Commercial and Contracts Manager

Role Purpose:

Lead the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex contracts across the organization. Ensure contractual compliance, optimize commercial outcomes, mitigate risks, and support strategic business objectives throughout the contract lifecycle. Serve as a key advisor during tendering, project execution, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and review of a wide range of contracts, including EPC, Design & Build, Construction, Framework Agreements, Letters of Award (LOAs), Letters of Intent (LOIs), Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and Consortium Agreements.
• Provide strategic input on contract structures to optimize risk allocation and commercial outcomes.
• Ensure all contractual documents comply with local and international laws, company policies, and Delegation of Authority (DoA).
• Collaborate with internal departments to address contentious clauses and ensure enforceability.
• Participate in tender evaluations, identifying contractual, legal, and commercial risks.
• Coordinate with other contracts units to ensure consistency and alignment across business units.
• Advise on bid strategies and contractual positioning to enhance competitiveness and compliance.
• Develop and maintain Contract Review Sheets (CRS), risk registers, and mitigation plans.
• Lead contract discussions during tender review meetings with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters across Legal, Commercial, Procurement, and Project Management teams.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure contract terms reflect operational realities and strategic objectives.
• Support relationship management with external partners, clients, and joint venture entities during the tendering stage.
• Oversee lifecycle management of contract documentation, ensuring accurate recording and accessibility of pre- and post-clarifications.
• Maintain a robust contract repository with version control and audit readiness.
• Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting contract drafting and execution.
• Ensure timely handover of signed contracts and agreements to the appropriate teams for implementation and monitoring.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on contract status, risk exposure, and strategic opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and reports highlighting key contractual insights and recommendations.
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews by providing necessary documentation and clarifications.
• Mentor junior contract professionals and contribute to best practices in contract formation.
• Participate in post-award reviews and lessons learned sessions to inform future contracting strategies.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field .
• Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in contract management within construction, engineering, or industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex contracts and agreements (EPC, Design & Build, Construction, Framework Agreements, LOAs, LOIs, MoUs, Consortium Agreements).
• Strong understanding of legal frameworks, commercial principles, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in contract management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and developing contract management best practices.