Senior Contracts Strategist: Sourcing & Negotiations

NextDecade Payroll Services, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NextDecade seeks a Sr. Specialist, Contracts to lead end-to-end strategic sourcing and lifecycle activities for high-value commercial agreements in a fast-paced energy company.

You will coordinate RFx processes, drive negotiations across MPSA, MSA, FEED, EPC, and related agreements, ensure contractual compliance, and partner with cross-functional teams to optimize commercial outcomes and risk management in Houston.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in contract management in the energy sector, with strategic sourcing (PSA, MSA).
• Experience in a matrixed organization and dynamic cross-functional teams.
• Excellent negotiation skills and oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing events for high-value contracts including planning, market analysis, competitive bidding, evaluation, negotiation, and award.
• Develop sourcing strategies based on market intelligence, spend analysis, risk assessment, and business requirements.
• Prepare and manage RFx packages (RFI, RFP) ensuring clarity and alignment with standards.
• Coordinate fair bid evaluations across technical, commercial, and legal teams; include price normalization and consensus scoring.
• Prepare award recommendations and secure approvals per Delegation of Authority.
• Lead commercial negotiations for MPSA, MSA, FEED, EPC and similar agreements to optimize pricing and risk.
• Draft, redline, and revise contract language to reflect negotiated terms and mitigate risk.
• Maintain version control and integrity of negotiation documentation.
• Support post-award transition with supplier kickoff and contract handover.
• Track deliverables, obligations, milestones, and performance to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve contract-related issues, disputes, or claims.
• Maintain complete contract records and ensure compliance with governance and audit requirements.
• Develop and improve standard templates, playbooks, and tools; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Contract law

Procurement principles

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

NextDecade seeks a Sr. Specialist, Contracts to lead end-to-end strategic sourcing and lifecycle activities for high-value commercial agreements in a fast-paced energy company.

You will coordinate RFx processes, drive negotiations across MPSA, MSA, FEED, EPC, and related agreements, ensure contractual compliance, and partner with cross-functional teams to optimize commercial outcomes and risk management in Houston.