GM Contracts

Kolte-Patil Developers Limited; Mumbai; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Kolte-Patil Developers Limited is seeking Head Contracts to lead contracts, administration, and claims management across multiple residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. You will develop contracting strategies, oversee vendor management, and drive cost optimization while ensuring governance and compliance.

The role requires extensive experience in contracts, commercial management, ERP/SAP proficiency, and strong negotiation skills to maximize value and protect project timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Postgraduate qualification in Construction Management, Contracts Management, Procurement, or MBA is preferred.
• Certification in FIDIC, Contract Administration, Arbitration, or Procurement is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contract management strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Lead end-to-end tendering process including prequalification, tender documents, evaluations, and award.
• Manage contractual claims, disputes, extensions of time, liquidated damages, and arbitration matters.
• Ensure governance and compliance, establish SOPs, and mentor the Contracts team.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

B.E. Civil Engineering

MBA/Contract management related postgraduate

FIDIC/Contract certification

Tools

ERP/SAP

MS Excel

Contract management systems

Job description

Head Contracts will lead the contracts, post contracts administration, and claims management functions for multiple residential, commercial, mixed-use, and redevelopment projects. The role is responsible for developing contracting strategies, vendor management, tendering, cost optimization, risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and ensuring contractual compliance across the project lifecycle.

The incumbent will play a critical role in driving commercial excellence, achieving cost efficiencies, minimizing contractual risks, and ensuring timely project execution while maintaining the highest standards of governance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contracts & Commercial Management

• Develop and implement contract management strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Oversee preparation, review, negotiation, and finalization of contracts for:
• MEP Works
• Finishing Packages
• Infrastructure Works
• Consultants and PMC Agreements
• Establish standard contract templates, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure contractual terms adequately protect company interests and mitigate commercial risks.
• Lead the end-to-end tendering process, including:
• Prequalification of vendors
• Preparation of tender documents
• Technical and commercial evaluations
• Negotiations and recommendation reports
• Award and execution of contracts
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and procurement efficiencies.
• Build and maintain a robust contractor and vendor database.
• Benchmark market rates and conduct detailed rate analysis to ensure competitiveness.

3. Cost & Budget Control

• Collaborate with Project, QS, Design, and Finance teams for budget planning and cost control.
• Ensure value engineering and cost optimization across projects.
• Monitor contract budgets, change orders, variation claims, and final account settlements.
• Support management with commercial insights for improving project profitability.
• Lead management of contractual claims, disputes, extensions of time, liquidated damages, and arbitration matters.
• Identify contractual risks proactively and develop mitigation plans.
• Ensure all project correspondence and documentation are maintained for claim management.
• Coordinate with legal teams on contract interpretation and dispute resolution.
• Develop long-term strategic relationships with key contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
• Conduct periodic vendor performance evaluations.
• Negotiate commercial terms to maximize value while maintaining quality and project timelines.
• Interface with project leadership, finance, legal, and external stakeholders.

6. Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, company policies, and industry standards.
• Establish SOPs and controls for contracts functions.
• Drive transparency, ethics, and governance in contract administration.
• Support audits and management reviews.
• Lead and mentor the Contracts team across multiple projects.
• Develop succession planning and capability-building initiatives.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Postgraduate qualification in Construction Management, Contracts Management, Procurement, or MBA preferred.
• Certification in FIDIC, Contract Administration, Arbitration, or Procurement will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 15-20 years of experience in Contracts & Commercial Management within reputed Real Estate Developers, EPC organizations, or Construction Companies.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role handling large-scale residential, commercial, mixed-use, township, or redevelopment projects.
• Contract Administration
• Commercial Management
• Project Commercials
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC and Indian contract laws.
• Proficiency in ERP/SAP, MS Excel, and commercial management systems.
• Strategic Thinking
• Strong Negotiation Skills
• Commercial Acumen
• Leadership & Team Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• High Integrity and Governance Orientation