Head of Subcontracts / Subcontracts Department Manager

Head of Subcontracts / Subcontracts Department Manager

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Subcontracts / Subcontracts Department Manager to lead and oversee subcontracting activities for major offshore oil and gas projects, with a particular focus on Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Subcontracts Department, developing subcontracting strategies, overseeing subcontract administration and ensuring effective commercial and contractual management throughout the project lifecycle. This is a senior leadership position requiring proven experience managing a subcontracting department, strong commercial expertise and extensive exposure to FPSO projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Subcontracts Department, providing strategic direction, operational oversight and leadership to the subcontracting team.
• Develop and implement subcontracting strategies, policies and procedures aligned with project objectives and organisational requirements.
• Oversee the full subcontracting lifecycle, including tender preparation, bid evaluation, negotiation, contract award, administration and close-out.
• Manage subcontracting activities for FPSO projects, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, project schedules and commercial requirements.
• Provide leadership and guidance to subcontract managers, specialists and administrators, ensuring effective resource allocation and team performance.
• Oversee the negotiation of major subcontract agreements, ensuring commercially competitive terms and effective risk management.
• Manage subcontractor performance, contractual disputes, variations, claims and commercial negotiations.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Legal and Finance teams to ensure effective subcontract execution.
• Establish and monitor departmental KPIs, subcontracting budgets, performance metrics and reporting requirements.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, commercial and operational risks associated with subcontracting activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual requirements and applicable industry regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement in subcontracting processes, governance and departmental efficiency.
• Support senior management in strategic planning, resource management and commercial decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in subcontract management within the offshore oil and gas, EPC or EPCIC industry.
• Mandatory hands-on subcontracting experience on FPSO projects.
• Proven experience at Head of Subcontracts, Subcontracts Department Manager or an equivalent senior departmental leadership level.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing an entire subcontracting function or department, rather than solely managing subcontracts for individual projects.
• Strong knowledge of subcontracting strategies, tendering, contract negotiation, administration, claims management and commercial risk management.
• Experience managing large-scale, high-value subcontract packages within complex offshore projects.
• Strong understanding of FPSO project execution, including engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, integration and commissioning interfaces.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage departmental resources and engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate strategically while maintaining oversight of critical operational and contractual matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with an FPSO owner, operator, offshore EPC/EPCIC contractor or major offshore engineering organisation.
• Experience overseeing subcontracting activities across multiple projects or major project portfolios.
• Strong track record of building, developing and managing high-performing subcontracting teams.

Important: Applicants must demonstrate both substantial FPSO subcontracting experience and proven department-level management experience. Candidates whose experience is limited to project-level subcontract management without broader departmental leadership responsibility may not be suitable for this position.