and attending Project meetings and with other concerned Divisions; adhering to all environment, health & safety policies, rules and regulations and reporting potential hazards to appropriate parties, etc. Acts as a point person for contract audits when required. Ensures all project joint venture requirements regarding contracting processes are satisfied. Close out of all Project contracts as they expire. The incumbent is responsible to: Commit and follow approved contractual strategy. Effectively implement the Contract terms and conditions - Performance indicators will be developed. Preserving Company interests with regards to Contractor change orders and claims. Managing contractual risks Ensuring regular reporting to Project Controls at the subproject level and with Project Controls regarding the overall Project. Report activities, issues, and progress on the weekly report. EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS Education: BS in Engineering or Business, or equivalent experience At least 10 years of experience in a similar industry function, preferably site based on large projects in the US Knowledge and experience in personal computing skills within the Microsoft Windows Office suite of applications including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook. In addition, knowledge of other applications and cost control databases e.g. SAP Oracle database, MS Access, etc. and application packages such as PowerPoint would be beneficial. An ability to liaise effectively at all organizational levels and to represent the Project on contract related matters. Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage short deadlines, emergency situations, and cultural differences relating to travel and work on a Project level. Strong analytical skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills and fluency in English Demonstrated Competencies This position requires excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills, an understanding of planning and scheduling of major projects, a strong commercial aptitude and a good general knowledge of the full range of project activities. Ability to recognize team strengths and weaknesses and to effectively utilize team members to complement and support each other. Ability to control project issues while avoiding power confrontation. Thinking in terms of opportunity instead of barriers. Ability to develop a collaborative and productive approach with Contractors. The incumbent shall demonstrable experience in contract interpretation, the recognition of potential claims and the requirements for counter claims and claim defence. The incumbent is also able to develop a negotiation plan and lead negotiations or provide direct support to the lead negotiator in the settlement of claims and changes. Ability to cope in a positive and productive manner within a high-pressure environment. Ability to liaise effectively at all organizational levels and to represent the Project on contract related matters. Contractually literate with the ability to interpret the commercial implications of terms and conditions and provisions included in the contract. Good oral communication abilities Broad understanding of project execution and contracting principles, theories and concepts. Experience in contractor management and contract administration Owner/Operator experience as a Contracts professional.