Project Senior Contracts Manager.

Job Title : Senior Contracts Manager.

Role Purpose:

This office-based role supports the Contracts and Commercial Director and Project Teams, focusing on post-contract risk management, change control, and contractual claims. The individual will ensure compliance with contractual obligations, mitigate risks, and manage claims or variations effectively, collaborating with various departments to align strategies and ensure smooth project execution.

Key Activities:

• Review and ensure that all claims are substantiated with proper documentation and evidence.
• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure compliance with contractual terms.
• Monitor the progress of claims and follow up with stakeholders for timely resolution.
• Track and report any potential contractual risks to senior management.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify opportunities for cost savings or improved contract terms.
• Maintain a proactive approach to risk identification and resolution across all projects.
• Develop and implement strategies to minimize potential project delays and financial losses.
• Track and manage all project changes and their impact on timelines and budgets.
• Ensure that change orders are promptly approved and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate coordination between the commercial, legal, and project management teams regarding change management.
• Ensure that all changes are appropriately documented and processed in accordance with contractual agreements.
• Participate in the development of contract templates and best practices.
• Support training and development initiatives for the commercial team on contract and claim management.
• Provide regular updates to senior management regarding the status of claims, risks, and changes.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management and contract administration processes.

Industry / Domain: Construction

Necessary Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of 20 years of experience in contract management or related field.
• In-depth understanding of contract law, including principles of formation, enforcement, and breach of contract.
• Knowledge of contract law, terms, and conditions, particularly in relation to time and cost claims.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and standards, ensuring contracts comply with legal requirements
• Expertise in advanced negotiation strategies and techniques to achieve favorable contract terms.
• Understanding of the processes for preparing, submitting, and negotiating contractual claims with clients and subcontractors.
• Familiarity with managing external consultants for claims and coordinating claims meetings and reports.
• Strong understanding of the documentation and processes needed for effective claims management.
• Expertise in risk management practices, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.
• Understanding of risk registers, reporting tools, and the process of preparing risk management reports.
• Knowledge of opportunity management and how to capitalize on potential opportunities to benefit the project.
• Comprehensive understanding of the change control process, including the assessment of project variations and their impact on time and cost.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project teams to resolve delays and manage variations.
• Knowledge of commercial reporting, particularly in relation to change control and variations.
• Proficient in managing and mentoring a commercial team, ensuring their tasks are completed efficiently and within deadlines.
• Ability to coordinate and provide guidance to the team on contracts, claims, risk management, and change control.
• Knowledge of project implementation practices, including overseeing the introduction of new systems or tools such as A-Site.
• Familiarity with the importance of process adherence and how it supports successful project outcomes.
• A well-rounded understanding of commercial and contract management within the construction and project industries.

Familiarity with legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) to stay updated on relevant laws and regulations.

Education and Certification Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Quantity Surveying or related field.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration or Quantity Surveying or related field is preferred.
• Relevant qualifications such as industry-specific certifications (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB, MCIArb).

Job Specific Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in contract management systems and tools for tracking, reporting, and managing contracts.
• Good client and consultant facing skills and proficient at contractual letter writing.
• Ability to oversee and manage complex projects, ensuring the team delivers according to contract terms and business goals.
• Ability to analyze contract performance data and metrics to inform decision-making and identify trends.
• Skills in budget management and financial forecasting, enabling the assessment of contract cost implications and profitability.
• Proficiency in using risk management software to identify, evaluate, and mitigate contractual risks.
• Ability to draft clear and concise contract documents, amendments, and correspondence.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word for drafting contracts, Excel for financial analysis and data management, and PowerPoint for presentations.
• Skills in creating compelling presentations to communicate contract terms and strategic insights to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) to facilitate communication with team members and stakeholders.