- Business and Operations Support
- Contract Manager and Negotiation Specialist
- NOC #1225
Contract Manager and Negotiation Specialist
Energy companies are complex businesses and their relationships with other businesses such as suppliers are overseen by specialists in understanding and executing contracts. A contract manager is typically in charge of ensuring the contracts the company enters into meet the needs, the business priorities and corporate values of the company. Within larger teams, a contract negotiation specialist is primarily charged with negotiating the actual terms of the specific contracts. Depending on the size of company, these two roles may be undertaken by a single contract manager.
These contract specialists work within business units to understand the organizational needs that a contract must meet. They typically are responsible for planning, implementing and administration of major contract awards, from developing the contracting plan and managing the contract management life cycle, to mitigating risks, awarding contracts, claim management and contract closeout.
Contract specialists typically work with project teams such as supply chain/logistics, or business units such as major projects.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Oil sands
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary $69,000 to $92,000
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Growing
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction, Well site decommissioning
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Growing
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The skills gained as a contract manager and negotiation specialist in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the emissions reduction or well site decommissioning sub-sectors of cleantech. A worker transitioning to CCUS, however, may expect to complete some minor upskilling for a successful transition. Increased familiarity with CCUS operations and processes may be required.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in the cleantech sector may include:
- Understanding of supply chain management, the system of organizations, people, activities, information and resources involved in the flow of products and services through the company. (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Managing contracts associated with material, equipment and service sourcing. (CCUS)
- Working with commercial development specialists to establish agreements with customers for CO2 involving oil and gas and other sectors in an expanded customer base including biofuels, hydrogen producers, construction and manufacturing. (CCUS)
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to cleantech include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Transition to a similar level (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
- Urban location (CCUS | emissions reduction | well site decommissioning)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
The cleantech sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
CCUS
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
Emissions reduction
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
Well site decommissioning
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into cleantech may vary by sub-sector. There could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
- Sub-sector Contracted and turnaround maintenance, Engineering, design and procurement, Modular fabrication, Construction
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Growing
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
A contract manager and negotiation specialist in oil and natural gas may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a career change to industrial construction and maintenance in energy. Workers may require experience with major capital projects and a construction background. While the foundational negotiation and relationship building skills are easily transferable, workers may need to learn about different suppliers to make a successful transition
In addition to the activities below, other activities in industrial construction and maintenance in energy may include:
- Understanding of supply chain management, the system of organizations, people, activities, information and resources involved in the flow of products and services through the company. (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to industrial construction and maintenance include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
- Transition to a similar level (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
- Career development fostered/supported (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
- Urban location (contracted and turnaround maintenance | engineering design and procurement | modular fabrication | construction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Growing
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
A contract and negotiation specialist in oil and natural gas making a change to LNG facility operation may find some minor upskilling may be required and may need experience with large and complex facilities to make a successful transition.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in LNG facility operation may include:
- Understanding of supply chain management, the system of organizations, people, activities, information and resources involved in the flow of products and services through the company.
- Managing contracts associated with material, equipment and service sourcing.
- Working with commercial development specialists to establish agreements with customers for products and services involving oil and gas and other sectors in an expanded customer base including global customers, marine services, shipping contracts, construction and equipment.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Freelance/contract opportunities
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Urban location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Growing
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
A contract and negotiation specialist in oil and natural gas making a change to petrochemicals and refining may find some minor upskilling may be required and may need experience with large and complex facilities to make a successful transition.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Understanding of supply chain management, the system of organizations, people, activities, information and resources involved in the flow of products and services through the company.
- Managing contracts associated with material, equipment and service sourcing.
- Working with commercial development specialists to establish agreements with customers for products and services involving oil and gas and other sectors in an expanded customer base including global customers, marine services, shipping contracts, construction and equipment.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Freelance/contract opportunities
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Urban location
- Potentially unionized
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
- Sub-sector Geothermal, Solar, Wind
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Growing
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
A contract manager and negotiation specialist in oil and natural gas may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a career change to the geothermal sub-sector of renewables. Workers may find that significant upskilling is needed to work in the solar or wind sub-sectors. The average salary range for this role in geothermal is similar to that of oil and gas, however, workers may expect the salary range in solar and wind to be lower than the oil and gas average.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in renewables may include:
- Understanding of supply chain management, the system of organizations, people, activities, information and resources involved in the flow of products and services through the company. (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Managing contracts associated with material, equipment and service sourcing. (solar | wind)
- Working with commercial development specialists to establish agreements with customers for products and services involving oil and gas and other sectors in an expanded customer base for renewable power/heat including construction and equipment suppliers. (solar | wind)
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Transition to a similar level (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Urban location (geothermal | solar | wind)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
The renewables sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
Geothermal
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Solar
- Transferability: Reboot
- Skills upgrade: Major
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
Wind
- Transferability: Reboot
- Skills upgrade: Major
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into renewables may vary by sub-sector. There could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience, expected salary range and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
