Director, Credit Risk and Contract Administration

NextDecade; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Medium in Houston, Texas, is seeking a professional to lead the administration of LNG-related commercial agreements and manage credit risk. This role requires 10–15+ years of experience in credit risk or contract administration within LNG or energy markets, along with a strong understanding of LNG SPAs and commodity trading structures.

The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The position operates in a professional office environment with potential tasks that may require interaction outside.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience in credit risk or contract administration within LNG or energy markets.
• Strong understanding of LNG SPAs and commodity trading structures.
• Proven experience managing counterparty credit risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration and lifecycle management of LNG-related commercial agreements.
• Evaluate credit and operational risks in LNG and gas contracts.
• Oversee credit risk assessment of feed-gas suppliers and LNG offtakers.

Skills

Credit risk management

Contract administration

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field

Tools

Contract management systems

ETRM platforms (e.g., Endur)

Job description

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

Lead and manage the administration of LNG‑related commercial agreements, oversee credit and risk management for LNG and gas contracts, and provide accurate execution and reporting while collaborating with Treasury, Accounting, and senior management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract Administration & Lifecycle Management

• Lead the administration and lifecycle management of LNG‑related commercial agreements, including
  • Gas supply agreements
  • LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs)
  • Transportation and related midstream agreements
• Ensure accurate interpretation and execution of contract terms, including pricing, volume, scheduling, invoicing, and settlement provisions.
• Develop and maintain contract summaries, obligation tracking tools, and reporting for internal stakeholders.
• Monitor contract performance and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Commercial & Contractual Risk Management

• Evaluate credit and operational risks embedded in LNG and gas contracts, including
  • Take‑or‑pay and deliver‑or‑pay structures
  • Pricing mechanisms and indexation
  • Volume flexibility and optionality
• Support contract negotiations by providing credit and operational risk input and ensuring appropriate credit protections (e.g., collateral, guarantees, termination rights).
• Proactively identify and mitigate contractual and counterparty risks.

Credit Risk Management

• Lead credit risk assessment and approval of feed‑gas suppliers and LNG offtakers, including utilities, traders, and sovereign‑backed entities.
• Establish and maintain counterparty credit limits, internal ratings, and credit terms in line with the firm’s risk appetite.
• Monitor and manage credit exposures across gas supply agreements, LNG SPAs, and related commercial transactions.
• Oversee calculation and reporting of current and potential future exposures, including mark‑to‑market and settlement risk.
• Identify and manage concentration risks across counterparties, geographies, and sectors.

Margining, Collateral & Treasury Coordination

• Oversee and monitor collateral requirements, including margin calls, letters of credit, guarantees, and other credit support mechanisms.
• Track contractual triggers for credit support and collateral posting obligations.
• Partner closely with Treasury to
  • Ensure timely funding of margin calls and collateral postings
  • Forecast potential liquidity requirements under normal and stress scenarios
  • Optimize collateral usage and minimize funding costs
• Provide transparency into credit‑driven liquidity impacts to senior management.

Invoicing, Settlement & Dispute Resolution

• Oversee invoice validation, settlement processes, and dispute resolution in coordination with Accounting and counterparties.
• Ensure alignment between contract terms and financial settlements.
• Resolve discrepancies related to pricing, volumes, and contract performance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a team responsible for credit risk and contract administration activities.
• Establish best practices in contract execution, credit analysis, and risk monitoring.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and disciplined risk management.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Energy Management, or related field
• 10–15+ years of experience in credit risk, contract administration, or commercial operations within LNG, natural gas, or energy markets
• Strong understanding of LNG SPAs, gas supply agreements, and commodity trading structures
• Proven experience managing counterparty credit risk and collateral/margining processes
• Experience working with Treasury or managing liquidity impacts from margining
• Ability to interpret complex contracts and translate them into operational processes
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with LNG, natural gas trading, or power markets
• Familiarity with contract management systems and/or ETRM platforms (e.g., Endur)
• Prior experience supporting large‑scale infrastructure or energy projects
• Knowledge of ISDA/EFET frameworks and structured commodity transactions
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CFA, FRM, etc.)

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers/fax, filing cabinets, etc.

This is primarily a sedentary role; however, the incumbent must be able to stand and/or sit continuously to perform all essential job functions for a full shift.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA‑recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs as required in order to lift files, boxes and office equipment as necessary.
• Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend, stand on a stool, or climb as necessary to perform these functions.
• While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent may be required to talk or hear.
• The incumbent is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to move throughout all areas of each office/site location and facilities.
• Able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.