Contracts & Claims Lead

Nesma Infrastructure & Technology; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Jeddah is seeking a Contracts & Claims Lead to oversee contract administration and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, QS, or Law, with strong FIDIC knowledge. Responsibilities include managing contract correspondence, ensuring compliance with client objectives, and collaborating with various project teams. This role requires 8-13 years of experience in contracts and claims, including 5-7 years in a senior position. Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth are available.

Qualifications

• Strong FIDIC knowledge is essential.
• MRICS, MCIOB, or equivalent certification is desirable.
• Minimum 8-13 years experience in contracts and claims.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and administration of contracts.
• Manage contractual correspondence and disputes.
• Ensure compliance with client’s objectives and regulations.
• Collaborate with engineering and project teams.

Skills

Contract Management

Claims Management

Risk Management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / QS / Law

Postgraduate qualification in Construction Law

Job description

Job Purpose

To support the implementation of NIT’s Contract and Claims Management strategy by leading the preparation, administration, and monitoring of main contract and subcontract agreements. The role ensures proper contractual governance, proactive risk and change management, timely submission of claims and variations, and effective protection of NIT’s contractual and financial entitlements. The Contracts & Claims Lead provides expert advice to project teams, supports dispute avoidance and resolution, and ensures compliance with the company’s contractual procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Contract Management activities are undertaken in compliance with the client’s objectives, strategies, policies, plans, procedures, and applicable regulations / standards templates.
• Implement best practices, methodologies and strategies, as required.
• Identify opportunities for improvements and innovations.
• Ensure the proper and timely administration of contracts awarded by the client.
• Manage contractual correspondence to ensure it is handled in accordance with the highest standards by issuing timely notices / disputes / claims / replies by preserving the rights of NIT.
• Draft high quality and professional contractual notices.
• Proactive approach to risk identification and change management.
• Lead the resolution of disputes and claims and ensure all changes to contracts are formalized via variations by preserving the rights of NIT.
• Collaborate with the client to ensure thorough and timely contract management practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, technical and project management teams to ensure proper contract administration, payments certification, variations administration and claims management.
• Maintains active participation in related professional societies to keep abreast of relevant contractual issues.
• Assign tasks, provide support & guidance to the subordinates and review their work prior to circulation to the concerned stakeholder.
• Conduct a weekly review meeting with the subordinates to monitor the status of tasks assigned, status of Change Order, Claims, EOT applications, etc. to decide further course of action.
• Act as a focal point of contact for Contract & Claims dept. for all concerned stakeholders.
• Initiate, Prepare, Review, Circulate and Ensure Implementation of this Manual by all stakeholders.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Functional Skills and Knowledge
• Profession

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering / QS / Law degree + strong FIDIC knowledge
• Postgraduate qualification in Construction Law preferred.

Certification

• MRICS, MCIOB, or membership of a recognized engineering/claims institute desirable but not mandatory.

Experience

• Minimum 8-13 years total experience in contracts and claims within construction/infrastructure.
• Minimum 5–7 years in a senior/lead role handling complex contractual and claims matters.