Senior Contract Manager

Hitachi; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UAE is seeking a Senior Contract Manager responsible for providing legal and contract support for bids and projects. The role requires drafting and negotiating complex contracts while managing risks associated with projects. Ideal candidates have 12+ years of experience in contract management, strong legal knowledge, and excellent communication skills in English, with Arabic being a plus. Join a global organization and contribute to exciting projects in rail transportation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years professional experience as Contract Manager in international projects.
• Fluency in English with excellent drafting skills.
• Reading and writing in Arabic is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and contractual support for bids and projects.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial contracts.
• Prepare and manage the risk and opportunities register.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Legal support

Risk management

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law or related field

Job description

Location:

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job ID:

R0117092

Date Posted:

2026-01-20

Company Name:

HITACHI RAIL STS S.P.A.

Profession (Job Category):

Legal, Compliance & Audit

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

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 organisation 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 who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. The Senior Contract Manager (SCM) shall be based in Abu Dhabi – UAE along with the HITACHI RAIL UAE team and will provide legal and contract support. They will be required to work closely with Legal & Contracts (L&C) of Region, BLs and GPM’s involved in the Rail Transportation business in the UAE. The SCM will be part of the L&C team of the Middle East Region and report to the UAE Lead who will in turn report to the Legal & Contracts Director.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Be the main point of contact for providing legal and contractual support to all bids and projects relating to Hitachi Rail in the UAE and drive contractual actions needed to contribute to profitability and internal targets, with a particular view on cash flow enhancement.
• Review bids; draft, negotiate and manage complex commercial contracts for Hitachi Rail BLs / LoBs or local Hitachi Rail entities in Middle East countries.
• Have vast experience with turnkey contracts (e.g., FIDIC), supply contracts, sub‑contracts, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, etc.
• Conceive, draft, negotiate and implement contractual and legal solutions fit for local business matters.
• Identify legal stakes so that risks are detected, measured and mitigated during contract winning, performance monitoring and follow‑through.
• Prepare the risk and opportunities register; identify, quantify, allocate responsibilities and manage risk mitigation in close cooperation with stakeholders of respective bids and projects.
• Coordinate all legal and contractual matters with offshore Hitachi Rail Units / BLs / GBUs involved in the UAE business.
• Prepare, document and update learnings from past negotiations and advise onshore and offshore units in their direct/indirect negotiations.
• Analyse local laws and regulations to develop local legal expertise in the Middle East and manage external advisors when required.
• Ensure all documents, licences, registrations, etc., related to Hitachi Rail entities in the UAE are maintained, renewed and updated; liaise with other departments as necessary.
• Draft and respond to all commercial and contractual correspondence and involve the respective units/GBUs when necessary.
• Provide contractual input/advice in project coordination meetings and progress meetings.
• Formulate and present commercial reports to senior management on all legal and contract activities for Hitachi Rail in the UAE.
• Be part of any legal actions initiated in the UAE on behalf of Hitachi Rail.
• 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).
• Ensure that Hitachi Rail instructions, rules and policies are duly applied.

Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum 12 years professional experience as Contract Manager supporting projects in an international environment.
• Strong contractual or legal background (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 commercial integrity.
• Fluent in English; excellent drafting in English.
• Reading and writing in Arabic is preferred.

Qualification, Certification, Preferred Skills & Educational Requirements

• High motivation and enthusiasm.
• Excellent teamwork ability and good interpersonal skills; ability to influence decisions.
• Flexibility and adaptability, especially to various environments and countries; provide advice and 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 getting 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 the achievement of 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 conserve water & energy, minimise waste generation and encourage recycling.
• Each person can stop work if they believe activities may affect health and safety; such conditions must be reported immediately to line manager and 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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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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