Strategic Contracting Specialist
Talos EnergyStrategic 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 su…