Contract Administrator

Talents Tide; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Dubai is seeking a Contracts Administrator to manage contractual aspects of construction projects. You will draft and negotiate subcontract agreements, ensure compliance with the Main Contract, and provide commercial support to the project team. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, along with 7-10 years of experience in contract administration, preferably in the construction industry. Strong knowledge of FIDIC Red Book standards is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in contract administration within the construction industry, preferably with a main contractor.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC Red Book 1987, 1999, and 2017.
• High Rise Residential and Commercial Towers experience is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and finalise subcontract agreements.
• Monitor subcontractor performance against contractual obligations.
• Prepare and issue contractual notices in coordination with the project team.
• Assist in resolving subcontractor claims and disputes.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

Tools

Contract management tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Position Summary

The Contracts Administrator is responsible for managing all contractual aspects of construction projects, with a primary focus on subcontract drafting, negotiation, and administration. The role ensures that all subcontract agreements are aligned with the Main Contract (e.g., FIDIC Red Book 2017), and that subcontractors fulfill their obligations in accordance with legal, technical, and procedural requirements. The Contracts Engineer also provides commercial support to the project team, without direct responsibility for cost control or financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Subcontract Drafting & Administration

• Draft, review, and finalise subcontract agreements, ensuring consistency with the Main Contract and project-specific requirements
• Incorporate flow-down clauses from the Main Contract into subcontracts, including scope, specifications, insurances, warranties, and dispute resolution provisions
• Coordinate with procurement and legal teams to ensure subcontract terms are compliant with company policies and applicable laws
• Maintain a comprehensive register of all subcontract agreements, variations, and correspondence

Subcontractor Management

• Support prequalification, selection, and onboarding of subcontractors
• Monitor subcontractor performance against contractual obligations, including progress, quality, and compliance
• Issue formal notices, instructions, and correspondence to subcontractors in coordination with the site team and project management
• Assist in resolving subcontractor claims, disputes, and variations in collaboration with the Engineer and legal advisors

Contractual Compliance & Support

• Interpret and apply the terms of the Main Contract (e.g., FIDIC Red Book 2017) to ensure project compliance
• Prepare and issue contractual notices (e.g., under Sub-Clause 20.2) in coordination with the project team
• Support the preparation of claims and contractual submissions, including EOTs and disruption claims
• Maintain accurate records of contractual communications, logs, and registers for audit and dispute resolution purposes

Commercial Support

• Assist the commercial team in reviewing subcontractor payment applications and verifying entitlement
• Support the preparation of variation orders and change documentation from a contractual perspective
• Coordinate with planning and quantity surveying teams to ensure alignment between contractual obligations and project execution

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
• 7–10 years of experience in contract administration within the construction industry, preferably with a main contractor
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC Red Book 1987, 1999, and 2017 and subcontracting best practices
• Proficiency in contract management tools and MS Office Suite
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational and documentation abilities
• High Rise Residential and Commercial Towers experience is preferable