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Our client is a leading Tier 1 contractor in the GCC region. They have recently been awarded a AED 4billion urban development project and require a corporate contracts manager to be based at their head office.
Contracts Manager
Our client is a leading Tier 1 contractor in the GCC region. They have recently been awarded a AED 4billion urban development project and require a corporate contracts manager to be based at their head office.
Location: Dubai, UAE
Department: Commercial / Contracts
Reports To: Commercial Director / Project Director / General Manager
Manage the full contract lifecycle for construction/engineering projects — from tender and award through execution, variations, claims, and final account close-out — protecting the company's commercial and legal interests while maintaining strong client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Review, draft, and negotiate contracts (FIDIC, NEC, or bespoke UAE forms) prior to award, flagging onerous clauses and commercial risk to senior management.
- Administer contracts throughout the project lifecycle: notices, correspondence, variations, extensions of time (EOT), and claims in accordance with contractual timelines.
- Prepare and submit EOT and loss/expense claims, with supporting programme and cost substantiation.
- Manage subcontractor and supplier contracts, including scope definition, back-to-back terms, and payment certification.
- Monitor compliance with contractual obligations, insurance, bonds, and guarantees (performance bonds, advance payment guarantees, retention).
- Liaise with the QS/commercial team on valuations, payment applications, and final accounts.
- Identify and mitigate contractual risks; escalate disputes and support resolution via negotiation, mediation, adjudication, DIAC/DIFC-LCIA arbitration, or litigation as required.
- Maintain a contract register and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for audit and dispute readiness.
- Liaise with legal counsel, consultants, and clients on contractual matters.
- Support tender preparation, including contract review and risk assessment during bidding.
- Ensure compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law and relevant local regulations (municipality, free zone, or mainland requirements as applicable).
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Law, or a related field (Master's or LLM an advantage).
- 8–15 years' experience in contracts management, with at least 5 years in the UAE/GCC construction sector.
- Strong working knowledge of FIDIC (1999/2017 Red, Yellow, Silver Books) and/or NEC3/NEC4.
- Experience with claims preparation (SCL Protocol, delay analysis methods) is highly desirable.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication (English essential; Arabic an advantage).
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Proficient in contract management software and MS Office (Excel, Word, Project).
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Other Requirements
- UAE driving license
- Willingness to travel between project sites as required.