Contracts & Procurement Manager

NES Group Ltd; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider is seeking a Contracting & Procurement Manager to manage procurement activities crucial for CO2 transportation infrastructure projects. The candidate should have considerable experience in major capital projects, knowledge of UK procurement law, and strong analytical skills. This role is essential for ensuring compliance and delivering value across projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in Contracting & Procurement management within major capital projects, infrastructure, or energy sectors.
• Ability to lead full end-to-end procurement activity.
• Strong commercial acumen to balance cost, value, and risk.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contracting and procurement strategies.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement cycle.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts to manage risk.

Skills

C&P management experience

Procurement processes and systems

UK procurement law knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

Professional qualification in procurement/supply chain

Job description

Overview

Contracts & Procurement Manager. NES Fircroft are working this role exclusively with The Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP).

Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) is developing onshore and offshore infrastructure to transport CO2 from carbon capture projects across Teesside and the Humber to secure storage under the North Sea. The infrastructure is crucial to achieving net zero in the UK\'s most carbon intensive industrial regions. NEP is an incorporated joint venture established to develop and operate CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure on behalf of the NEP Shareholders: bp, Equinor and TotalEnergies. In December 2024, NEP announced financial close to proceed to the execution phase of the network that will serve three initial carbon capture projects on Teesside: NZT Power, H2Teesside and Teesside Hydrogen CO2 Capture. NEP expects to commence construction mid-2025 with start-up expected in 2028.

Purpose of the Role

The Contracting & Procurement (C&P) Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing NEP\'s contracting and procurement activities, including management of all supply chain engagement, tendering and bid evaluation/award for the Humber Onshore Major Capital Project. This role is central to establishing robust processes, ensuring compliance, and delivering value across complex capital projects and operations. The C&P Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, joint venture shareholders, and external suppliers to secure the goods and services required to deliver NEP\'s onshore and offshore infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contracting and procurement strategies aligned to NEP\'s business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement cycle, including strategy, sourcing, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, contract award, and supplier performance management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts to ensure risk is managed appropriately and NEP\'s interests are protected.
• Build and embed procurement processes, policies, and systems suitable for a growing and transitioning organisation.
• Ensure compliance with UK procurement law, industry standards, and NEP governance frameworks.
• Manage supplier relationships to drive performance, value, and innovation while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and delivery.
• Provide expert advice to project managers and leadership on commercial, contractual, and supplier-related matters.
• Establish and maintain governance controls, reporting, and performance metrics for procurement activity.
• Support dispute resolution and manage sensitive commercial negotiations when required.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in Contracting & Procurement (C&P) management within major capital projects, infrastructure, or energy sectors.
• Experience designing and implementing procurement processes, policies, and systems in a developing or transitional organisation.
• Strong understanding of UK procurement law, commercial frameworks, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead full end-to-end procurement activity.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, value, and risk across complex, multi-party contracts.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience of working with external stakeholders including regulators, shareholders and suppliers.
• Experience building and managing supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, and value.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to use data and market insight to support decision-making.
• Ability to establish and embed governance frameworks, controls, and reporting around procurement and contract management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting recommendations to senior leadership.
• Professional qualification in procurement/supply chain (e.g. CIPS, MCIPS) or equivalent.

Desirable

• Prior experience in carbon capture, energy transition, or regulated infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working on large-scale construction/engineering projects (onshore or offshore).
• Track record of managing sensitive negotiations and resolving contractual disputes.

Personal Attributes

• Pragmatic and solutions-focused - able to balance pace with governance.
• Collaborative style - skilled at bringing together different shareholder and stakeholder perspectives.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-moving, growing organisation.
• High integrity and commitment to transparency, fairness, and compliance.

For more information on this role, please contact Ashleigh North on (phone number removed) or (url removed).

All our current vacancies are listed on our website (url removed).

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. We offer contractors 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.