Project Contracts Manager - Eaf Steelmaking Facility

Function

Mission

The Project Contracts Manager will be responsible for overseeing all contracting and subcontracting activities for the feasibility study and preliminary engineering phases of a large-scale Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking facility project in Europe. This includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive contracting strategy, selection and management of contractors and subcontractors, and overseeing all commercial and technical interfaces throughout the project.

The role demands an experienced professional with a strong background in managing contracts for industrial projects, specifically in the steelmaking sector. The Project Contracts Manager will work closely with engineering, procurement, and project management teams to ensure the selection and management of contractors and vendors align with project objectives in terms of cost, quality, schedule, and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contracting Strategy Development:

• Develop Contracting Strategy: Formulate a comprehensive contracting strategy for the project, considering both process scope (inside battery limits) and balance of plant (outside of battery limits) components. Ensure that the strategy aligns with the project’s goals, risk profile, budget, and schedule.
• Define Contracting Model: Establish the contracting model (e.g., lump sum, cost-plus, time and materials, etc.) that best suits each phase of the project, including Basic Engineering and Execution, and the different scopes of work, including process design, infrastructure, utilities, etc.
• Risk Allocation: Develop risk-sharing and mitigation strategies in the contracting approach. Ensure risks are clearly defined and allocated appropriately between the client and contractors/subcontractors.

2. Contractor and Subcontractor Selection:

• Prequalification of Contractors: Lead the prequalification process for contractors and suppliers, ensuring that they meet the technical, financial, and operational criteria necessary to execute the project.
• Bid Solicitation & Tendering: Manage the development of Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Invitations to Tender (ITB), coordinating with project engineers and procurement teams. Oversee the tender process for both process scope and balance of plant contracts.
• Technical & Commercial Evaluation: Lead the evaluation of proposals, ensuring that both technical and commercial criteria are considered in the selection process. Work with engineering teams to assess the technical merits of the bids and negotiate favourable commercial terms.
• Awarding Contracts: Support the negotiation and award of contracts, ensuring all agreements are legally sound, aligned with project objectives, and optimized for performance.

3. Contract Management & Administration:

• Contract Implementation & Oversight: Ensure that all contractors and subcontractors perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contracts. Monitor the execution of contracts to ensure compliance with schedules, specifications, budgets, and quality standards.
• Commercial and Technical Interfaces: Manage the interfaces between contractors, subcontractors, and project teams (engineering, procurement, construction, etc.), resolving any issues that may arise regarding scope, technical requirements, or contract conditions.
• Change Order Management: Oversee the processing of change orders, ensuring proper documentation, evaluation, and approval of contract amendments. Manage the impact of changes on the project’s schedule, cost, and scope.
• Dispute Resolution: Act as the primary point of contact for resolving any commercial or technical disputes with contractors or subcontractors. Facilitate negotiations and work with legal teams as necessary to resolve issues quickly and effectively.

4. Cost Control & Budget Management:

• Contractual Cost Control: Monitor and manage contract costs, ensuring that contractors adhere to their budgets and that any deviations are identified and addressed promptly.
• Invoice & Payment Management: Oversee the review and approval of invoices submitted by contractors and subcontractors. Ensure that payments are made according to the contract terms and that they align with the progress of work.
• Cost Reporting: Work with the project finance team to provide accurate and timely reports on the financial status of contracts and subcontractor agreements, including potential risks or issues that may impact the overall project budget.

5. Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify and Mitigate Contractual Risks: Proactively identify potential risks in contracting, including issues related to cost, schedule, technical performance, and safety. Develop and implement mitigation strategies to reduce risks.
• Contract Compliance: Ensure that all contractors and subcontractors comply with relevant regulations, standards, and company policies. Monitor adherence to safety and environmental regulations, quality standards, and any other contractual obligations.
• Insurance & Bonding: Oversee the review of insurance and bonding requirements for contractors to ensure that adequate protection is in place for the project.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Internal Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal project teams, including engineering, procurement, legal, and project management, to ensure that contracts are aligned with project goals and that all technical and commercial requirements are addressed.
• External Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for contractors and subcontractors. Facilitate communication between contractors and the project team, ensuring transparency and clarity on project objectives, requirements, and deliverables.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Project Director and senior management on contract performance, issues, risks, and opportunities. Prepare detailed reports on contractor performance and the status of contracting activities.

7. Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Monitor Contractor Performance: Implement systems for tracking contractor performance, including adherence to schedules, budgets, quality standards, and safety regulations. Report on contractor performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance reviews with contractors and subcontractors, addressing issues such as quality, safety, and project progress. Provide feedback and ensure that any necessary corrective actions are taken promptly.

Profile

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in contracts management (e.g., AACE, RICS, or equivalent) would be advantageous.

Experience

• Contract Management in Industrial Projects: At least 10-15 years of experience in managing contracts for large-scale industrial projects, preferably within the steelmaking or heavy industry sectors.
• EAF Steelmaking Facility Knowledge: Experience in contracting for steelmaking facilities, particularly with an understanding of both process (inside battery limits) and balance of plant (outside of battery limits).
• Contract Types & Negotiation: Proven experience managing various contract types (e.g., EPC, EPCM, lump sum, cost-plus) and negotiating terms with large contractors and subcontractors.
• Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of contract law, commercial negotiations, and regulatory requirements applicable to large industrial projects.

Skills

• Contract Management Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of the full contract lifecycle, including development, negotiation, administration, and closeout.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify and manage contract-related risks, ensuring that the project remains on schedule, on budget, and within scope.
• Strong Negotiation Skills: Highly developed negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable terms and resolve conflicts efficiently.
• Communication & Leadership: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships with both internal teams and external contractors.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of the technical requirements of EAF steelmaking facilities, including process equipment, utilities, and infrastructure systems.
• Commercial Acumen: Excellent financial and commercial skills, with a deep understanding of cost control, budgeting, and contract compliance.

Desired Attributes

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and make decisions that support both short-term project needs and long-term business objectives.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify potential problems early and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Proactive Approach: Self-motivated and proactive in identifying opportunities to improve project performance and reduce risks.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of contracting, from documentation to contract administration.

Offer

Working Conditions

• Location: Based in La Louvière, Belgium, with occasional travel to contractor sites, external meetings, and project-related locations.
• Hours: Full-time, with flexibility required to meet project deadlines. Occasional extended hours may be necessary.
• Travel: Some domestic and international travel may be required during key phases of the project.

Why choosing NLMK?

This Project Contracts Manager role is critical to the successful execution of the EAF steelmaking facility project in Europe. The individual will ensure that all contracting and subcontracting activities are managed efficiently, in line with the project's objectives, schedule, and budget, while ensuring that technical and commercial interfaces are smoothly handled. This role demands strong expertise in contracting strategies, negotiation, and management within complex industrial projects.

Do you want to help shape the future of carbon-free green steel? Do you want to be part of a team where everyone has a say? Do you want to work in a fast-moving environment with plenty of opportunities for career development? You can make a difference and have your voice heard at NLMK Europe!

This is a unique opportunity to start, develop and grow in one of the world's most successful steel companies. NLMK's success is based on the strength of a team with family values and a strong international presence. A team that improves and innovates every day to be better than yesterday. Excellence, customer satisfaction and safety are our key drivers.

Are you interested? Send us your application!
All agencies that have experience with this kind of industrial projects can contact us (a.paternostre@eu.nlmk.com)