Contract Manager

About the Role

A Senior Contracts & Claims Manager is sought to be responsible for the commercial management of a variety of projects within large and medium green or brown field CAPEX schemes (minimum project size/spend of 5 million USD). The role aims to protect client rights and entitlements as provided in contracts, ensure contractors' obligations are fulfilled, optimize value-for-money, reduce contract risks, achieve lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and support on-time, on-schedule, quality, and in-cost project delivery to drive client growth investments.

The position will mitigate risks related to contract creation and execution, identify cost-benefit solutions to complex contractual matters, and lead negotiations with external stakeholders and consultants. The role acts as a commercial expert, collaborating closely with the Global Engineering team (SGIE), local project teams, and other internal or external stakeholders to ensure a unified client approach to suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Project Procurement Execution Strategy:
  • Support the definition of the risk mitigation plan.
  • Participate in the development of contracting strategies.
  • Involve the Cost Control Group and ensure the implementation of cost control systems (e.g., progress measurement, remeasurement, bank guarantees, additional items, claims, cash flow, and back-charges).
  • Analyze contract conditions and assist project management in preparing and executing contracts.
  • Review new tenders and contracts with strategic suppliers.
  • Support the negotiation of major contracts and subcontracts, owning the final review and document preparation with strategic suppliers.
  • Ensure adherence to relevant Procurement & SGIE processes and standards.
• Post Tender Award:
  • Lead contract execution to secure client contractual rights and entitlements.
  • Report contracting plan status and variations to Project & Procurement on a periodic basis.
  • Manage the contracting plan during project execution, commissioning, and evaluation stages, including contractor costs in cooperation with Cost Control.
  • Prepare summaries of key contractual points, deviations, and identified risks for easy identification and resolution.
  • Negotiate and agree on contract extensions and change requests.
  • Coordinate activities such as change orders, delay management, conflict resolution, and preparation for potential litigation, arbitration, or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
  • Monitor and safeguard legal rights as per contract provisions.
  • Manage warranty and performance guarantees of project assets.
  • Ensure all client requirements are met regarding contract review.
  • Coordinate involvement of legal counsel as required.
  • Support arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution procedures.
  • Oversee, manage, and support project commercial teams to optimize project returns.
• Claim Management:
  • Identify opportunities for outgoing claims, develop claim strategies, and support preparation of notifications, correspondence, negotiation, and settlement.
  • Analyze incoming claims, develop defense strategies, and support preparation of responses, negotiation, and settlement.
  • Collect and register all claim-related documentation in the company’s claim repository.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Manage escalation of issues and claims with suppliers.
  • Develop supplier relationships according to expectations per supplier segment.
  • Support supplier relationship management to ensure reliable, high-quality supply.
  • Support supplier performance, compliance, and accountability through scorecards and performance metrics.
  • Conduct periodic commercial audits of main contractors.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Identify and engage with internal stakeholders, including Project Management, Global SGIE, Global Procurement, and Corporate Functions (mainly Legal and Finance).
  • Clarify stakeholder requirements.
  • Drive proactive communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A higher commercial background equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BA), preferably a Master’s degree (MSc/MBA) or equivalent, with a strong technical understanding and knowledge.
• Background in Purchasing, Engineering, Legal, Quantity Surveying, or Cost Consulting.
• Work Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience with major contractors/consultants in roles involving project change procedures, cost management, claims, variations, negotiation, and dispute settlement.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing contract strategies that yield measurable business results.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally in project work and project management.
  • Experience overseeing, sourcing from, or working for EPCMV/EPC contractors.
  • Experience operating at a senior level on major projects or in a Commercial/Claims Manager role within a large construction company.
  • Experience in a regulated industry (e.g., pharmaceutical, food) is advantageous.