Contracts Engineer

SML Engineering & Contracting; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

SML Engineering & Contracting is seeking a Senior Contracts Engineer to support contractual and commercial management on construction projects in Abu Dhabi. You will administer main contracts, manage claims and variations, draft formal notices, and maintain robust contractual controls throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering/Construction Management with 10+ years in contract administration, strong FIDIC knowledge, and proficiency in MS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in construction contract administration.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts; experience with claims, variations, EOT, and contractual correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Administer main contracts and subcontracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Prepare and manage variations, claims, extensions of time (EOTs), and contractual notices.
• Draft and issue contractual correspondence and formal notices in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain all contractual registers and documentation, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Review and assess subcontractor claims, payment applications, deductions, and back charges.
• Identify contractual risks and provide commercial solutions to mitigate exposure.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, conditions, and obligations across all project activities.
• Support contract close-out, final accounts, and handover processes.
• Liaise with project management, commercial, and site teams to align contractual matters with delivery.
• Ensure all contractual activities are fully documented and compliant with UAE regulatory requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Contract administration

Claims management

Variations management

EOT/delay management

Subcontract management

Commercial acumen

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Management

Tools

Word

Excel

MS Office

Job description

The Senior Contracts Engineer will support the contractual and commercial management of our construction projects in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will be responsible for administering contracts, managing claims and variations, preparing contractual correspondence, and ensuring effective contractual controls are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer main contracts and subcontracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Prepare and manage variations, claims, extensions of time (EOTs), and contractual notices.
• Draft and issue contractual correspondence and formal notices in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain all contractual registers and documentation, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Review and assess subcontractor claims, payment applications, deductions, and back charges.
• Identify contractual risks and provide commercial solutions to mitigate exposure.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, conditions, and obligations across all project activities.
• Support contract close-out, final accounts, and handover processes.
• Liaise closely with project management, commercial, and site teams to align contractual matters with project delivery.
• Ensure all contractual activities are fully documented and compliant with company procedures and UAE regulatory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in construction contract administration.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts.
• Experience in claims, variations, EOT, and contractual correspondence.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel).
• UAE construction experience is preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong knowledge of contract administration, claims, and variations management.
• Solid understanding of EOT and delay management principles.
• Strong subcontract management and contractual correspondence skills.
• Good commercial acumen with the ability to identify and mitigate contractual risk.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.