Contract Management Lead

Job Title/ Position: Contract Management Lead 
Reports To:             Head of Legal
Location:                Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE SITE                   

Job Summary
The Contract Management Lead is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end contract management function, ensuring that all contracts are effectively structured, reviewed, negotiated, and administered in line with the Company’s commercial objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements. The role provides leadership to the contract management team and ensures timely, accurate, and compliant delivery of contract-related activities across all business units.
The position drives the implementation of robust contract management processes, ensures alignment of contractual arrangements with business and operational needs, and supports risk mitigation, compliance, and value realization. The role also serves as a key escalation point for complex contractual matters and supports the Acting Head of Legal in managing contractual risk and strengthening overall governance within the organization.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1.    Lead and manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle across the organization, ensuring timely drafting, review, negotiation, execution, and close-out of all commercial agreements.
2.   Oversee the preparation and negotiation of complex and high-value contracts (including NDAs, EPC-related agreements, supply and service contracts, licensing and consultancy agreements) to ensure alignment with company objectives and risk appetite.
3.    Provide strategic direction and final review on contractual positions, ensuring legal adequacy, commercial viability, and compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.
4.   Supervise and guide the Contract Management team (Analysts and Specialists), ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery of contract management activities.
5.    Act as the primary escalation point for complex contractual issues, disputes, and negotiations, and drive resolution in coordination with internal stakeholders and external counterparties.
6.    Establish and enforce contract management processes, standards, and templates in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.
7.    Ensure full compliance with procurement procedures, internal controls, and corporate governance standards in all contract-related activities.
8.    Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, Projects, etc.) to align contract terms with commercial, financial, and operational objectives.
9.    Oversee the review and approval of key contractual instruments such as bank guarantees, bonds, and indemnities, and guide preparation of related enforcement documentation where required.
10.   Monitor contract performance and compliance, ensuring that key obligations, milestones, deliverables, and risk exposures are effectively tracked and managed.
11.   Ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and maintenance of a centralized contracts database to support audit, reporting, and institutional knowledge.
12.   Provide periodic reports to senior management on contract status, key risks, disputes, and overall contract performance.
13.   Support the Acting Head of Legal in advising management on contractual risk exposure, negotiation strategy, and mitigation measures.
14.   Drive continuous improvement in contract management systems, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and risk control.
15.   Provide training, mentorship, and technical guidance to team members and relevant stakeholders on contract management practices.

Key Requirements

Education and Work Experience

i.    Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
ii.   Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) and qualification to practice in Nigeria.
iii.   A Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) or related field is an added advantage.
Professional Qualification
iv.   Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is required.
v.    Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)) is an added advantage.
Desired Experience
vi.   Minimum of 10 years’ post-qualification experience in legal and contract management roles.
vii.  Significant experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing complex commercial contracts, preferably within a manufacturing, oil & gas, or multinational organization.
viii.  Proven experience in leading or supervising contract management teams and overseeing contract lifecycle processes.

Functional Competencies
Technical / Functional Skills (Must Have)
a.    Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial transactions, and corporate governance principles.
b.    Extensive experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing complex commercial contracts across the full contract lifecycle.
c.    Deep understanding of regulatory requirements and industry-specific compliance obligations within a manufacturing or refinery environment.
d.    Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, legal, and commercial risks.
e.    Strong knowledge of procurement processes, internal controls, and corporate policies.
f.     Expertise in contract management systems, documentation standards, and audit requirements.
g.    Sound understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
h.    Strong commercial awareness, including pricing structures, financial implications, and risk allocation in contracts.
i.     Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and contract management systems.
Behavioural / Soft Skills
i.     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments on complex contractual issues.
ii.    Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence outcomes at senior levels.
iii.   Strong leadership and team management capability, including mentoring and development of junior team members.
iv.   Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to clarity and detail.
v.    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
vi.   High level of organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
vii.  Ability to work independently, take ownership, and drive outcomes with minimal supervision.
viii. High level of integrity, professionalism, and adherence to confidentiality and corporate standards.