Title:
Sr. Commercial Manager
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.
KBR is looking for a Sr. Commercial Manager. In this role, you will provide commercial leadership across major projects, programs, portfolios, pursuits, contracts, frameworks and other strategic business assignments. Working as an integral member of project and business leadership teams, you will lead the development and implementation of commercial strategies throughout the full opportunity and project lifecycle, from pre-award assessment and contract formation through execution, closeout and final account settlement. You will apply advanced commercial judgment, problem-solving techniques and communication skills to engage clients, partners, suppliers, supply chain, project teams and functional support personnel to understand and document commercial issues, risks, opportunities and mitigations, and successfully negotiate resolutions aligned with company management decisions. Assignments may support pre-award pursuits, post-award project execution, portfolio or framework management, project closeout, commercial assurance and other strategic business priorities. The role will also contribute to commercial capability, governance, tools, training and continuous improvement across the Commercial Management function and will regularly advise project, functional and business leadership.
Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Actively leads implementation of the Commercial Management function strategy, standards and values across pre-award, contract formation, post-award execution and project closeout activities on major pursuits, projects, programs, portfolios, contracts and frameworks.
- Develops and implements commercial strategies aligned with business and project objectives, including procurement and contracting strategies, commercial models, risk-reward positions, negotiation strategies and approaches for resolving significant commercial matters. Works cross-functionally with Project Management, Finance, Legal, Procurement and Supply Chain, Project Controls, Estimating, Insurance, Risk and other functions to identify and analyze contractual, commercial and project execution risks and opportunities; establish mitigations, contingency and exploitation plans; maintain contract compliance; and improve cost, schedule and commercial certainty.
- Leads and guides project teams in understanding prime contract and supply chain requirements, rights and obligations to maintain contract compliance, protect contractual entitlement and avoid disputes. Where assigned as a Project Business Manager, may coordinate or lead broader non-technical project functions, including procurement, subcontract administration, project controls and project support.
- Leads or supports contract formation for prime contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders and other commercial arrangements. Plans and leads negotiations relating to contract terms, changes, claims, variations, delays, extensions of time, commercial settlements and other significant matters, as appropriate.
- Establishes and leads the commercial management cadence for assigned pursuits, projects, programs or portfolios, ensuring leadership receives accurate, timely and relevant information on commercial performance, contractual compliance, material risks and opportunities, claims, changes and required decisions.
- Establishes and maintains appropriate commercial governance and controls and conducts periodic commercial reviews and assurance activities to confirm pursuits, projects and programs comply with executed agreements, approval requirements and company policies and operate within established commercial strategies, financial targets and approved risk parameters. Identifies gaps, non-compliances and emerging commercial exposures early, escalates them appropriately, agrees corrective actions and remedies, and monitors them through completion. Provides independent commercial review and challenge on high-impact matters and supports business and project leadership in determining appropriate commercial positions, approvals and escalation paths.
- Develops and implements change management processes and procedures supporting proactive identification, valuation, documentation, notification and negotiation of changes and commercial exposures. Ensures change registers, substantiation, correspondence and approval requirements are maintained and that the company’s time, cost and contractual positions are appropriately protected.
- Develops and implements the project Claims Management Plan and promotes awareness of individual roles and responsibilities across the project team. Leads or supports the development, evaluation, negotiation and resolution of significant claims and disputes, including coordination with Legal, Project Controls, Finance, Procurement, external counsel and other specialists.
- Reviews key subcontracts and purchase orders to ensure appropriate flow-downs and alignment with the prime contract, including scope, schedule, payment, change management, liability, indemnity, insurance, intellectual property, termination, dispute resolution and other material risk and compensation provisions.
- Leads or oversees preparation of contractual notices, reservations of rights, letters of entitlement, claims submissions, negotiation positions, settlement documentation and responses to significant formal correspondence. Ensures commercial communications are timely, consistent, accurate and aligned with the approved commercial strategy.
- Develops, or assists with the development of, commercial and contract management training and orientation for project personnel and other members of the Commercial Management function.
- Serves as a trusted commercial advisor to project, program and business leadership, providing clear recommendations on complex contractual, commercial and risk matters.
- Represents KBR in senior-level commercial discussions and negotiations with clients, partners, suppliers and other external stakeholders.
- Supports major investment, pursuit and project reviews by providing commercial challenge, scenario analysis and recommendations regarding risk allocation, contractual positions, commercial models and approval conditions.
- Supports continuous improvement of Commercial Management processes, procedures, systems, templates, governance and performance measures based on lessons learned, assurance findings and industry good practice.
- Coaches and develops Commercial Management personnel and project team members, supports development and succession planning, and contributes to the broader Commercial Management community of practice.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills:
- An undergraduate degree, preferably in Business, Engineering, Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
- Typically 12 to 15+ years of progressive commercial, contract, project business management or related experience, including significant experience delivering solutions for contractors, subcontractors or owners across Energy, Consulting, Technology, Government Services, Hydrocarbons, Power, Mining or Infrastructure. Demonstrated experience leading commercial activities on major or complex pursuits, projects, programs, portfolios, contracts or frameworks, including at least three years of substantial contract or subcontract management responsibility. Significant experience with contract and subcontract strategy, formation, negotiation, administration, change management, claims and closeout.
- Prior hands-on experience in several of the following areas: commercial management, risk management, contract administration, subcontracts, procurement, project controls, project management, claims or dispute resolution.
- Experience across the full project lifecycle in EPC, EPCM, PMC, consultancy, technology, services or Government Services environments is essential. Experience in field, project, regional or business-facing assignments is strongly preferred.
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills, commercial judgment and the ability to convert complex contractual, financial and project information into clear recommendations for senior leadership. Demonstrated ability to lead significant commercial negotiations and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborative leader with the ability to work independently, establish priorities and execute commercial risk management activities within required deadlines. Proven experience managing or directing teams of commercial, contracts, procurement, project support or related personnel. Demonstrated commitment to coaching, capability development, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- Flexibility to be relocated to the EPC contractor’s office and subsequently to the project site in the UAE, as required by the assignment.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:
- A relevant postgraduate degree or recognized professional qualifications or certifications in commercial management, contract management, project management, quantity surveying, law or a related field are advantageous. Experience with commercial governance, assurance, delegated authorities and executive-level project or pursuit reviews is preferred.
- Qualitative and analytical skills, including data analysis and the use of commercial performance information to support decisions.
- Strong contractual knowledge and independent-review capability to identify material risks to KBR, evaluate proposed mitigations and recommend appropriate commercial positions.
- Fluency in languages other than English. Experience in decarbonization, energy transition, sustainability or technology-led project environments is advantageous.
Decarbonization – Energy Transition – Sustainability
KBR Benefits KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
