M&A Manager Upstream

The successful candidate will bring at least 15 years of relevant upstream commercial experience, with a proven record of negotiating with governments, national oil companies and international partners. Direct experience in asset acquisitions, production sharing contracts, concessions, joint operating agreements and farm-in/farm-out transactions is essential. PositionTitle : M&A Manager Upstream Oil & Gas Location : UAE Contracttype : Direct hire (staff) Job Purpose • Handle Mergers & Acquisitions negotiations in Growth Office, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships, ensuring full alignment with the Company s long-term growth strategy and corporate vision. • Lead and support Mergers & Acquisitions contract negotiations, and international business agreements related to upstream Oil and Gas assets acquisitions and terms optimizations. • Ensure value creation, risk mitigation, and commercial alignment across exploration, development, production, and farm-in/farm-out activities while supporting the company s business growth objectives. • Ensure value-driven decision-making across all commercial engagements, contractual frameworks, and fiscal regimes to maximize long-term shareholder value. Responsibilities Commercial, Business Growth Portfolio & Value Assurance Commercial Strategy & Business Growth • Support the VP M&A in developing and executing Mergers & Acquisitions strategies for upstream oil and gas projects. • Evaluate commercial viability of exploration, development, and acquisition opportunities. • Provide commercial input for business plans, investment proposals, and management approvals. • Coordinate with technical, legal, finance, and economic teams to ensure integrated commercial decision-making. International & Commercial Negotiations • Lead and participate in high-value international negotiations with governments, national oil companies (NOCs), joint venture partners, and international oil companies (IOCs). • Lead negotiations for upstream Asset Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, partnerships, and key Joint Ventures commercial contracts, including Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Technical Service Contracts (TSCs), and offtake agreements. • Contribute in the negotiation and optimize financial terms of any new acquisition to enhance company financial performance and value realization over the medium to long term. • Negotiate and finalize key upstream agreements and M&A, including: • New Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) • Concession and license agreements • Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) • Farm-in / Farm-out agreements • Gas sales agreements and crude lifting arrangements; ensuring effective coordination with Marketing Department. • Ensure negotiations optimize commercial terms while maintaining long-term strategic relationships. Contract Management & Governance • Lead contract structuring, and Mergers & Acquisitions risk assessments across all new business growth initiatives to ensure competitive and resilient commercial outcomes. • Oversee commercial and contractual aspects throughout the contract lifecycle, from negotiation to execution and amendments. • Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, fiscal terms, and local regulatory frameworks. • Support dispute avoidance and resolution related to commercial terms and partner agreements. • Coordinate with legal teams on contract drafting, review, and interpretation. Market & Economic Analysis • Monitor global upstream market trends, fiscal regimes, and competitive landscapes. • Conduct and review economic modelling, sensitivity analysis, and risk assessments for upstream projects. • Benchmark commercial terms against industry standards and peer projects. Stakeholder & Partner Management • Maintain effective relationships with international partners, government entities, and internal stakeholders. • Represent the company in steering committees, joint venture meetings, and commercial forums. • Align partner expectations with corporate commercial and strategic objectives. Legal & Compliance • Ensure full compliance with all relevant local, regional, and international laws, regulations, and industry standards applicable to Growth Office Department. • Work closely with Legal and Compliance teams to interpret and implement contractual, regulatory, and statutory requirements. • Oversee adherence to commercial agreements and company policies. • Manage responses to regulatory audits, inspections, and investigations. • Promote a culture of ethical conduct and corporate governance within the Growth Office teams and partners. • Identify and mitigate legal and compliance risks related to commercial activities. Conference & External Representation • Represent the company at global industry conferences, international negotiations panels, and strategic forums. • Share insights and showcase leadership in commercial excellence. • Leverage external networks to update internal growth strategy Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor s Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or Law The minimum years of experience required Minimum 15 years of experience in Petroleum Contracts, international negotiation and commercial skills; Understanding of economics, commercial & negotiation subjects.