Contracts Manager

Parsons; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons in Abu Dhabi is seeking a seasoned Contracts Manager to oversee contractual and commercial aspects of large international projects. You will ensure compliance, manage variations and claims, and support the project team through all phases.

The role requires 15+ years in prime contract administration on major projects with UAE/GCC exposure, fluent English, and strong writing/negotiation skills. MRICS/MCIArb/PMP is a plus; in-person interviews in Abu Dhabi will be arranged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related Engineering field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in prime contract administration on large international projects.
• Solid experience with FIDIC-based contracts or other international standard forms.
• Fluent English with strong contractual and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage pre- and post-contract activities ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Administer main contracts, subcontracts and consultancy agreements.
• Review contract terms, identify risks and recommend mitigations.
• Lead variations and change orders with project controls and technical teams.
• Prepare and track contractual correspondence with clients and contractors.
• Interpret contractual provisions and advise on rights and obligations.
• Collaborate with project controls and finance to align commercial and schedule goals.
• Monitor performance against time, cost, and quality requirements.

Skills

Contract management

English proficiency

Negotiation

Documentation handling

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying or related Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Contract management systems

Job description

Job Description:

Contracts Manager

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Parsons is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Contracts Manager to join our team! In this role you will be responsible for managing all contractual and commercial aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with contract terms, effective administration of variations and claims, and robust support to the project team throughout all project phases.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Managing all pre- and post-contract activities ensuring full compliance with contractual requirements and company procedures.
• Administering main contracts, subcontracts, and consultancy agreements, including monitoring obligations, deliverables, and key milestones.
• Reviewing and providing advice on contract terms and conditions, identifying potential risks, ambiguities, and deviations, and recommending mitigation measures.
• Managing variations and change orders from initial notification through evaluation, negotiation, and agreement, in coordination with project controls and technical teams.
• Preparing, reviewing, and tracking contractual correspondence with the client, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure clear and timely communication.
• Supporting the project team in interpreting contractual provisions and advising on contractual rights, obligations, and strategies.
• Collaborating with project controls and finance teams to align contractual, commercial, and schedule objectives, including cost control and cash flow.
• Monitoring contractor performance against contractual requirements for time, cost, quality, and compliance, and initiating corrective actions as required.
• Assisting in the preparation, evaluation, and defense of claims, including extensions of time, additional cost, and other contractual entitlements.
• Leading and participating in commercial and contractual negotiations with clients, contractors, and third parties to resolve issues and reach agreements.
• Maintaining comprehensive contract records, logs, and documentation to support transparency, auditability, and effective decision-making.
• Preparing regular reports on contract status, risks, variations, claims, and commercial performance for project and senior management.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying or any related Engineering program from an accredited university.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in prime contract administration and management on large international engineering and construction projects, including senior roles on major construction and infrastructure works, of which at least5 years have been in UAE/GCC with strong familiarity with local contract practices and regulations.
• Solid experience with FIDIC-based contracts or other international standard forms of contract.
• Demonstrated experience in managing variations, claims, and dispute resolution on complex infrastructure or development projects.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, with strong contractual and technical writing and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills with experience in using contract and commercial management tools and systems.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to manage concurrent contractual issues and a large volume of documentation in a structured and organized manner.
• Ability to attend in-person interviews in Abu Dhabi.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Professional certification such as MRICS, MCIArb, PMP, or equivalent is an advantage.
• Experience working on major urban development, infrastructure or mixed-use projects or similar master-planned developments.
• Experience in producing detailed commercial and contractual reports, dashboards and risk registers to support decision-making and ensure compliance.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards of accuracy, attention to detail and professionalism.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills to address and resolve complex contractual and commercial issues promptly.
• Experience with project management software and contract/claims management systems for seamless integration with project controls and reporting.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.