SMP - Contract Specialist – Major Projects

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL); Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Relocation support

Extended health, dental, and vision

Wellness account

Volunteer opportunities

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Learning & development access

Paid vacation

Job summary

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) is seeking a Contracts Specialist to manage and negotiate supply chain contracts across Canada’s energy sector. You will lead RFPs, draft and review complex contracts, and collaborate with Project Teams, Legal, Finance, and external vendors to optimize value while mitigating risk.

Based in Calgary, AB, the role offers a comprehensive benefits package, relocation options, and opportunities to develop expertise in energy procurement and contract management

Qualifications

• Typically 10+ years of related industry experience with a University degree.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and industry regulations applicable to the Canadian energy market.
• Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate across departments and with external vendors.
• Proficiency with contract management software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support contracting strategies; manage the full RFP process through award, including negotiation and execution of contracts.
• Liaise with Project Teams, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and others to define scope and commercial structures.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks across the contracting lifecycle.
• Manage contract formation and administration including oversight of vendor, contractor, and supplier relationships; negotiate change orders.
• Identify opportunities through evaluating supply management arrangements and recommend value-delivery improvements.
• Strengthen Supply Management by supporting business units and enabling corporate objectives.
• Mentor and support development of less experienced team members.
• Maintain auditable contract files for accurate documentation and reference.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and Canadian contract law.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Risk management

Cost optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

University degree

SCMP/CPSM designation

Paralegal certification

Tools

Contract management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

At Canadian Natural, we are dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in the energy sector. As a recognized leader in Canada’s energy industry, we operate one of the strongest and most diversified asset portfolios of any independent energy producer in the world.

The Opportunity

Make your mark while you grow your career! As a Contracts Specialist, you'll be responsible for managing and negotiating supply chain contracts within the energy sector, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies. You'll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, and legal teams to define sourcing strategies, optimize contract terms, mitigate risks, and drive cost efficiencies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to operations across Canada while developing your expertise in energy procurement and contract management.

• Job location: Calgary, Alberta
• Work schedule: 5 x 2, 8-hour shifts
• Safety sensitive position: No
• Application deadline: November 15, 2026

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and support contracting strategies; manage the full Request for Proposal (RFP) process through to award, including negotiation and execution of contracts. Ensure alignment with business objectives, risk management practices, and compliance with contractual terms, conditions, and service level agreements through effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Project Teams, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and others) to define scope, establish commercial structures, and develop appropriate contract terms
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout the full contracting lifecycle
• Manage contract formation and administration, including effective oversight of vendor, contractor, and supplier relationships. Control, negotiate, and administer change orders throughout the term of the agreement
• Identify opportunities through evaluation of supply management arrangements and provide recommendations to enhance value delivery to Canadian Natural
• Strengthen the role and contribution of Supply Management by supporting business units and enabling the achievement of corporate objectives
• Mentor and support the development of less experienced team members
• Establish and maintain complete, auditable contract files to ensure accurate documentation and ease of reference
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and applicable Canadian contract law across all supply management activities

What You Bring To The Role

• Typically 10+ years of related industry experience with a University degree
• Professional designations such as Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or a paralegal certification are considered an asset
• Benefit to have progressive experience in contracts management, procurement, or supply chain within the energy sector or a related industry
• Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, with strong knowledge of contract law and industry regulations applicable to the Canadian energy market
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external vendors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and a focus on risk mitigation and cost optimization
• Proficient in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, stock options, company matched stock savings plan, annual bonuses
• May be eligible for relocation pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy
• 100% Employer paid extended Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Health & Wellness Spending Account
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Access to online learning platforms for continuous learning and development
• Paid vacation and time off during Christmas week and summer Fridays

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS to learn more about what we have to offer!

About Us

We are proud to be ranked as one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

We invest in your career through offering a culture that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Industry Leader

We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d.

Community Investment

Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits

We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories

Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Employee Testimonials !

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

While we appreciate all applications we receive, kindly note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.