Strategic Contracting Specialist

Strategic Contracting Specialist

Talos Energy is an independent oil & gas company focused on offshore exploration and production. Our expertise is based upon acquiring assets in and around the Gulf Coast and Gulf of America regions with a high-emphasis on asset optimization, exploitation, and exploration. 

The Strategic Contracting Specialist is responsible for developing sourcing and contracting strategies, leading commercial negotiations, and managing the contract lifecycle for assigned business areas. The role partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Legal, and other stakeholders to secure best value, manage commercial risk, and align supplier agreements with business needs.

The location of this position is Houston, TX.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Strategic Contracting Specialist serves as the commercial lead for assigned sourcing and contracting activities:

• Develop and negotiate master service agreements, statements of work, pricing schedules, and amendments in coordination with Legal and business stakeholders
• Develop category and sourcing strategies, including market assessments and supplier consolidation opportunities, for review by the Supply Chain Council
• Lead competitive sourcing events, evaluate supplier proposals, and assess total cost, service capability, delivery commitments, and commercial risk
• Build strategic supplier relationships with clear commercial expectations, performance measures, and regular business reviews
• Partner with offshore and onshore stakeholders to define scopes of work, service requirements, and contracting priorities that support operational needs
• Manage contract renewals, amendments, and commercial changes; maintain accurate contract records and communicate negotiated terms to procurement and business teams
• Post Award Contract Management
• Provide the Procurement Manager with updates on negotiations, contract exposure, supplier performance, and issues requiring escalation or approval
• Analyze spend, demand, and market data to identify value opportunities and track negotiated savings, cost avoidance, and contract utilization
• Prepare award recommendations and document commercial evaluations, negotiated exceptions, and approvals in accordance with procurement policies and delegated authority
• Coordinate with Legal, Operations, and other stakeholders to address contract compliance, supplier disputes, performance gaps, and corrective actions
• Perform other duties as required 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in strategic sourcing, commercial contracting, or subcontracts for an offshore exploration and production company, including contract negotiation and lifecycle management.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or related field.
• Upstream Oil & Gas experience strongly desired.
• Experience with competitive bids, commercial evaluations, and service agreements; familiarity with ERP and contract management systems such as SAP is a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of commercial contract structures, negotiation strategies, pricing models, and risk allocation
• Ability to build supplier partnerships while maintaining commercial discipline and accountability
• Ability to translate operational requirements into clear scopes, deliverables, performance measures, and commercial terms in collaboration with Operations, Legal, Finance, and project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate total cost and negotiate best value by balancing performance, service, risk, and cost rather than price alone
• Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to present sourcing recommendations and negotiation outcomes to stakeholders
• Ability to independently manage complex negotiations and competing contracting deadlines in a schedule-driven environment
• Ability to prioritize a diverse contract portfolio and maintain visibility of renewals, obligations, and approval requirements
• Strong analytical skills to assess spend, compare commercial proposals, and validate supplier pricing and contractual commitments
• Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and be proactive in self-development
• Have a strong sense of integrity and the ability to deal with ethical situations effectively
• Experience working within SAP is preferred, but not required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Co-pilot and other Artificial Intelligence enablers

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES:

• There are no certificates, licenses or registrations required for this position

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time and have use of arms and hands in repetitive motion. A fair amount of standing and walking is also required for the position.
• Ability to travel to make site visits to vendor facilities, offshore assets and other Talos office locations as required.
• Ability to travel without limitation, including airplanes, helicopters, and boats.
• Ability to utilize swing ropes to access platforms offshore as required.
• Ability to move freely on offshore assets, including stairs, ladders and lifting up to 50-lbs, and endure extreme weather conditions and hazardous atmospheres.