Debbie Yellow-Duke
@debbieyellow-duke
Experienced legal and commercial contracts manager driving risk-aware negotiations and operational efficiency.
United KingdomWhat I'm looking for
I am a results-driven Legal and Commercial Contracts Manager with over 15 years' experience in contract lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and commercial negotiations. I bring deep sector experience in oil & gas, consulting, and professional services.
Throughout my career I have drafted, reviewed, and negotiated complex agreements (MSAs, NDAs, amendments) and advised senior leadership on contractual risk and compliance. I hold an LL.M, an MBA, and am a Certified Contract Management Expert (CCM).
I have led high-value portfolio management—overseeing $50M+ geophysical service contracts and $30M+ bids—implemented standardized templates and workflows to reduce approval times and disputes, and delivered measurable cost savings.
I mentor commercial teams, develop training programs, and streamline CLM processes to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and protect revenue. I seek roles where I can apply commercial acumen to drive compliance, profitability, and scalable contract operations.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Contracts Manager
Axiom Global Limited
Nov 2023 - Present (2 years)
Lead end-to-end contract lifecycle management including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating MSAs, NDAs and amendments while advising senior leadership on contractual risk and streamlining processes to reduce turnaround time.
Legal & Contracts Director
DEMSHYD Consulting Limited
Oct 2016 - Jan 2022 (5 years 3 months)
Negotiated high-value contracts securing favourable terms to increase profitability, led compliance initiatives with standardized templates and risk protocols, and mentored commercial teams to enhance contract capabilities.
SPContracts Manager
Schlumberger Oilfield UK Plc
Feb 2014 - Sep 2015 (1 year 7 months)
Managed $50M+ geophysical service contracts across Europe & Africa, conducted post-award audits to identify cost-saving opportunities, and collaborated with business functions to resolve disputes and reduce litigation risk.
Marine Contracts Manager
WesternGeco Limited
Sep 2012 - Jan 2014 (1 year 4 months)
Negotiated marine acquisition contracts balancing client needs and company risk, and developed operations training programs on contractual liabilities that reduced breaches.
Contracts Manager
Schlumberger Nigeria Limited
Aug 2008 - Aug 2012 (4 years)
Led tender evaluations and drafted exceptions for $30M+ bids in Nigeria and Gulf of Guinea, designed contract management workflows that reduced approval times and ensured alignment with corporate standards.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
NSNigerian Law School
Barrister-at-Law (B.L), Law
Completed the Barrister-at-Law professional qualification (B.L) required for admission to the Nigerian Bar.
UNUniversity of Nigeria
Bachelor of Laws, Law
Completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree covering core legal subjects and foundational legal skills.
RURobert Gordon University
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration
Completed a Master of Business Administration program emphasizing strategic management and commercial leadership.
IACCM / World Commerce & Contracting
Certified Contract Management Expert (CCM), Contract Management
Obtained Certified Contract Management Expert (CCM) certification in contract management best practices.
ULUniversity of Leicester
Master of Laws, Law
Completed a Master of Laws (LL.M) program focusing on advanced legal principles and research.
Availability
Location
United KingdomAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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