Senior Manager - Contracts and Commercial

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Contract Manager is responsible for managing the lifecycle of engineering and construction-related contracts for CAPEX programmes and strategic infrastructure projects.

The role ensures contracts are administered in accordance with approved governance frameworks, delegated authority, contractual requirements and regulatory obligations to support timely project delivery, commercial compliance and effective risk management.

The role supports the integration of contract management with project planning, scheduling, invoicing and financial control processes by providing contractual and commercial expertise, monitoring performance and recommending actions to support informed decision-making and successful project delivery.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle within the approved governance framework and delegated authority.
• Ensure all contracts comply with internal governance policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (e.g., FIDIC).
• Maintain and recommend improvements to contract templates and terms in alignment with the approved commercial framework.
• Provide technical guidance on the application of contract management practices, contract standards and FIDIC provisions across Planning & Development projects.
• Manage contractual correspondence, including preparation, review, and issuance of notices, claims, variations, and formal communications.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all contractual documentation, communications, and decisions.
• Project Planning, Scheduling & Integration:
• Collaborate closely with project planning teams to align contract conditions with project schedules and milestones.
• Review and validate contractor baseline programs, progress schedules, recovery plans and contractual schedule impacts.
• Ensure contractual obligations are linked to project timelines, deliverables, and performance milestones.
• Support delay analysis, extension of time (EOT) assessments, and impact evaluations from a contractual standpoint.
• Provide commercial and contractual input during project planning and feasibility stages.
• Vendor & Project Performance Management:
• Oversee contractor and vendor performance against contractual obligations, KPIs, and service level agreements.
• Monitor progress, quality, and compliance of contractors across CAPEX and infrastructure projects.
• Lead performance reviews, identify gaps, recommend and coordinate corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure contractors meet project timelines, technical requirements, and commercial conditions.
• Invoicing, Payment Certification & Financial Control:
• Review, validate, and certify contractor invoices in line with contract terms, project progress, and approved milestones.
• Ensure accurate measurement, valuation of works, and verification of variations and claims.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely processing of payments and alignment with cash flow projections.
• Monitor contract budgets, track commitments, and control cost variations.
• Support financial forecasting, cost reporting, and budget management for all assigned projects.
• Risk Management & Contractual Disputes:
• Identify, assess and recommend mitigation measures for contractual and commercial risks, escalating significant risks to the line manager throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage the preparation, evaluation and negotiation of claims and variations and escalate critical cases to line manager.
• Coordinate and support complex dispute resolution, escalating high-value disputes to the Senior Director.
• Coordinate with Legal and Procurement teams on complex contractual issues and dispute strategies.
• Provide expert advice on contract interpretation, risk allocation, and liability exposure to support management decision-making.
• Negotiation & Commercial Strategy:
• Lead contract negotiations with contractors, consultants, and suppliers, within delegated authority and support strategic negotiations led by the Senior Director where required, to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.
• Implement approved negotiation strategies to manage costs, reduce risks, and protect organizational interests.
• Evaluate bids, tender submissions, and commercial proposals to ensure best value for money.
• Support procurement processes by providing commercial insights and contract structuring expertise.
• Internal Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Finance, Legal, Procurement, Engineering, and Project Management.
• Ensure alignment of contract deliverables with approved project objectives and operational priorities.
• Act as an advisor to senior management on contractual, commercial, and financial matters.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal and external stakeholders.
• Governance, Reporting & Compliance:
• Prepare and maintain MIS reports, dashboards, and trackers for contract performance, risks, and financial status.
• Ensure timely submission of reports to support decision-making, and executive oversight.
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring full compliance with governance standards.
• Maintain transparency, accountability, and proper documentation across all contract-related activities.
• Budgeting and Commercial Support:
• Support the Senior Director of Planning & Development in cost estimation, budgeting, and financial planning.
• Provide commercial analysis and recommendations to optimize project costs and returns.
• Monitor contract financial performance and recommend corrective actions to the Senior Director.
• Back-up & Business Continuity:
• Support business continuity by serving as a backup for relevant functions/tasks and ensuring seamless service delivery during absences, peak periods, or unforeseen disruptions and as requested by the line manager.QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLSEducational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., MRICS, PMP, CCM) is an advantage.

Required Experience

Minimum 7-9 years of experience in contract management within infrastructure, construction, or CAPEX-intensive environments.

Proven experience in government, semi-government, or master developer environments is highly preferred.

Other

Requirements

• Technical

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of international contract standards (e.g., FIDIC).
• Expertise in project planning and scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project).
• Advanced understanding of cost management, invoicing, and financial controls.
• Proficiency in contract administration, claims management, and dispute resolution.
• Core Skills & Behavioral

Competencies

• Negotiation Excellence: Strong ability to manage complex commercial negotiations and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess risks, interpret contract clauses, and provide commercial recommendations.
• Attention to Detail: High accuracy in reviewing contracts, financials, and technical documentation.
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to guide teams, influence stakeholders, and facilitate decision-making.
• Communication

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to resolving disputes and mitigating risks.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Timely execution and closure of contracts
• Percentage adherence to project budgets and cost control targets
• Reduction in contractual disputes and claims exposure
• Accuracy and timeliness of invoice certification and payments
• Vendor performance and compliance rates
• Effectiveness in achieving commercial value through contract negotiations.