Contracts Specialist

NATURE AND SCOPE

The High Performance Global construction subcontracts sourcing team is primarily responsible for all strategic sourcing activities for construction & commissioning for new plants built by Air Products worldwide. As such, Contracts Specialists with the support of the Contracts Managment are responsible for developing, negotiating, implementing and maintaining competitively advantageous supply strategies and contract arrangements to improve Air Products’ competitiveness and enable world-class projects execution.

This position is responsible for implementing new approaches and strategies to improve our product offering and project execution costs in MEET region. To effect this, the incumbent must develop an intimate knowledge of Air Products’ offering and related technologies.

He/she will be expected to understand and challenge technical specifications, commercial practices, operating practices and business processes with a focus on driving cost reduction initiatives. He/she will understand and promote current best-in-class sourcing strategies and methodologies across the industry. Strong sourcing, organizational, written, and negotiating skills are required.

The candidate must possess both excellent analytical skills. He/she will need to have the knowledge, experience, and ability to employ the appropriate influence strategies with engineering teams, sourcing teams, and business stakeholders to meet established goals and objectives. Ability to effectively communicate technical and non-technical information, across cultures and organizations is a key success factor.

The individual will be expected to take ownership for preparing, executing, modifying and leading commercial negotiations 3rd party engineering, commissioning & procurement services and construction contracts. Experience in executing and managing EPC contracts is a plus. Individual is expected to bring substantial expertise in managing risks and function independently as a primary commercial advisor for proposal and project execution teams.

The individual will be responsible for conducting sourcing events and managing contracts for his/her area of responsibility.  He/she will have full knowledge of implementing The Air Products Way including all e-enabled technologies and experience in SAP contracting process is preferred. 

The individual will also, on an as-needed basis, provide additional execution support with project execution or our operating plants and facilities around the world. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Embody the 4S culture of Safety, Speed, Simplicity and Self-Confidence
• Work with Global Product teams (engineering, technology, commercial Product Management), supported business and functional organization to achieve goals.
• Develop strategies and lead the commercial contracting negotiations for hiring PMC companies, commissioning companies, engineering & construction subcontract categories aligning to project requirements.
• Identify and qualify new engineering firms & construction contractors meeting Air Products requirements
• Develop base intelligence strategies to ensure Air Products benefits from latest supply offering
• Bring innovative solutions to maximize value proposition for products and bid opportunities.
• Effectively utilize e-Sourcing tools (e.g. Ariba / Scout) to launch inquiries and receive contractor quotations/proposals.
• Develop efficient bid tabulations
• Develop and negotiate frame work engineering agreements to support Air Products competitive offering.
• Monitor, communicate, and respond to changing market conditions and business drivers to maximize leverage and minimize risk.
• Identify, develop and manage contractors; understand safety, commercial and capacity risks.
• Manage contractor relationships and maintain interface at senior level within contractors’ organizations.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) technical and non-technical information, internally and externally.
• Strong time management skills
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent negotiation and contracting skills.
• Strong understanding of macro-economic factors
• Desire to work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent knowledge and proficiency with the Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, One Note) and collaborative tools.
• Good Knowledge of SAP and requisition to pay processes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Engineering (preferably Mechanical / Civil) degree is plus. Masters of Business Administration degree is a plus.   
• Minimum 10 years of work experience in an industrial environment, working in engineering contracts, construction contracting or construction management.
• Thorough understanding and prior experience in contracts and contractual language.

Excellent oral and written English proficiency is a must.  Fluency in Arabic language is a plus