Principal Contracts Engineer – Part-Time Energy Transition

Spirit Energy; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 111,000 - 166,000; Part time

Job summary

Spirit Energy is seeking a Principal Contracts Engineer in Aberdeen for a 1-year, part-time PAYE contract (2–3 days/week). You will lead category management, procurement, contract negotiations, vendor management, and risk/compliance across complex energy transition projects, including CO2 storage initiatives and major supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates will have strong experience in contract law, supplier performance management, SAP/Ivalua, and a science/engineering background, with

Qualifications

• Understanding of category management principles & end-to-end processes.
• Understanding of contract law and LOGIC contracting models.
• Experience in leading complex negotiations.
• Skills in contract development, execution and dispute resolution.
• Ability to lead supplier performance and relationship management.
• Competent user of SAP (procurement, finance, GR/IR); Ivalua and MS Office tools.
• Degree in Science or Engineering; MBA or MSc in SCM advantageous; CIPS membership.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end contract lifecycle management, ensuring maximum value from strategy through to contract close-out.
• Conduct category and market assessments to evaluate sourcing options and trade-offs.
• Create and deliver category plans aligned with business objectives.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
• Forecast future spend and identify value improvement opportunities.
• Lead end-to-end procurement activities across designated categories.
• Identify and execute competitive tendering opportunities.
• Source goods and services to achieve optimal value for money within quality and service requirements.
• Apply commercial judgement to balance cost, risk, and supply resilience.
• Develop negotiation strategies and lead complex commercial negotiations.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalise contracts, ensuring risks are minimised.
• Manage contract lifecycle, including implementation and close-out.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, legal, and commercial terms.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
• Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and manage disputes.
• Act as commercial interface between suppliers and the business.
• Challenge business requirements to drive better commercial outcomes.
• Ensure delivery of negotiated value and cost savings.
• Identify, assess, and manage contractual, regulatory and commercial risks.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and internal governance requirements.
• Lead discussions on risk mitigation and remediation strategies.
• Maintain accurate systems, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Ensure adherence to HSE standards, policies, and procedures.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and elevate operational and regulatory risks.

Skills

Category management

Contract law

Negotiation

Supplier management

Risk management

Regulatory/compliance

Education

Science or Engineering degree

MBA or MSc in SCM

CIPS membership

Tools

SAP

Ivalua

MS Office

Job description

Spirit Energy is seeking a Principal Contracts Engineer in Aberdeen for a 1-year, part-time PAYE contract (2–3 days/week). You will lead category management, procurement, contract negotiations, vendor management, and risk/compliance across complex energy transition projects, including CO2 storage initiatives and major supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates will have strong experience in contract law, supplier performance management, SAP/Ivalua, and a science/engineering background, with