Procurement Lead (Projects Category)

NES Fircroft is seeking a Procurement Lead to join a major operator in Sunbury, supporting a project in Iraq.

This role is responsible for managing the Projects Procurement Category, overseeing engineering, construction, and engineered equipment procurement activities, ensuring compliance with the Development and Production Contract, business priorities, and procurement procedures.

The Procurement Lead reports to the Category Delivery Manager and acts as a procurement business partner for engineering, construction, and engineered equipment. The role involves engaging with Legal, Finance, HSE, and P&O functions to ensure seamless procurement delivery and contract management, aligned with internal policies, industry standards, and regulations. Developing and implementing robust category strategies and liaising with internal and external stakeholders are key responsibilities. The ideal candidate should have strong commercial acumen, ensuring alignment with business goals and delivering compliant, competitive, and risk-managed procurement outcomes, all in accordance with Iraqi laws and policies.

Activities

1. Coordinate in-country procurement delivery for engineering, construction, and engineered equipment, ensuring alignment with business priorities and compliance.
2. Develop and implement the Projects Procurement Category strategy for Iraq, maximizing value and managing risks.
3. Collaborate with NOC and NGC partners to review existing contracting and procurement systems and processes.
4. Support contract strategy delivery, end-to-end sourcing, and contract compliance.
5. Deliver value through effective sourcing activities within legal, budgetary, and contractual boundaries.
6. Assist in developing Contracts and Procurement Plans with demand data.
7. Conduct due diligence and secure necessary approvals.
8. Manage sourcing activities, including bid development, evaluation, and award recommendations.
9. Negotiate contracts to optimize value and mitigate risks.
10. Manage post-award contract administration, including resolving queries and tracking renewals.
11. Support supplier performance management activities.
12. Ensure Local Content obligations are incorporated into procurement decisions.
13. Execute compliance activities, including audits.
14. Work closely with technical and project management teams to ensure delivery aligns with specifications and contractual terms.
15. Interface with JV partners and act as a point of contact for suppliers, supporting understanding of the Iraqi market.
16. Foster strong relationships with contractors and suppliers.
17. Promote a culture of compliance and safety, monitor contractor safety and compliance matters.
18. Provide procurement advice to the in-country delivery team.
19. Oversee supplier performance and intervene as necessary.
20. Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including RFP development, evaluation, negotiation, and award.
21. Identify opportunities to unlock value and improve performance.
22. Support audits and cost recovery efforts.

Experience / Qualifications

• University degree in Procurement, Engineering, or related field; CIPS or equivalent certification preferred.
• Passion for Oil and Gas and supply chain management.
• Proven track record in Projects Procurement, especially in oil and gas services with large CAPEX or onshore scopes.
• Knowledge of procurement contracting, supplier management, and project execution.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines, cultures, and geographies.
• Strong commercial, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Experience working in Iraq or supporting Iraq-based businesses.
• Understanding of regional requirements and regulatory processes.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop trust-based relationships.
• Proven ability to lead complex problem-solving and stakeholder alignment.

Please note: Only applicants eligible to work in the UK will be considered.