Senior Contracts Manager

WSP in the Middle East; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East seeks a Senior Contracts Manager in Abu Dhabi to lead all contractual and commercial aspects of transport and infrastructure projects. The role emphasizes robust claims management, client-facing delivery and mentoring junior staff, within a design consultancy focus and regional operations.

The candidate will utilize a strong background in FIDIC-based contracts, provide strategic commercial guidance to project teams, and maintain key client relationships across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Law, or Engineering.
• 12–15 years’ experience in contract and commercial management, with at least 5 years in the Middle East.
• Strong background in transport & infrastructure projects (design consultancy preferred; construction experience considered).
• Proven track record in claims preparation, negotiation, and resolution.
• Solid understanding of FIDIC and other forms of contracts used in the Middle East.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) is desirable.
• Fully fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all contractual and commercial aspects of transport & infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi and across the region.
• Administer consultancy contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate claims, variations, change orders, and contractual correspondence.
• Manage dispute resolution processes, including preparation of submissions and negotiation with clients and contractors.
• Provide contractual advice and support to project managers and design teams.
• Maintain relationships with clients, acting as the primary commercial contact.
• Develop and implement contract management procedures and best practices across projects.
• Ensure risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated.
• Mentor and guide junior team members in commercial and contract management practices.

Skills

Client-facing

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Law, Engineering

Job description

Job Description

WSP are seeking a highly skilled Senior Contracts Manager to join our team in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will support our Transport & Infrastructure business, managing commercial and contractual aspects of major projects in the region. This role will focus on design consultancy projects but will also consider candidates with strong construction experience, provided they bring robust claims management expertise and proven client-facing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all contractual and commercial aspects of transport & infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi and across the region.
• Administer consultancy contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate claims, variations, change orders, and contractual correspondence.
• Manage dispute resolution processes, including preparation of submissions and negotiation with clients and contractors.
• Provide contractual advice and support to project managers and design teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as the primary commercial point of contact.
• Develop and implement contract management procedures and best practices across projects.
• Ensure that risks are properly identified, assessed, and mitigated.
• Mentor and guide junior team members in commercial and contract management practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Law, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 12–15 years’ experience in contract and commercial management, with at least 5 years in the Middle East.
• Strong background in transport & infrastructure projects (experience in design consultancy preferred; construction experience considered).
• Proven track record in claims preparation, negotiation, and resolution.
• Solid understanding of FIDIC and other forms of contracts commonly used in the Middle East.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Fully fluent in English.

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