Sr. Commercial Manager

KBR, Inc.•Houston, TX

About The Position

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions is seeking a Sr. Commercial Manager to provide commercial leadership across major projects, programs, portfolios, pursuits, contracts, frameworks and other strategic business assignments. The role is an integral part of project and business leadership teams and leads commercial strategy throughout the opportunity and project lifecycle, from pre-award assessment and contract formation through execution, closeout and final account settlement. The manager applies commercial judgment and problem-solving skills to identify and document issues, risks, opportunities and mitigations, and to negotiate resolutions aligned with company management decisions. Assignments may cover pre-award pursuits, post-award execution, portfolio or framework management, project closeout, commercial assurance and other strategic priorities. The role also contributes to the Commercial Management function’s capability, governance, tools, training and continuous improvement, and regularly advises project, functional and business leadership. The position requires flexibility to relocate to an EPC contractor’s office and subsequently to the project site in the UAE, as required by the assignment.

Requirements

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 in relevant sectors.
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.
Hands-on experience in several areas such as 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.
Strong written and verbal English communication skills, commercial judgment, and ability to turn 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 leadership skills and ability to work independently, set priorities and execute commercial risk management activities to required deadlines.
Proven experience managing or directing teams of commercial, contracts, procurement, project support or related personnel.
Commitment to coaching, capability development, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Flexibility to relocate to the EPC contractor’s office and subsequently to the project site in the UAE, as required by the assignment.

Nice To Haves

Relevant postgraduate degree or recognized professional qualifications or certifications in commercial management, contract management, project management, quantity surveying, law or a related field.
Experience with commercial governance, assurance, delegated authorities and executive-level project or pursuit reviews.
Qualitative and analytical skills, including data analysis and use of commercial performance information to support decisions.
Strong contractual knowledge and independent-review capability to identify material risks, evaluate mitigations and recommend commercial positions.
Fluency in languages other than English.
Experience in decarbonization, energy transition, sustainability or technology-led project environments.
Field, project, regional or business-facing assignment experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of Commercial Management strategy, standards and values across pre-award, contract formation, post-award execution and closeout.
Develop and implement commercial strategies, including procurement and contracting strategies, commercial models, risk-reward positions and negotiation approaches.
Work cross-functionally to identify and analyze contractual, commercial and project execution risks and opportunities; establish mitigations and plans; maintain contract compliance; and improve cost, schedule and commercial certainty.
Guide project teams in understanding prime contract and supply chain requirements, rights and obligations to maintain compliance, protect contractual entitlement and avoid disputes.
When assigned as a Project Business Manager, coordinate or lead broader non-technical project functions, which may include procurement, subcontract administration, project controls and project support.
Lead or support formation of prime contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders and other commercial arrangements.
Plan and lead negotiations concerning contract terms, changes, claims, variations, delays, extensions of time, settlements and other significant matters.
Establish commercial management cadence and ensure leadership receives timely information on commercial performance, compliance, risks, opportunities, claims, changes and decisions required.
Establish and maintain commercial governance and controls; conduct periodic reviews and assurance; identify and escalate non-compliance and exposures; agree corrective actions; and provide independent review and challenge on high-impact matters.
Develop and implement change management processes for identifying, valuing, documenting, notifying and negotiating changes and commercial exposures; maintain change records and protect contractual positions.
Develop and implement project Claims Management Plans and lead or support the development, evaluation, negotiation and resolution of significant claims and disputes.
Review key subcontracts and purchase orders for appropriate flow-downs and alignment with prime contracts, including material scope, schedule, payment, risk and compensation provisions.
Lead or oversee preparation of contractual notices, reservations of rights, entitlement letters, claims submissions, negotiation positions, settlement documents and responses to significant correspondence.
Develop or assist with commercial and contract management training and orientation for project personnel and Commercial Management staff.
Advise project, program and business leadership on complex contractual, commercial and risk matters.
Represent KBR in senior-level commercial discussions and negotiations with clients, partners, suppliers and other external stakeholders.
Support major investment, pursuit and project reviews with commercial challenge, scenario analysis and recommendations.
Improve Commercial Management processes, procedures, systems, templates, governance and performance measures using lessons learned, assurance findings and industry good practice.
Coach and develop Commercial Management personnel and project team members, support succession planning and contribute to the Commercial Management community of practice.