Contracts & Commercial Manager

General Description of Role and Responsibilities:

• Manage the implementation and administration of contract requirements throughout the contract period.
• Support the review of contractual notices and claims and provide contractual advice to the engineering and project teams in the administration of construction contracts.
• Liaise with Client representatives, Project Management & Supervision Consultants, and Contractors on all contractual and commercial matters.
• Review contract documents to ensure consistency and minimize ambiguities and commercial risks.
• Maintain and communicate the Risk Register related to commercial and contractual matters with the client team and consultants.
• Identify and manage commercial risks by advising the client on potential claims, estimated impacts, and mitigation measures to avoid disputes.
• Administer ongoing contracts, including monitoring contractor and consultant compliance with contractual obligations.
• Prepare contractual correspondence and maintain records to support effective contract administration.
• Manage contract changes and prepare variation orders and supporting documentation.
• Oversee the Change Management process, including initiating credit change orders where applicable.
• Coordinate contract close-out activities to ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled prior to final payments.
• Ensure contractual procedures and controls are consistently implemented and maintained.
• Review contractor claims in accordance with contract conditions and protect the Client’s commercial interests.
• Ensure all warranties, bonds, insurances, guarantees, and related contractual documents are valid, maintained, and compliant with Client requirements.
• Support contract close-out processes, including preparation of outstanding item lists, withheld amounts, and taking-over certificates.
• Maintain Engineers’ Instructions, Variation Orders, and Claims Logs.
• Assist in the preparation of Monthly Progress Reports.
• Provide support on contractual and commercial matters to project teams and stakeholders.
• Review and validate consultant and contractor interim and final payment applications from a commercial perspective, including rates, retention, taxes, back-charges, and compliance with contract terms.
• Coordinate with Estimation and Project Controls teams regarding the contractual implications of changes and variations.
• Organize and participate in commercial meetings and prepare meeting minutes where required.
• Ensure compliance with Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health policies, procedures, and standards within Hill International.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager or client department head.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or equivalent.
• Minimum of 12–15 years of relevant experience, including strong experience in contracts and commercial management on major construction projects.
• International experience is preferred.
• Membership in RICS, CIOB, or equivalent professional body is desirable.
• Strong understanding of FIDIC forms of contract, particularly Design & Build contracts.
• Good knowledge of contractual and commercial practices, including claims and change management.
• Strong communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work effectively within project teams.
• Arabic-speaking candidate is desirable with excellent written and spoken English skills.