Contract Manager Construction Projects Wallonia

Jan De Nul Group; Aalst; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

JDN Academy Training

Flexible working hours

42 paid days off

Meal vouchers

Eco vouchers

Flex Reward program

Group health insurance

Phone plus data package

Job summary

Jan De Nul Group seeks a Contract Manager to support project teams on complex construction and infrastructure projects across Wallonia. You translate operational issues into a contractual context, develop strategies, and manage claims, variations and disputes in collaboration with the Legal department.

The role blends technical, legal and financial insight, requiring strong communication and regular site presence; fluency in French with Dutch/English preferred; a Master’s in engineering is

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Engineering, Civil Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in complex construction, infrastructure or Design & Build projects.
• Experience in contract management, claims, variations and negotiations.
• Strong affinity with construction law and contractual risk analysis.
• Excellent command of French, with Dutch and/or English.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams with contractual matters during project execution.
• Prepare, analyse and substantiate claims, variations and notifications.
• Develop contractual strategies with project management and Legal department.
• Support negotiations with clients, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Build and manage legally substantiated project files.
• Ensure timely contractual communication and compliance with notification requirements.
• Identify contractual risks and advise on mitigation measures.
• Act as a link between project teams, Legal department and external lawyers in disputes.
• Contribute to development and standardisation of Contract Management at Jan De Nul Group.
• Promote contractual awareness in day-to-day project management.
• Be present on projects across Wallonia and assist site teams.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiations

Risk analysis

Communication

French language

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Job description

Your Work Context

Are you an experienced operational professional with a strong affinity for contract management within complex construction projects? Do you have experience with claims, variations and negotiations in large and complex projects? At Jan De Nul Group, you will have the opportunity to take on a key role in the further development of our Contract Management team.

Your Work Context

Are you an experienced operational professional with a strong affinity for contract management within complex construction projects? Do you have experience with claims, variations and negotiations in large and complex projects? At Jan De Nul Group, you will have the opportunity to take on a key role in the further development of our Contract Management team. From innovative infrastructure projects to complex building projects, Jan De Nul Group delivers challenging projects in which technology, organisation and contractual management go hand in hand. Due to the increasing complexity of our project portfolio and the growing contractual challenges within our projects, we are strengthening our internal expertise in contract management.

In this role, you will be part of a specialised Contract Management team that acts as a bridge between project management, the Legal department and operational teams. You will support project teams in managing contractual risks correctly and contribute to a structured and consistent approach to claims, variations and contractual follow-up.

You will work on complex construction and infrastructure projects across Wallonia and collaborate closely with the operational teams on site. Depending on the project and project phase, you may be involved from the preparation stage through execution and completion.

For this role, we are looking for a strong French-speaking professional who can integrate smoothly into our project and site teams in Wallonia.

Your Role

As Contract Manager, you support project teams with all contractual aspects throughout the entire project lifecycle. You translate operational and technical issues into a legal and contractual context and help develop strategies to safeguard Jan De Nul Group's interests.

You work closely with project management, site teams, the internal Legal department and external partners. You take an active role in building strong contractual files, preparing negotiations and following up on complex claims and disputes.

Within our projects in Wallonia, you contribute to the contractual follow-up and support of the project teams. You are closely involved in the day-to-day project activities and support the operational teams in correctly managing contractual risks, changes and disruptions throughout the project.

The role combines technical, legal and financial insights and requires strong communication skills, analytical ability and a pragmatic approach.

• Supporting project teams with contractual matters during project execution.
• Preparing, analysing and substantiating claims, variations and notifications related to disruptions or changes.
• Developing contractual strategies in consultation with project management and the Legal department.
• Supporting negotiations with clients, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Building and managing legally substantiated project files.
• Ensuring correct and timely contractual communication and compliance with notification requirements.
• Identifying contractual risks and advising site teams on possible mitigation measures.
• Acting as the link between project teams, the internal Legal department and external lawyers in the event of disputes or legal proceedings.
• Contributing to the further development, knowledge sharing and standardisation of Contract Management within Jan De Nul Group.
• Supporting project teams in developing the appropriate contractual awareness in their day-to-day project management.
• Being actively present on our projects across Wallonia and working closely with the operational teams on site.

What do you need?

You hold a Master's degree in Business Engineering, Civil Engineering or Industrial Engineering and combine a strong operational background with an affinity for contract management within complex construction projects.

You understand the realities of project execution and site management and know how to translate operational challenges into a contractual and strategic approach.

In addition, you have:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience within complex construction, infrastructure or Design & Build projects.
• Experience in contract management, claims, variations and negotiations.
• A strong affinity with construction law and contractual risk analysis.
• A pragmatic, communicative and solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent command of French, complemented by Dutch and/or English.
• Willingness to be regularly present on our projects throughout Wallonia.

Working at Jan De Nul

Working at Jan De Nul means helping to find solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time: from the energy transition and rising sea levels to smart mobility. It means learning every day and working together, with the aim of ensuring quality of life worldwide for future generations.

What we offer

• A permanent training programme through the JDN Academy.
• Through our FIT programme, we support your wellbeing with a focus on exercise, nutrition and various team activities.
• A healthy work-life balance with flexible working hours and occasional remote work.
• A permanent contract with 42 paid days off (20 statutory holidays, 12 ADV days and 10 public holidays).
• An attractive salary package including a thirteenth month and double holiday pay, as well as:
  • Meal vouchers and eco vouchers.
  • The possibility to participate in the Flex Reward programme, including bicycle and car leasing with fuel card in Belgium.
  • Group and hospitalisation insurance.
  • Option for an iPhone with phone and data subscription, subject to an employee contribution.
  • Various employee discounts.
• You become part of a growing international family-owned company.

Jan De Nul shapes water and land worldwide. We drive the transition to renewable energy with offshore energy infrastructure. We focus on nature-inclusive dredging solutions to build ports and protect our coastlines. We develop innovative construction projects for smart mobility and sustainable buildings. And we redevelop our planet by giving contaminated sites a new purpose. At Jan De Nul, the world becomes what you make of it.

Jan De Nul Group promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We are an equal opportunities employer and oppose all forms of discrimination.

Referenced Team

Legal Services

Education

Bachelor's degree

Contract Manager, Contractmanagement, Contract Management, Gestion Contractuelle, Construction Projects, Bouwprojecten, Projets de Construction, Construction Wallonië, Construction Wallonia, Construction Wallonie, Infrastructuurprojecten, Infrastructure Projects, Projets d’Infrastructure, Claims Management, Claim Management, Gestion des Réclamations, Contractuele Risico’s, Contractual Risk Management, Gestion des Risques Contractuels, Aannemingsrecht, Construction Law, Droit de la Construction, Design & Build, Project Management, Werfopvolging