Drilling Contracts and Procurement Manager

Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd (HOEC)

R A Puram, Chennai

Full-Time

HOEC is a leading exploration and production company committed to operational excellence and sustainable energy development. We are dedicated to safely and efficiently unlocking energy resources through innovative drilling and completions operations. We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Drilling Contracts and Procurement Manager to join our dynamic team.

Position Summary

The Drilling Contracts and Procurement Manager is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing, negotiation, and management of all contracts related to drilling and well operations. This individual will ensure the procurement of high-quality services and equipment at optimal costs, while managing risk, ensuring compliance, and fostering strong supplier relationships to support our ambitious drilling programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
• Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy for the Drilling, Completions, and Well Interventions spend category.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, assess supplier capabilities, and identify potential new vendors.
• Lead the pre-qualification and vendor registration process for drilling-related suppliers.

Tendering & Negotiation:

• Prepare and issue Invitations to Tender (ITT) and Requests for Proposal (RFP) for major drilling contracts (e.g., drilling rigs, OCTG, mud logging, directional drilling, cementing, well services).
• Lead complex commercial and contractual negotiations, ensuring best-in-class terms and conditions, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Coordinate and evaluate technical and commercial bid evaluations in collaboration with drilling engineering and operations teams.

Contract Formation & Administration:

• Draft, review, and finalize a wide range of contracts, including Daywork, Turnkey, Footage, and Integrated Service Agreements.
• Ensure contracts accurately reflect negotiated terms, incorporate appropriate risk mitigation clauses (indemnities, liabilities, insurance), and comply with company policies and relevant laws.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all contractual matters with suppliers post-award.
• Manage contract variations, amendments, and change order processes.

Procurement & Supplier Relationship Management:

• Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle for drilling materials, equipment, and services.
• Develop and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor supplier performance, safety, and quality.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and manage strategic relationships.
• Proactively resolve any contractual or performance disputes.

Cost Control & Compliance:

• Work closely with the finance and drilling departments to develop budgets and forecasts for drilling-related expenditures.
• Implement robust cost control measures and track actual spend against budget.
• Ensure full compliance with company governance, delegation of authority, and ethical standards.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• May provide guidance and mentorship to junior contracts or procurement personnel.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with Drilling Engineers, Subsurface team, HSE teams and Finance to achieve project objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in contracts and procurement, with a significant focus on drilling and well services within the oil and gas industry.
• Proven track record of negotiating and managing high-value, complex drilling contracts (e.g., rig contracts, major service contracts).
• Deep understanding of standard industry contract forms (e.g., LOGIC, IADC) and the ability to draft bespoke agreements.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with expertise in cost analysis, TCO, and budget management.
• Excellent knowledge of procurement best practices, strategic sourcing, and supplier management.

Desired:

• Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM).
• Experience with SAP Ariba or other major ERP/Sourcing platforms.
• International experience.
• A solid understanding of drilling operations and technical terminology.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional Negotiation & Communication Skills: Ability to influence stakeholders and secure favourable outcomes.
• Strategic Thinker: Able to see the big picture and align procurement strategy with business goals.
• High Analytical & Problem-Solving Ability: Skilled in analysing complex data to make informed decisions.
• Risk Management: Proactive in identifying and mitigating commercial and contractual risks.
• Strong Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Capable of building trust and collaborating effectively across departments.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines.

What We Offer?

• A competitive compensation and benefits package.
• The opportunity to work on challenging and high-profile drilling projects.
• A key leadership role with significant impact on the company's operational and financial success.
• A supportive and collaborative company culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.