Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Contracts Manager to manage the industrial automation scope of a large Data Centre project in Malaysia. The ideal candidate will be entrusted with overseeing all aspects of contractual matters. The primary responsibility of a Project Contracts Manager is to oversee, manage, and administer all aspects from contract formulation, execution, and compliance to specific projects requirements. This role requires a deep understanding of legal aspects and commercial terms, project management methodologies, negotiation tactics, and stakeholder management. In this role, you will provide strategic support from the Contracts space to the project team to ensure seamless project execution from initiation to completion. This is a remote working position, with occasional travel to meet the customers based in Malaysia and the teams based in APAC.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Drafting and Negotiation:
- Draft, review, maintain, control and amend various types of project contracts, including but not limited to client agreements, subcontracts, vendor agreements, and consultant contracts.
- Manage, Review and approve contract terms prior to submission to clients or partners
- Negotiate terms and conditions with clients, partners, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Ensure that all contracts clearly outline scope of work, deliverables, timelines, payment milestones, risks, liabilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms with project team.
Contract Administration:
- Manage the lifecycle of project contracts from creation through execution, modifications, and closeout.
- Monitor contractual obligations and ensure all parties adhere to the agreed terms and conditions.
- Manage contract amendments, change/variation orders, and supplemental agreements
- Maintain accurate records of all contract-related documents, correspondence, and amendments.
- Fulfils the agreed contractual obligations and manage the company’s risk exposure within the contractual framework.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders, procurement, and project team to address contractual risks and issues.
- Commercial behavior with a laser sharp eye for the customer and ATS interest
Risk Management:
- Identify potential contractual risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Advise project teams and senior management on contractual risk exposures and recommend actions to minimize liability.
- Monitor changes in legislation, industry standards, and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
Stakeholder Communication & Coordination:
- Excellent communicator on different management levels at customers, suppliers and within ATS global.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters on assigned projects.
- Liaise with project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless contract execution.
- Facilitate meetings and communications between internal and external stakeholders to resolve contractual issues.
Claims and Disputes Resolution:
- Assess, prepare, and manage claims arising from contract variations (including scope changes), delays, or unforeseen events.
- Oversee dispute resolution processes, including negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, as appropriate.
- Work closely with Senior Management Team to defend the organization’s interests in contractual disputes.
Continuous Improvement:
- Review, recommend, and implement improvements to contract management processes, tools, and templates.
- Provide training and guidance to project teams on contract-related matters.
- Stay updated on evolving contracting practices, legal precedents, and industry trends.
Project Closeout:
- Facilitate contract closure procedures, including final settlements and release of claims.
- Document lessons learned and contributed to project debriefings.
Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law, bBusiness Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Added advantage for master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., IACCM/WorldCC, RICS, PMP).
- Min 5 years of proven experience in contract management, preferably within large-scale project environments.
- Requires a deep understanding of legal and commercial terms, project management methodologies, negotiation tactics, and stakeholder management.
- Strong understanding of industry-specific contracting standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Added advantage for familiarity with international contracts (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, JCT)..
- Contract Law and Commercial Acumen: In-depth knowledge of contract law, commercial terms, and procurement processes.
Other Skills
- Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated ability to negotiate favourable terms and conditions on behalf of the organization.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex contractual concepts to diverse stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and diligence in reviewing documents, managing deadlines, and tracking contract changes.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, especially in identifying risks and developing solutions.
- Project Management: Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., PMI, Prince2) and how contracts interface with project delivery.
- Ethics and Integrity: Commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
- IT Skills: Proficiency in contract management software, document management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.