Interim Contract Manager for Capital Projects and Operations
Senior contracting and procurement capacity from the early project phase through execution and operations. Short or long term, part-time or full-time.
In an interim role I take ownership from the first day, as part of the team rather than alongside it, without losing sight of what the organisation needs after I leave. I pay particular attention to the early phase: it is often under-resourced, while this is where the most important contractual choices are made.
Ernst Rietmeijer
Experienced Capacity at the Moments That Matter
Capacity before the organisation is in place
Contract strategy, package structure and tender documents are needed while budget and a contracts function are not yet in place.
Critical project phase
A project enters tendering, award or execution without senior capacity for contract management, changes and claims.
Sudden vacancy
A key contract manager leaves mid-project: continuity is needed quickly in contract management, changes and claims.
Turnaround or shutdown
Dedicated contracting and contractor coordination for a turnaround or shutdown.
MRO contract renewal
Existing maintenance contracts need restructuring around performance and cost efficiency.
Independent review
A contract strategy or tender approach needs an independent check before a key commitment.
The Right Interim Role for Each Phase, from Early Phase to Operations
From contract strategy in the early phase to supplier performance in operations: the interim role follows the phase the project or asset is in.
In most capital projects the main contracts are tendered in FEL 3, so that firm prices and a fixed budget support the investment decision (FID). Award and contract management follow in execution. Each role can be filled part-time or full-time, for a single phase or across several.
Deliverables in Each Area
Four areas in which contractual and commercial choices shape outcomes, each with concrete deliverables for the project or organisation.
Early Phase Contract Strategy & Procurement Readiness
In the early phase of a project, budget and organisation are often not yet in place, while this is exactly when contract strategy, scope allocation and market approach are decided, before FID or any other investment decision. Bringing senior capacity in early helps the project reach procurement readiness before execution risk is locked in.
Deliverables- Contract strategy
- Package and interface matrix
- Risk allocation principles
- Procurement roadmap
Project Contracting & Contract Management
Mid-sized and major projects alike depend on sound tender execution, commercial alignment and disciplined contract structures. Senior support strengthens project organisations in the phases in which contract structures are set.
Deliverables- Tender plan and evaluation framework
- Commercial bid comparison and negotiation
- Contract management during execution
- Change and claim management
MRO Strategy & Contract Optimisation
In operational environments, the challenge is less about building new structures and more about improving what already exists. The focus is on aligning maintenance and procurement around a clear, workable strategy.
Deliverables- Contract assessment
- Supplier model
- KPI framework
- Improvement roadmap
Contract Governance & Commercial Frameworks
Supporting organisations in developing and strengthening the contractual frameworks that underpin consistent procurement and supplier management, including contract documentation, procurement procedures, supplier evaluation frameworks and governance models for framework agreements and long-term service contracts.
Deliverables- Approval matrix
- Procurement procedures
- Contract templates
- Supplier review framework
How an Interim Assignment Works
Recent Assignments in Practice
As advisor and in senior in-house roles. Details are kept general in line with confidentiality agreements.
Contractual Framework for a Multi-User Pilot & Demonstration Environment
Challenge
An industrial innovation environment in which technology developers, scale-ups and industrial partners run pilot and demonstration projects side by side needed one framework allowing multiple organisations to operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with applicable regulations.
Contribution
Designed the contractual framework, governance model and operating principles, working closely with executive management, legal counsel, engineering and permitting specialists.
Contracting Strategy for a First-of-a-Kind Circular Pyrolysis Plant
Challenge
Construction of an advanced plant converting plastic waste into circular pyrolysis oil, based on a new technology, required a contracting approach suited to a first-of-a-kind project.
Contribution
Developed and executed the contracting strategy for construction, managed the contract processes and led tendering and contractor engagement.
Capex Contracts for Tank Terminal Extensions and Modifications
Challenge
Extensions and modifications at operational (brownfield) tank terminals, where the contracting strategy and execution model must fit live operations, existing assets and tight interfaces.
Contribution
Developed contracting strategies and execution models for several multimillion mechanical, tank and civil projects, including EPC contract development. Managed the contracts through execution with structured change and claim management, keeping budget and schedule under control.
Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts for Tank Terminals
Challenge
Mechanical maintenance at multiple Dutch tank terminals ran on contracts that did not steer on performance or cost efficiency.
Contribution
Renewed the mechanical contracts into performance- and cost-efficiency-driven unit-rate contracts, set up MRO strategies across disciplines, and implemented a contractor and supplier management programme based on contract KPIs.
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