Contracts Manager

The Role
We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our dynamic team in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will oversee the management and administration of contracts related to our civil construction projects, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and successful delivery of project objectives. Contract Administration & Compliance • Reviews contract terms and conditions (FIDIC or bespoke). • Ensures obligations, liabilities, and risks are clearly identified and communicated to project teams. • Controls compliance with contract clauses (notices, approvals, documentation, timelines). Ensures the company never loses rights due to missing notices or poor documentation. 2. Claims & Variations Management (VO / EOT / Cost Claims) • Leads preparation and submission of: o Variation Orders (VO) o Extension of Time claims (EOT) o Cost claims / disruption claims / prolongation • Ensures proper supporting documentation (daily records, progress reports, correspondence). • Negotiates and closes claims with Client/Consultant. Goal: maximize entitlement and protect margin. 3. Contractual Risk Management • Identifies contractual risks (payment terms, LDs, bonds, liquidated damages, warranties). • Proposes mitigation strategies before contract signing and during execution. • Reviews subcontract agreements to ensure "back-to-back" alignment with main contract. 4. Commercial Controls & Project Support • Works closely with QS/Commercial teams on cost control and monthly cost/value reconciliation (CVR). • Reviews major procurement packages to ensure contractual protection. • Provides contractual advice to Project Managers for correspondence and dispute handling. 5. Dispute Resolution • Leads dispute avoidance and resolution (contractual negotiation ? mediation ? arbitration/legal if needed). • Coordinates with external legal counsel when required. • Ensures closure of final account and release of retention. 6. Client / Consultant Interface • Handles high-level contractual communications with Client, Consultant, PMC. • Participates in commercial meetings, progress meetings, and dispute resolution committees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Law, or a related field. - Minimum of 10+ years’ experience as a Contracts Manager in the civil construction industry. - Strong knowledge of civil construction contracts and UAE legal framework. - Excellent negotiation and communication skills. - Proven ability to manage multiple contracts effectively under pressure. - Attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. - Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. - Proficiency in contract management software and MS Office Suite.

About the company
Sembol Inşaat Company, which is well-known in Turkey and abroad by its unique construction facilities and breath-taking projects, is a company, which left a mark in Turkey and abroad historically and conducted activities in different places of the world, erected significant creation of architectural art, carried out complex and challenging projects within allocated budget and time limits.