Claims Expert

SMEC (An SJ Group Company); Mandaluyong; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

SMEC (An SJ Group Company) is seeking a senior claims professional to lead preparation and analysis for railway project disputes and variations in the Philippines. You will interpret contracts, assess commercial impacts, and coordinate with engineers, planners, and finance for substantiation.

The role requires deep knowledge of delay analysis, FIDIC/railway contracts, and strong documentation skills to support negotiations and dispute avoidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Law, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
• 8–12 years of claims experience, with at least 5 years in railway/metro/large infrastructure projects.
• Strong background in delay analysis, claims preparation, and dispute resolution.
• Expertise in FIDIC and railway-sector contracting frameworks.
• Proven experience handling multi-package, multi-interface projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of claims related to delays, disruptions, productivity loss, design changes, interface issues, and scope gaps.
• Conduct forensic schedule delay analyses (Time Impact Analysis, Windows Analysis, As-Built vs As Planned).
• Coordinate with engineering and construction teams to gather technical evidence and validate cause-and-effect relationships.
• Prepare detailed claim narratives, quantum calculations, and supporting documentation.
• Identify entitlements and obligations under contract conditions and ensure compliance with notices and time bars.
• Develop cost estimates, variation quantifications, prolongation costs, and disruption analyses.
• Engage in negotiation and dispute avoidance discussions, and support legal counsels with evidence.
• Coordinate with systems engineers on multi-contractor interfaces to verify impacts.

Skills

Delay analysis

Forensic investigation

Negotiation

Documentation

Excel proficiency

Primavera P6

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Law, or Quantity Surveying

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Description

Claims Preparation & Analysis

• Lead the preparation of claims related to delays, disruptions, productivity loss, design changes, interface issues, and scope gaps.
• Conduct forensic schedule delay analyses (e.g., Time Impact Analysis, Windows Analysis, As-Built vs As Planned).
• Work with engineering and construction teams to gather technical evidence and validate cause-and-effect relationships.
• Prepare detailed claim narratives, quantum calculations, and supporting documentation.

Contractual Interpretation

• Interpret contract conditions (e.g., FIDIC Red/Yellow/Silver Books, NEC, bespoke rail contracts).
• Identify entitlements and obligations related to delays, variations, approvals, permits, and access/ROW.
• Ensure claim positions comply with contract notices, time bars, and procedural requirements.

Commercial Assessment

• Develop cost estimates, variation quantifications, prolongation costs, and disruption analyses.
• Validate contractor/subcontractor cost submissions against contract provisions and industry standards.
• Coordinate with quantity surveyors, planners, and finance teams for accurate cost substantiation.

Dispute Avoidance & Resolution

• Engage proactively in negotiation, clarification meetings, and dispute avoidance discussions.
• Prepare documentation for dispute boards, mediation, arbitration, and contractual correspondences when needed.
• Support legal counsel with technical and commercial evidence during formal dispute resolution.

Railway Project–Specific Claim Areas

• Manage claims related to:
  • Systems integration & interface gaps (signaling, telecoms, power supply, SCADA, PSD, etc.)
  • Track & civil works disruptions
  • Station architectural/MEP design changes
  • Utility relocation delays
  • Regulatory/authority approvals (DOTr, LRTA, PNR, etc.)
  • Safety compliance requirements and operational restrictions
  • ROW/access constraints impacting construction
• Coordinate with systems engineers and integration managers to verify impacts from multi-contractor interfaces.

Documentation & Record Management

• Establish a robust claims documentation system: daily records, manpower logs, equipment logs, test/commissioning records, and interface issue logs.
• Maintain a comprehensive claims register, tracking all notices, submissions, and approvals.
• Ensure timely issuance of contractual notices in alignment with time-bar requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with contractors, consultants, government agencies, and regulatory authorities regarding claims and variations.
• Support project leadership with expert advice on claims strategy and settlement options.
• Lead internal workshops to strengthen claims awareness across engineering and construction teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Law, Quantity Surveying, or related field (Master’s degree an advantage).
• Minimum 8–12 years of claims and contractual experience, with at least 5 years in railway, metro, LRT/MRT, or large infrastructure projects.
• Strong background in delay analysis, claims preparation, and dispute resolution.
• Expertise in FIDIC and railway-sector contracting frameworks.
• Proven experience handling multi-package, multi-interface projects.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in delay analysis methodologies and scheduling software (Primavera P6 required).
• Strong analytical and forensic investigation skills.
• Excellent writing and report-building skills for claim narratives.
• Strong negotiation and communication capabilities.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage strict deadlines.
• Advanced Excel, cost analysis, and documentation skills.

About SMEC

For 75 years, SMEC has built a reputation as a trusted partner on major transport and energy infrastructure projects around the world. Our design leaders and specialist teams draw on deep expertise and experience delivering projects across a range of diverse environments, from some of the world’s most remote locations to some of the densest urban surroundings.

We understand the value of relationships to ensure that we comprehensively address all requirements at each stage in a project’s development. By closely collaborating with our clients, contractors, subcontractors and asset operators, we deliver commercially informed design thinking through local specialists who understand on-the-ground context and industry expectations.

We stand apart through our historically diverse, globally connected workforce, operating out of more than 40 countries with strong local relationships.

Our diverse workforce of professionals are highly respected experts who bring talent, experience and passion to their fields. Challenging boundaries, we look beyond the project scope to ensure we leave a positive impact in the communities we live and work in and allow present and future generations to thrive.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!