Technical and Contracts Manager at WTS Energy

Job Summary

• Our Client is seeking a Technical and Contracts Manager to lead the intersection of technical operations and commercial strategy within our upstream marine support business. 
• This dual-mandate role serves as the authoritative technical interface with vessel management partners, crew, and suppliers, while also driving client relationships, contract performance, and growth opportunities. 
• The ideal candidate combines hands-on marine or offshore engineering credibility with the commercial acumen to engage confidently at senior client level, bridging the engine room and the boardroom.

Responsibilities

• Act as Company’s primary technical authority and central liaison with vessel management companies, operators, and on-board management teams.
• Review and monitor vessel technical performance across the fleet, including maintenance schedules, planned maintenance systems (PMS), and dry-dock/special survey programmes.
• Verify that all vessels maintain valid class certificates, statutory surveys, and flag-state compliance at all times.
• Evaluate crewing standards, officer competency, and crew change logistics in coordination with vessel managers and manning agents.
• Review vessel operating budgets (OPEX) and capital expenditure proposals, providing recommendations and approvals within delegated authority.
• Manage technical risk across the fleet, advising executive management on redelivery, replacement, or upgrade decisions.
• Oversee day-to-day marine support operations, monitoring KPIs such as vessel availability, mobilisation turnaround, and bunker consumption.
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture, ensuring compliance with ISM, ISPS, MARPOL, SOLAS, and Nigerian maritime regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in the upstream oil and gas or marine sector, with at least 4 years in technical ship management, vessel operations, or offshore support.
• Solid working knowledge of offshore support vessel (OSV) types, including PSVs, AHTSs, FSOs, crew boats, and barges.
• Proven experience managing vessels under ISM/ISPS frameworks and coordinating with classification societies and flag-state administrations.
• Strong understanding of vessel maintenance systems (PMS), class requirements, statutory surveys, and dry-dock project management.
• Exceptional client relationship management skills, able to engage credibly at C-suite and VP level with major energy companies.
• Strong negotiation skills with a disciplined, outcome-focused approach.
• Willingness to travel offshore and to remote locations as operational requirements demand.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrable sea-going experience or a maritime Certificate of Competency (CoC); background as a ship’s engineer, superintendent, or technical manager is particularly encouraged.
• Experience operating within the Nigerian upstream oil and gas environment, with familiarity of IOC client requirements (e.g., SPDC, TotalEnergies, Chevron, ExxonMobil, NAPIMS/NUPRC).
• Track record of managing complex, high-value service contracts and leading commercial negotiations with sophisticated counterparties.
• Proficiency in contract management systems, ERP platforms, and marine software (e.g., AMOS, ShipManager).
• Working knowledge of financial modelling, budget management, and commercial pricing in a service contract environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, senior role within a growing upstream marine support business.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Exposure to high-level client interactions and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborative and accountable team culture.
• Flexible working arrangements where operational requirements permit.