Contracts Manager

DB Rrts Operations; Dadri, Duhai, Delhi; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

DB Rrts Operations is seeking a seasoned Contract Manager to oversee the O&M Agreement with NCRTC in Uttar Pradesh. You will monitor deliverables, manage notices, assess risks and coordinate with Operations, Finance and Procurement to substantiate claims and variations.

Strong drafting and negotiation skills are essential. The role requires experience with major infrastructure/O&M contracts, and proficiency in English contract writing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law, or related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience in contract management, contract administration and subcontract management in infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding and practical experience of FIDIC Conditions of Contract and other standard forms of contract.

Responsibilities

• Manage and administer the O&M Contract Agreement with the Client (NCRTC) under its contractual provisions.
• Monitor obligations, deliverables, milestones, notices and key dates under the O&M Agreement.
• Identify contractual and commercial risks and provide timely advice to relevant departments.
• Prepare and submit Change of Scope, Variation Orders, Extension of Time and other contractual submissions.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, Finance, Procurement and other departments for substantiation of claims and variations.
• Prepare, review and negotiate Subcontract/Service Agreements and related documents.
• Ensure subcontractors comply with obligations and terms.
• Coordinate monthly invoice verification and certification in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Draft and review contractual letters, notices and responses; maintain records and templates.
• Lead or support negotiations with Client, subcontractors and other stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law, or related discipline

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Role & responsibilities

• Manage and administer the O&M Contract Agreement with the Client (NCRTC) in accordance with its contractual provisions.
• Monitor key contractual obligations, deliverables, milestones, notices, submissions and key dates under the O&M Agreement.
• Monitor and assess contractual compliance and identify potential contractual and commercial risks.
• Review contractual requirements and provide timely advice to the relevant departments on their contractual implications.
• Maintain an effective contractual records and correspondence management system.
• Provide contractual opinions and advice on matters arising during the execution of the O&M Agreement.
• Interpret contractual provisions and advise management on contractual rights, obligations, liabilities and entitlements.
• Review Client communications, instructions, notices and determinations and advise on appropriate contractual responses.
• Identify potential entitlement and ensure timely issuance of contractual notices and preservation of contractual rights.
• Identify, develop and manage claims arising under the O&M Agreement.
• Prepare and submit Change of Scope, Variation Orders, Extension of Time and other contractual entitlement submissions to the Client.

• Manage the contractual process for compensation events, including notification, assessment, preparation/review of quotations and evaluation of associated time and cost impacts.
• Review and substantiate claims with appropriate contractual, technical, programme and commercial documentation.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, Finance, Procurement and other departments for development and substantiation of claims and variations.
• Maintain a comprehensive register of claims, variations, notices and contractual submissions.
• Prepare, review and negotiate Subcontract Agreements, Service Agreements, Work Orders and related contractual documents.
• Monitor implementation and administration of Subcontract and Service Agreements.
• Ensure subcontractors and service providers comply with contractual obligations, scope, deliverables, performance requirements and agreed commercial terms.

• Review subcontractor claims, variations, invoices and other commercial submissions.
• Coordinate monthly invoice verification and certification/approval in accordance with contractual requirements.

• Identify and resolve contractual issues with subcontractors and service providers in a timely manner.

• Ensure that subcontract contractual positions are aligned with the Company's obligations and entitlements under the O&M Agreement, wherever applicable.
• Draft and review contractual letters, notices, responses and submissions to the Client, subcontractors, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that contractual correspondence is accurate, commercially sound and adequately protects the Company's contractual position.
• Develop and maintain standard pro-forma documents, contractual templates, registers and procedures required for effective contract administration.
• Maintain proper documentation and records supporting contractual decisions, claims, variations and disputes.
• Identify, assess and monitor contractual, commercial and operational risks associated with the O&M Agreement and Subcontract/Service Agreements.
• Prepare periodic contractual risk assessments and management reports.
• Maintain risk, claims, variation, notice, correspondence and key contractual date registers.

• Escalate significant contractual risks and potential disputes to the Head of Contract Management and senior management.
• Support management in developing mitigation strategies for identified contractual and commercial risks.

• Identify potential disputes at an early stage and recommend appropriate contractual and commercial strategies for resolution.

• Manage contractual issues and disputes in coordination with internal stakeholders, management and external advisors, where required.

• Assist in preparation of contractual submissions, responses and supporting documentation for dispute resolution proceedings.

• Endeavour to resolve contractual issues through timely negotiation and appropriate contractual mechanisms while protecting the Company's rights and interests.

• Lead or support contractual and commercial negotiations with the Client, subcontractors, service providers and other stakeholders.

• Develop negotiation strategies and support management in achieving commercially and contractually favourable outcomes.

• Coordinate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Finance, Procurement, Legal, HR and other functions on cross-functional contractual matters.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop and implement effective contract administration procedures and controls.
• Establish appropriate mechanisms for monitoring contractual obligations, KPIs, notices, deliverables, claims and key dates.

• Identify opportunities to improve contract management processes, documentation and reporting.

• Support implementation of best practices in contract and subcontract management.
• Assist the Head of Contract Management in all matters relating to the administration and management of the O&M Agreement and Subcontract/Service Provider Agreements.
• Participate in contract review meetings, commercial meetings and management reviews.

• Prepare presentations, minutes of meetings, management reports and other contractual documentation as required.

• Perform any other contractual and commercial responsibilities assigned by the Head of Contract Management.

Preferred candidate profile

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience in contract management, contract administration and subcontract management, preferably in infrastructure, railway, metro, transportation, EPC or O&M projects.
• Strong experience in administration of major infrastructure/O&M contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in claims, variations, change management, contractual correspondence and dispute resolution.
• Strong understanding and practical experience of FIDIC Conditions of Contract and other standard forms of contract.
• Experience in negotiation and management of Subcontract and Service Agreements.
• International or multicultural project experience will be an advantage.
• Strong contractual and commercial acumen.
• Excellent contract interpretation and drafting skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to identify contractual risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Strong understanding of claims preparation and substantiation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet strict contractual deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Results-oriented approach with the ability to achieve commercially balanced and win-win outcomes.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of contract management and document management systems.
• Excellent English language skills, particularly contractual and business writing.
• Strong presentation, reporting and minute-taking skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and attend meetings as required.