Senior Contract Manager

Hitachi Vantara Corporation; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global transportation firm is seeking a Senior Contract Manager to provide legal and contract support in Abu Dhabi. This role involves managing complex contracts, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with local laws. Ideal candidates will have at least 12 years of experience in contract management and a strong legal background. Knowledge of Arabic is preferred. This position offers competitive benefits and the opportunity to work in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience as a Contract Manager in an international environment.
• Strong contractual or legal background or experience.
• Fluency in English and excellent drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and contractual support to bids and projects.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial contracts.
• Coordinate legal matters with other Hitachi Rail units.

Skills

Contract management

Legal support

Negotiation

Communication

Influencing

Education

Relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‑edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‑cultural strength of our global organization to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Job Description

Hitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic, self‑motivated Senior Contract Manager (SCM) who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. The SCM will be based in Abu Dhabi – UAE and will provide legal and contract support. The role requires close collaboration with Legal & Contracts (L&C) of the region, BLs and GPMs involved in the Rail Transportation business in the UAE. The SCM is part of the L&C team of the Middle East Region and reports to the UAE Lead, who in turn reports to the Legal & Contracts Director.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Be one of the main points of contact for providing legal and contractual support to all bids and projects relating to Hitachi Rail in the UAE and drive contractual actions that contribute to Hitachi Rail profitability and internal targets, with a particular focus on cash‑flow enhancement.
• Review bids and draft, negotiate and manage complex commercial contracts to be addressed by Hitachi Rail BLs / LoBs or the local Hitachi Rail entities in Middle East countries.
• Vast experience (without limitation) with turnkey contracts (e.g., FIDIC), supply contracts, subcontracts, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, etc.
• In this context:
  • (a) Conceive, draft, negotiate and implement contractual and legal solutions fit for the context of the business matters to be addressed in the country.
  • (b) Identify legal stakes so that risks are detected, measured and mitigated at the stages of winning the contracts and throughout contract performance monitoring and follow‑through.
• Prepare the risk and opportunities register, identify, quantify, allocate responsibilities and manage risk mitigation in close cooperation with other stakeholders of the respective bids and projects.
• Coordinate all legal and contractual matters with offshore Hitachi Rail units/BLs/GBUs involved in business in the UAE.
• Prepare, document and update learnings from past negotiations and advise onshore and offshore Hitachi Rail units/BLs/GBUs in any of their direct/indirect negotiations.
• Analyze local laws and regulations to develop local legal expertise in the Middle East countries, such as contract law, company law, public procurement law, etc., and manage the support of external advisors when required.
• Ensure that all documents, licences, registrations, etc. related to Hitachi Rail entities in the UAE are maintained, renewed and updated, and that all necessary liaising in this regard is done with other departments.
• Draft and respond to all commercial and contractual correspondence and involve the respective Hitachi Rail units/BLs/GBUs where necessary.
• Provide contractual input/advice in project coordination meetings and progress meetings.
• Formulate and present commercial reports to senior management on all activities involving the legal and contract function for Hitachi Rail in the UAE.
• Be part of any legal actions initiated in the UAE in Hitachi Rail’s interest.
• Support the regional L&C team as and when requested.
• Contribute to reinforcing the position of Hitachi Rail entities in Middle East countries towards partners, suppliers and customers by providing secured legal solutions in all business relationships (e.g., teaming/consortium agreements, JV agreements, etc.).
• Ensure that Hitachi Rail instructions, rules and policies are duly applied.

Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of professional experience as a Contract Manager providing support to a project in an international environment.
• Strong contractual or legal background or experience (e.g., in‑house lawyer or solicitor) is a considerable benefit, as is rail experience.
• Ability to communicate, influence and operate effectively at all levels, gaining confidence and respect; autonomous, teamwork capable; maintain excellent relationships internally and externally while protecting the commercial integrity of Hitachi Rail.
• Fluent in English; excellent drafting in English.
• Reading and writing in Arabic is preferred.

Qualification, Certification, Preferred Skills & Educational Requirements

• Demonstrate high motivation and enthusiasm.
• Excellent team‑player ability and good inter‑personal skills with the ability to influence decisions.
• Flexibility and adaptability (especially to various environments and countries); provide advice and take decisions on a wide range of contractual and legal issues and systems.
• Ability to interact with senior management (GPM, Country Director, units providing solutions, regional and corporate support functions and get consensus).

HSE Responsibilities

• Take care of your own safety and the safety of others as far as practicable.
• Be aware of and play an active role in achieving Hitachi Rail HSE policy & objectives.
• Comply with local HSE laws and legislation.
• Use safety equipment (including PPE) as required and intended.
• Lead by example and actively encourage departments to look at ways to conserve water & energy, minimise waste generation and encourage recycling.
• Everyone within Hitachi Rail has the right to stop work if they believe that their activities may affect their health and safety or that of others. In this circumstance such conditions must be reported immediately to their line manager and the HSE department.

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers.

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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