Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Company: Sembol İnşaat
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Civil Construction & Engineering

Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to lead contract administration and commercial governance across major civil construction projects in Abu Dhabi. The role focuses on safeguarding contractual rights, managing claims and variations, mitigating risks, and ensuring successful commercial outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract Administration & Compliance

• Review and interpret contract conditions (FIDIC and bespoke agreements).

• Ensure project teams understand contractual obligations, liabilities, and risk exposure.

• Monitor compliance with contractual requirements such as notices, approvals, timelines, and documentation.

• Protect the company’s contractual position by maintaining accurate records and correspondence.

2. Claims & Variations Management

• Lead the preparation and submission of Variation Orders (VO), Extension of Time (EOT), and cost/prolongation claims.

• Ensure claims are supported by proper documentation including site records, reports, and communications.

• Negotiate claims with clients and consultants to achieve fair entitlement and protect project margins.

3. Contractual Risk Management

• Identify risks related to payment terms, liquidated damages, bonds, warranties, and liabilities.

• Develop mitigation strategies during pre-contract and execution phases.

• Review subcontract agreements to ensure back-to-back alignment with main contract obligations.

4. Commercial Controls & Project Support

• Collaborate with Quantity Surveying and Commercial teams on cost control and monthly CVR analysis.

• Review procurement packages to ensure contractual safeguards are in place.

• Provide contractual guidance to Project Managers on correspondence and dispute matters.

5. Dispute Resolution

• Lead dispute avoidance and resolution through negotiation, mediation, or formal proceedings if required.

• Coordinate with legal advisors on complex contractual matters.

• Ensure final account settlement and timely release of retention.

6. Client & Consultant Interface

• Manage high-level contractual communications with clients, consultants, and PMCs.

• Participate in commercial, progress, and dispute resolution meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Law, or a related field.

• Minimum 10+ years of experience as a Contracts Manager within the civil construction sector.

• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts and UAE construction regulations.

• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple contracts in fast-paced project environments.

• High attention to detail with strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Proficiency in contract management tools and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

About the Company
Sembol İnşaat is an internationally recognized construction firm known for delivering complex, large-scale projects across multiple regions. The company has built a reputation for engineering excellence, iconic developments, and executing challenging works within strict budget and schedule requirements.