Contract Negotiator

Company Description

Vitol is the world’s largest independent energy and commodities trading company. Every day we use our expertise and logistical networks to distribute energy around the world, efficiently and responsibly. From 40 offices worldwide, we seek to add value across the energy supply chain, including deploying our scale and market understanding to help facilitate the energy transition. To date, we have committed over $1 billion of capital to renewable projects and are identifying and developing low-carbon opportunities around the world.

Our people are our business. Talent is precious to us and we create an environment in which individuals can reach their full potential, unhindered by hierarchy. Our team comprises more than 65+ nationalities and we are committed to developing and sustaining a diverse work force. Learn more about us here.

This Role is located in Houston, TX - In office 5x a week

Job Description

As a Contract Negotiator, you will be responsible for leading the negotiation, drafting, and management of a wide range of complex commercial contracts, specifically ISDA Master Agreements and NAESB Base Contracts, within the energy and commodities sector. You will collaborate closely with legal, commercial, compliance, credit, tax, accounting and operations teams to ensure contracts align with company objectives, mitigate risks, and comply with all relevant regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

- Negotiate, draft, and review complex commercial agreements related to energy trading, including ISDA Master Agreements (including Credit Support Annexes) and NAESB Base Contracts.

- Review and negotiate ancillary trading documentation, including EEI, natural gas storage and transportation agreements, and other industry-standard agreements, as required.

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Legal, Compliance, Commercial, Credit, Risk, Operations) to ensure contracts meet business and regulatory requirements.

- Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks, proposing practical solutions to protect company interests.

- Maintain accurate records of all contracts and correspondence in the company’s contract management system.

- Stay current on legal, regulatory, and market developments impacting energy contracts.

- Support the development and continuous improvement of contract templates and negotiation playbooks.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, or a related field; JD or equivalent legal qualification preferred.

- Minimum 5 years’ experience negotiating and managing contracts in the energy, commodities, or related sectors; in-house experience at a trading house or energy company preferred.

- Deep understanding of derivatives, physical and financial trading, and associated risk management concepts.

- Strong understanding of contract law, energy markets, and regulatory frameworks.

- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management systems.

- Detail-oriented with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

Work Environment

- This job operates in a professional office environment. Because of the collaborative, fast-paced, and high energy nature of our business, Vitol requires team members to work from our fully-equipped office.

- Team management: lead by example (on duty…), non-political style (Vitol and his team before his own interests) and a high level of personal integrity

- Business and user focus (no “IT for IT” spirit)

- Thinking solution and not problem

- Highly responsive, energetic and enthusiastic

- Capable of prioritizing tasks and meeting critical deadlines

- Excellent judgment, attention to details

- Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing

- Ease with Follow The Sun (FTS) organization

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.