Senior Manager Contracts

Role Overview

The Senior Manager Contracts is responsible for autonomously handling all contract and commercial-related activities for assigned development projects, which may be standalone or mixed-use. This role is key in ensuring diligent contract administration from contract award to project completion, protecting the company's financial interests by proactively managing reports, risks, changes, claims, and disputes while facilitating timely and cost-efficient delivery throughout the project lifecycle. The role also provides strategic contract advisory support to project teams and senior leadership while maintaining compliance and strong collaboration across consultants, contractors, and internal departments.

Key Duties

• Oversee contract administration ensuring full compliance with contractual requirements during the entire project duration, acting as client cost controller responsible for cost management until project closure.
• Track and analyze cost trends, cash flow, and budget adherence to deliver projects within authorized limits, preparing monthly cost reports, forecasts, and financial summaries as required.
• Set up and manage an efficient Change Management system aligned with project financials and reporting standards.
• Evaluate the financial implications of design changes, scope adjustments, and scheduling impacts.
• Lead efforts for dispute avoidance and handle dispute resolution during execution phases.
• Review payment requests, offer recommendations, and issue certifications as appropriate.
• Assess and negotiate contractor claims including requests for Extension of Time, ensuring alignment with contract provisions.
• Prepare final accounts and negotiate settlements for successful project close-out.
• Review and formalize contractor and consultant variation submissions, including Requests for Change, coordinating closely with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct commercial negotiations regarding variations and changes, formalizing Variation Orders in strict compliance with contract terms and proper approvals.
• Create and update a cost benchmarking database to facilitate effective cost control.
• Collaborate with project managers, design consultants, contractors, finance, and legal teams, providing senior management and stakeholders with strategic commercial guidance.

Education and Experience

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or an equivalent related discipline.
• Over 15 years of experience managing contracts and commercial activities, ideally within mixed-use or large-scale development projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced knowledge in contract administration and commercial management, including change control across project lifecycles.
• Strong expertise in cost oversight, budget planning, forecasting, cash flow control, and final account preparation.
• Experienced in handling variations, claims, and implementing dispute prevention and resolution strategies.
• Expert negotiator with ability to secure commercially advantageous terms with contractors, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Comprehensive understanding of standard contract forms such as FIDIC and their practical implementation.
• Proactive approach to identifying commercial risks and opportunities for added value.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Effective time management and prioritization capabilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Competency in leveraging AI tools to assist in time management, reporting, presentations, and other project-related tasks.