Head of Contracts

Big Fish Consult; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Fish Consult is seeking an experienced Head of Contracts to lead the Contracts function across multiple projects in the UAE. You will oversee pre- and post-contract activities, manage contractual risks, and support project delivery teams throughout the lifecycle.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 12+ years of contracts management experience in construction. Strong knowledge of FIDIC and excellent negotiation and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of contracts management experience within construction or contracting companies.
• Proven experience managing large-scale building, infrastructure, mixed-use, hospitality, or industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC and other standard forms of contract.
• Demonstrated expertise in claims management, dispute resolution, and commercial negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• MEP contracting experience is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS, CIArb, CCM, or equivalent are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Contracts Department across multiple projects.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer client, consultant, subcontractor, and supplier agreements.
• Provide contractual and commercial advice to project and senior management teams.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks and liabilities.
• Lead claims, variations, extension of time submissions, and dispute resolution processes.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, company policies, and applicable regulations.
• Manage subcontract agreements, contract correspondence, and contractual documentation.
• Support tender reviews and advise on commercial and contractual obligations during bid submissions.
• Develop and improve contract management procedures, controls, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop the contracts team to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Contract management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Dispute resolution

Negotiation

FIDIC knowledge

Contract negotiations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Law / QS / Construction Management / Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Head of Contracts to lead the Contracts function for a leading contracting company. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all pre- and post-contract activities, managing contractual risks, ensuring commercial compliance, and supporting project delivery teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Contracts Department across multiple projects.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer client, consultant, subcontractor, and supplier agreements.
• Provide contractual and commercial advice to project and senior management teams.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks and liabilities.
• Lead claims, variations, extension of time submissions, and dispute resolution processes.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, company policies, and applicable regulations.
• Manage subcontract agreements, contract correspondence, and contractual documentation.
• Support tender reviews and advise on commercial and contractual obligations during bid submissions.
• Develop and improve contract management procedures, controls, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop the contracts team to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of contracts management experience within construction or contracting companies.
• Proven experience managing large-scale building, infrastructure, mixed-use, hospitality, or industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC and other standard forms of contract.
• Demonstrated expertise in claims management, dispute resolution, and commercial negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• MEP contracting experience is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS, CIArb, CCM, or equivalent are advantageous.