Procurement & Contracts Manager

HAYS are delighted to be working in partnership with the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) on this vacancy. The Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) is delivering a first-of-its-kind project that will transform the UK's industrial heartlands and fast track the nation's journey to net zero. NEP is building the onshore and offshore infrastructure needed to transport collected CO₂ from carbon capture projects across Teesside and the Humber - collectively known as the East Coast Cluster - for permanent, secure storage deep beneath the North Sea.

As the UK's first CO2 transportation and storage network, NEP's infrastructure will help the country's most carbon-intensive regions capture and store emissions. This will protect existing industries, attract new low-carbon investment, create thousands of skilled jobs, and establish the UK as a global leader in carbon capture and storage (CCS). Following financial close in December 2024 for the Teesside transport and storage system, NEP is moving into construction, with first operations expected in 2029. The next phase focuses on the Humber Carbon Capture Pipeline (HCCP), which will expand the network with new onshore pipelines to transport CO₂ from industrial projects in the Humber region to our offshore stores.

Your new role: You will lead all contracting and procurement activity for the Humber Onshore Major Capital Project and wider expansion programme. The focus will be on delivering robust strategies, compliant processes, and strong commercial outcomes.

• Developing contracting and procurement strategies aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Leading end‑to‑end procurement activity, from strategy and tendering to evaluation, negotiation, contract award, and supplier performance.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to manage commercial risk.
• Embedding procurement processes, policies, and systems suitable for a growing organisation.
• Managing governance, reporting, compliance, and performance metrics.
• Supporting dispute resolution and sensitive commercial negotiations.
• Building and maintaining effective supplier relationships, driving value and performance.
• Advising project managers and senior stakeholders on commercial and contractual matters.
• Identifying opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and deliver better outcomes.

What you will need to succeed: To succeed, you will hold a professional procurement or supply chain qualification such as CIPS or MCIPS, along with a relevant degree or equivalent experience. You will bring experience managing contracting and procurement for major capital projects in sectors such as energy or infrastructure, along with proven capability in full‑cycle procurement and contract management. You will have strong commercial acumen and good knowledge of UK procurement law and compliance requirements.

You will be confident engaging senior stakeholders, regulators, shareholders, and suppliers, using data and market insight to inform decisions. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential. Experience in carbon capture, energy transition, regulated infrastructure, or large‑scale construction projects would be beneficial, as would experience managing sensitive negotiations or contractual disputes.

You will be pragmatic, solutions‑focused, collaborative, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast‑moving environment, with a commitment to integrity, fairness, transparency, and the organisation's values of Safety, Care, Integrity, Collaboration, and Accountability.

What you will get in return: You will have the opportunity to build and lead a key function within an expanding organisation delivering significant regional infrastructure. You will work with senior leadership, influence commercial decision making, and contribute to a programme with long‑term impact. The role offers the scope to shape processes, drive efficiency, and create a high‑performing procurement capability. On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, a full-time permanent contract and flexible and hybrid working options.

NEP offers the opportunity to work on an exciting, nationally significant net-zero project alongside talented and dedicated professionals. NEP values - Safety, Care, Integrity, Collaboration and Accountability - guide everything they do. NEP provides a safe, inclusive workplace, supportive culture and opportunities to build a rewarding career.