Sr. Specialist, Contracts

Next Decade; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Decade is seeking a Sr. Specialist, Contracts in Houston, Texas. This role involves leading strategic sourcing and managing the complete contract lifecycle for high-value agreements. The successful candidate must have over 7 years of experience in contract management within the energy sector and a bachelor's degree in business or a related field.

The position includes responsibilities such as negotiating terms, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement efforts across sourcing processes. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in contract management in the energy sector.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization.
• Strong understanding of procurement principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing events for high-value contracts.
• Develop sourcing strategies based on market intelligence.
• Prepare and manage RFx packages (RFI, RFP).

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent negotiation skills

Contract law understanding

Problem-solving abilities

Collaboration effectively cross-functionally

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field

Supply Chain certifications such as CPSM, CCCM, CPCM, CSCP, MCIPS

Job description

About NextDecade Corporation

NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower‑carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure and cost‑effective energy through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction capacity at Rio Grande LNG. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development, sufficient space at the site for up to 10 liquefaction trains, and a potential carbon capture and storage project. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.

Summary of the Role

Reporting to the Director of Contracts, the Sr. Specialist, Contracts is responsible for leading end‑to‑end strategic sourcing and contract lifecycle activities for complex, high‑value commercial agreements. This role manages sourcing events, competitive bidding, negotiations, contract drafting, and post‑award administration while ensuring alignment with company governance, risk frameworks, and business objectives. The Sr. Specialist collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to drive optimal commercial outcomes, maintain contractual compliance, and support continuous improvement across sourcing and contracting processes. This is a strategic, hands‑on role that requires strategic thinking, attention to details and the ability to drive the results in a fast paced, cross‑functional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing events for high‑value and high‑risk contracts, including planning, market analysis, competitive bidding, evaluation, negotiation, and award.
• Develop sourcing strategies based on market intelligence, supplier capability, spend analysis, risk assessment, and business requirements.
• Prepare and manage RFx packages (RFI, RFP) and ensure clarity, completeness, and alignment with company standards.
• Coordinate fair and transparent bid evaluations across technical, commercial, and legal teams, including price normalization and consensus scoring.
• Prepare award recommendations and secure approvals in accordance with Delegation of Authority.
• Lead commercial negotiations for MPSA, MSA, FEED, EPC, and similar agreements to secure optimal pricing, terms, and risk allocation.
• Draft, redline, and revise contract language to reflect negotiated terms and mitigate commercial and contractual risk.
• Maintain version control and ensure accuracy and integrity of negotiation documentation.
• Support post‑award transition, including supplier kickoff, contract handover, and communication of key contractual obligations.
• Perform contract administration by tracking deliverables, obligations, milestones, and performance to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve contract‑related issues, disputes, or claims.
• Prepare and issue amendments, change orders, and notices in coordination with stakeholders.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract records within the contract management system.
• Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with internal governance, procedures, and audit requirements.
• Develop and improve standard templates, playbooks, and tools to enhance the sourcing and contracting process.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen commercial outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Build strong internal and external relationships and proactively anticipate business needs and challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in contract management in the energy sector, particularly with strategic sourcing, PSA, MSA contracts.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization and excelling in a dynamic team environment with matrixed objectives.
• Excellent negotiation skills and oral and written communication.
• Excellent people skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively cross‑functionally.
• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong understanding of contract law and procurement principles.
• National Contracts Management Association (NCMA).
• Supply Chain certifications such as CPSM, CCCM, CPCM, CSCP, MCIPS or other relevant certifications.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. This 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 bending, standing on a stool, or climbing 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.

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.