We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the contractual and commercial management of construction projects throughout the project lifecycle. The role is responsible for overseeing contract administration, managing subcontract agreements, leading contractual correspondence, evaluating claims and variations, mitigating contractual risks, and ensuring full compliance with contractual obligations while protecting the company's commercial interests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contract Management
- Lead the preparation, review, negotiation, and administration of client contracts and subcontract agreements.
- Ensure all contractual documents are properly executed, maintained, and updated throughout the project lifecycle.
- Interpret contract terms and provide contractual guidance to project teams and management.
- Monitor contractual obligations, deliverables, milestones, and compliance requirements.
- Contractual Correspondence
- Oversee the preparation, review, and issuance of contractual letters, notices, and formal correspondence.
- Ensure timely submission of contractual notifications in accordance with contract provisions.
- Manage communications with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and other stakeholders on contractual matters.
- Maintain complete records of contractual correspondence and project documentation.
- Subcontract Management
- Lead the preparation, negotiation, and administration of subcontract agreements and amendments.
- Monitor subcontractor contractual compliance, performance, and obligations.
- Coordinate with Procurement, Commercial, and Project teams throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
- Resolve subcontract-related contractual issues and support commercial negotiations.
- Claims, Variations & Commercial Management
- Lead the preparation, assessment, and negotiation of variation orders, contractual claims, and commercial entitlements.
- Evaluate Extension of Time (EOT) claims and contractual implications.
- Support the review and certification of payment applications and commercial documentation.
- Coordinate with Cost Control, Quantity Surveying, Planning, and Project teams to protect the company's contractual and commercial position.
- Contract Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with contractual terms, company procedures, and project requirements.
- Identify contractual risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and manage contractual exposures.
- Monitor critical contractual deadlines, deliverables, notices, and submissions.
- Support dispute avoidance and resolution through proactive contract management.
- Leadership & Reporting
- Develop and maintain contract registers, risk registers, and contractual status reports.
- Provide regular contractual and commercial updates to senior management.
- Lead and mentor Contracts Engineers and Contract Administrators where applicable.
- Collaborate with Project Management, Planning, Cost Control, Procurement, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure effective contract execution.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10–15 years of experience in contract management within the building construction industry.
- Previous experience managing major building or infrastructure projects is preferred.
Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts, subcontract administration, and commercial management.
- Extensive experience with FIDIC and other standard forms of construction contracts.
- Proven experience managing contractual claims, variation orders, Extension of Time (EOT) claims, and dispute resolution.
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, commercial negotiations, and contract risk management.
- Excellent drafting skills for contractual correspondence, notices, and commercial documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with contract/document management systems is an advantage.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and contractual matters while meeting strict deadlines.