Our client, who own and operate the Fawley refinery, is currently seeking a Contracts Support Engineer to join their commercial team.

The Contracts Support Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, execution, and implementation of contracting strategies across a portfolio of site‑based contracts at a major refinery. The role focuses on maximising commercial value, ensuring effective contract application, and supporting strong contractual performance throughout the full contract lifecycle.

The refinery operates using multiple multi‑discipline contracting organisations that deliver a broad range of maintenance and operational services, including mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, scaffolding, insulation, and associated support trades. The Contracts Support Engineer plays a key role in ensuring these contracts are robust, clearly defined, and effectively managed to support safe, compliant, and efficient refinery operations.

The position works closely with procurement, engineering, maintenance, and operations teams, as well as contractor commercial and management representatives. A strong, working knowledge of the Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P / PtP) process and an understanding of technical maintenance and operations work scopes are essential to ensure compliance, consistency, and value delivery.

Key responsibilities include supporting the development of contracting strategies, ensuring procurement and tender plans align with site priorities and business objectives, and driving continuous improvement in contract scope, structure, and application. Depending on the individual's experience and technical knowledge, the role may provide hands‑on support during tender preparation, supplier qualification, bid evaluation, negotiations, and contract implementation, ensuring contracts are commercially robust and minimise the potential for disputes.

The Contracts Support Engineer also supports change management activities including the preparation of MOC and governance documentation, coordination of contract kick‑off meetings, and delivery of guidance or training to agreement owners. Ongoing support is provided throughout contract execution, including claims analysis, KPI and performance monitoring, contract amendments, and resolution of commercial or operational issues. The role actively contributes to cost improvement initiatives, benchmarking, innovation, and the sharing of best practices across the site and wider contracting network.

Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills, alongside sound commercial judgement and adaptability. Experience in contract or technical writing and project management is desirable but not essential. Ideally, candidates will have exposure to refinery, maintenance, or turnaround environments, with experience of P2P processes, contract implementation, and working with multi‑discipline engineering contractors.

This role is Inside IR35. The rates advertised are PAYE. The rate will be commensurate with the successful candidate's skills, experience, and level of responsibility, and will be benchmarked against comparable roles within the commercial team. Candidates must have a driving license