Commercial Manager – Drilling Contracts

About the role

We are looking for a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial structuring, analysis, negotiation and execution of drilling‑related contracts for ADNOC Drilling. The role supports the VP Commercial in delivering the company’s commercial strategy and ensures value optimisation, risk management and contractual integrity across all drilling operations and growth initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Support the VP Commercial in implementing ADNOC Drilling’s commercial strategy across drilling contracts, service agreements and related arrangements.
• Translate business and operational requirements into robust contract structures aligned with ADNOC governance and risk appetite.
• Provide commercial input to strategic initiatives, tenders and business development opportunities.
• Lead and support commercial negotiations with clients, partners and suppliers to secure optimal terms.
• Review, draft and negotiate contracts, amendments and frameworks in coordination with Legal and Procurement.
• Conduct detailed commercial, financial and risk analyses to support decision‑making.
• Evaluate pricing models, cost structures, escalation mechanisms, incentives and penalties.
• Identify opportunities to enhance margins, improve cash flow and mitigate commercial exposure.
• Ensure full compliance with ADNOC Group policies, commercial authorities and governance frameworks.
• Manage commercial risks throughout the contract lifecycle, from pre‑award to execution and close‑out.
• Support audits, management reviews and internal assurance processes related to commercial matters.
• Act as a key commercial interface between Operations, Finance, Legal, Procurement and Business Development.
• Provide commercial guidance and mentoring to Commercial Specialists and Officers.
• Prepare high‑quality commercial briefs, approvals and presentations for senior management.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Economics or Law (MBA or professional commercial qualification preferred).
• Minimum 12 years of progressive commercial experience, preferably in oil & gas drilling, energy services or large EPC environments.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation, commercial analysis and complex contractual frameworks.
• Strong understanding of oil & gas drilling commercial models and contract law principles.
• Advanced financial and commercial analysis skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience working within large, regulated organisations with strong governance.

Required skills

• Contract negotiation
• Financial analysis
• Risk assessment
• Pricing model evaluation
• Commercial risk management