Subcontracts Manager (M/F)

Exoceth Consulting; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 111,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Exoceth Consulting seeks an experienced Subcontracts Manager for a freelance role in The Netherlands (Rotterdam). You will oversee the full lifecycle of main contracts and subcontracts within a large-scale industrial revamping program, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and strong stakeholder coordination.

You will lead negotiations, manage claims, and coordinate across engineering, procurement, legal and finance, delivering strategic contract support from bidding to closure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in large-scale construction contracts.
• Proven subcontract management experience on international projects.
• Strong negotiation, risk management, and regulatory compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lifecycle of main contracts and subcontracts from bid to closure.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and manage claims.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, legal, and finance teams.

Skills

English language

Subcontracts management

Project coordination

Education

Law degree

Contract Law masters

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Languages: English mandatory; Dutch and Spanish desirable
• Experience: Approximately 15 years

Key Information

• Reference : 262437S
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Duration: +2 years
• Contract Type: Freelance
• Location: The Netherlands (Rotterdam)
• Languages: English mandatory; Dutch and Spanish desirable
• Experience: Approximately 15 years

Mission Context

We are looking for an experienced Subcontracts Manager to oversee the comprehensive and strategic administration of contractual aspects within a large-scale industrial revamping environment.

The primary objective is to ensure strict compliance with contractual obligations, mitigate associated risks, and protect the company's interests throughout all project stages, from the bidding phase to final contractual closure.

The position involves managing both main contracts and subcontracts, ensuring effective coordination between stakeholders, contractual compliance, claims management, and strategic support to project management.

Missions

Contract Administration and Management (Main Contracts and Subcontracts)

• Proactively manage the entire lifecycle of construction contracts, including review, analysis, negotiation, administration, and closure, for both main contracts and subcontracts.
• Ensure strict compliance with the terms and conditions stipulated in main contracts and subcontracts.
• Implement and maintain an efficient and transparent contract management system to monitor and control all contractual obligations at both main contract and subcontract levels.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential contractual risks in a timely manner, developing conflict prevention and resolution strategies.
• Manage contractual variations and modifications, including evaluation of their technical and economic impact, negotiation of terms, and formal documentation of changes.
• Prepare, maintain, and update all contractual records accurately, including correspondence, meeting minutes, progress reports, claims, and other relevant documentation.
• Ensure the correct application of contractual clauses relating to guarantees, insurance, liability, and other relevant aspects

Specific Management of Subcontracts

• Participate in subcontract bidding processes, including documentation review, bid evaluation, and subcontractor selection.
• Negotiate and draft subcontract agreements consistent with the terms and conditions of the main contract while protecting the company's interests.
• Monitor subcontract compliance, ensuring subcontractors meet their obligations regarding quality, deadlines, and costs.
• Manage communications and coordination with subcontractors, resolving any issues or conflicts that may arise.
• Evaluate subcontractor performance and provide feedback to support continuous improvement.

Communication, Coordination, and Liaison

• Act as the primary point of contact for all contractual communications and inquiries involving the company, clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with project teams, including engineering, purchasing, construction, and quality, to ensure understanding and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Coordinate closely with engineering, purchasing, legal, and finance departments to ensure consistency and alignment in contract management.
• Actively participate in project meetings and provide expert advice on contractual matters.

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

• Participate actively in contract negotiations with clients and subcontractors to secure favorable conditions while protecting the company's interests.
• Negotiate settlement agreements for disputes and claims, seeking fair and equitable solutions for all parties involved.
• Represent the company in mediation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution proceedings.

Claims Management

• Manage all contractual claims comprehensively and proactively, including claims initiated by clients and those submitted by subcontractors, from receipt to final resolution.
• Evaluate the validity and impact of claims, collecting the necessary documentation and evidence to support the company's position.
• Prepare and submit claims to clients or subcontractors in accordance with established contractual procedures.
• Negotiate settlement agreements to resolve claims amicably and avoid costly litigation.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with applicable local, national, and international laws, regulations, and standards governing construction contracts and subcontracts.
• Stay informed of developments in contract law and industry best practices.
• Advise project management on legal and regulatory matters relevant to contract management.
• Collaborate with the legal department to safeguard the company's rights and interests.
• Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare periodic reports and detailed analyses covering contract status, identified risks, outstanding claims, and other relevant contractual matters.
• Provide contractual analyses to support strategic decision-making by project management.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure contract management effectiveness.

Academic Background

• University degree in Law, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Master's degree or postgraduate specialization in Contract Law, Construction Management, or related fields is desirable.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of demonstrable experience managing large-scale construction contracts, preferably within industrial revamping projects or similar environments.
• Specific experience in subcontract management.
• Proven experience working on international projects.
• Thorough knowledge of different contracting methods, including EPC and EPCM.
• Strong understanding of major contract models, including FIDIC and NEC.

Technical Knowledge And Skills

• Expert knowledge of contract management and subcontract management principles and practices.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure favorable contractual terms and resolve disputes effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and contractual responsibilities efficiently.
• Proficiency in contract management software and standard computer tools, including MS Office.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks.
• Strong understanding of contractual compliance, claims management, and dispute resolution processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, procurement, construction, legal, and finance teams.

Language Requirements

• Fluent English is mandatory.
• Dutch proficiency is desirable.
• Spanish proficiency is desirable.