Head of Contracting
About the job
- A Master's, MBA, or Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- At least 12 years of experience in Contract Management, Commercial Management, Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience managing complex and high-value commercial contracts.
- Proven experience leading contract negotiations with strategic suppliers and contractors.
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Analytical problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Lead the Contracting function and define contracting strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Drive contractual risk management and ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements.
- Advise Executive Management, Procurement, Legal, Operations, Finance, and Project teams on contractual and commercial matters.
- Oversee contracting activities and support the delivery of business and operational requirements.
- Define and implement the contracting strategy in alignment with business objectives.
- Ensure effective governance, policies, procedures, and contracting standards.
- Provide strategic contractual and commercial advice to management.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, commercial, legal, and operational risks.
- Ensure compliance with Company policies, delegated authorities, and applicable regulations.
- Support audits and governance reviews.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Contracting team.
- Manage performance, resource allocation, succession planning, and capability development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive process standardization, efficiency improvements, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Develop contracting templates, playbooks, and best practices.
- Monitor performance through KPIs and reporting.
- Experience in the Oil & Gas, Energy, Mining, Infrastructure, or industrial sectors.
- World Commerce & Contracting (WCC/IACCM) certification.
- Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification.
- Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) certification.
About the company
Assala Energy manages onshore oil and gas assets in Gabon, including five operated and four non-operated fields, a domestic pipeline network, and the Gamba Sud export terminal. It increases production by redeveloping mid-life and mature assets through disciplined investment and efficient operations, with production around 40,000 barrels per day in mid-2023. The company differentiates itself by acquiring mid-life assets, leveraging experienced leadership from the Shell transition and Carlyle-backed backing, and pursuing a scaled onshore platform. Its goal is to unlock further value in Gabon's onshore fields and to build a leading Gabonese onshore operator, with Maurel & Prom acquisition to create a larger platform.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Founded
2017
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- April 16, 2026 first oil at Grand N’Gongui adds a new production leg.
- Assala reported 57,000 barrels per day in December 2025, up 26.6%.
- Gunvor financed the 2024 acquisition, signaling continued backing for Gabon’s expansion plan.
What critics are saying
- State control after the 2024 GOC takeover ties Assala to Gabon’s fiscal politics.
- Mature fields still decline without constant capex; Grand N’Gongui delays hit 2026 output.
- A 2027 Gabon policy shift or expropriation dispute would cripple cash generation.
What makes Assala Energy unique
- Assala runs Gabon’s core onshore infrastructure, including fields, pipelines, and Gamba Sud.
- Its edge is rejuvenating mature assets through appraisal, redevelopment, and life-extension drilling.
- June 2024 GOC ownership anchors local political access unavailable to foreign operators.
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