Subcontracts Administrator

Overview

This full-time Subcontracts Administrator role is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and supports oil and gas projects by handling subcontract procurement and contract administration. The position focuses on sourcing, negotiating, and managing agreements with subcontractors and suppliers while ensuring project delivery stays aligned with company policy, legal obligations, budget limits, and industry requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, coordinate, and manage subcontract agreements so that scope, schedule, budget, and industry standards remain in sync with project needs.
• Examine contract terms and conditions, applying them correctly to reduce exposure and maintain compliance.
• Track subcontractor output and delivery to make sure commitments are met on time and within approved costs.
• Take the lead in commercial negotiations covering pricing, service levels, and contractual wording.
• Handle disagreements arising from scope revisions, contract interpretation, or other subcontract issues.
• Identify, assess, and approve subcontractors and vendors for project-specific services and requirements.
• Keep the approved subcontractor and supplier database current and well organized.
• Check that subcontract pricing fits within project budgets and manage cost changes throughout the contract life cycle.
• Carry out financial reviews of subcontractors and work toward commercially favorable outcomes.
• Ensure every subcontract follows company procedures, applicable laws, and oil and gas regulations, including HSE, environmental, safety, and labour obligations.
• Evaluate and reduce contractual risk by reviewing insurance documents, bonds, and indemnity provisions.
• Maintain complete records of subcontract files, amendments, change orders, and related correspondence.
• Prepare regular status updates for senior management on subcontract performance, contract progress, and any concerns that arise.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, procurement, legal, engineering, construction, suppliers, and finance teams to keep execution aligned with contractual commitments.
• Administer change orders by checking scope updates, pricing revisions, and revised terms, then ensuring proper review and approval before implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 5–7 years of experience in contract or subcontract administration, including at least 3 years within the oil and gas sector.
• Background in managing complex subcontracts for large projects, especially in construction, offshore, or onshore operations.
• Strong understanding of oil and gas contracting models, including EPC agreements.
• Proven negotiation and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of contract management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Good grasp of legal, financial, and risk-related contract principles.
• Professional certification such as CPCM or an equivalent credential is considered an advantage.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Good problem-solving ability and the capacity to manage several contracts at once.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with internal teams and external partners.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements relevant to oil and gas projects, including HSE and environmental standards.

Work Conditions

The role may involve travel to project sites and subcontractor facilities. During critical phases of the project, longer working hours may occasionally be required.

Impact of the Role

This position plays an important part in ensuring subcontractors meet project expectations and that all contractual arrangements comply with strict industry standards, helping support successful oil and gas project delivery.