Senior Contracts Manager

Placements24; United States; On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager for major projects based in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior role requires deep expertise in contract law, negotiation, risk management, and end-to-end contract lifecycle experience across construction projects.

You will draft, review, and negotiate contracts (JBCC, NEC, FIDIC), manage pre-qualification through closeout, liaise with clients, subcontractors, and legal teams, and implement best practices to protect the company's interests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree or equivalent qualification (FIDIC accreditation highly advantageous).
• Minimum 12 years in construction contract management with senior/lead experience.
• Knowledge of JBCC, NEC, and FIDIC contracts and implications.
• Proven track record in negotiating and managing complex contracts.
• Strong understanding of construction law, dispute resolution, and risk management.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts, and related agreements.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle from pre-qualification to closeout.
• Oversee and administer existing contracts for compliance.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks.
• Handle disputes, claims, and variations to reach cost-effective resolutions.
• Liaise with project teams, legal counsel, and stakeholders.
• Ensure project contract documentation is accurate and secure.
• Provide expert advice on contractual matters to senior management.
• Monitor market trends and legal developments in construction contracts.
• Develop best practices for contract management within the organization.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Risk management

Legal analysis

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelor of Laws

Master's degree

FIDIC accreditation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the construction industry, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Senior Contracts Manager to oversee all contractual aspects of major projects based in Randburg . This senior-level position demands extensive expertise in contract law, negotiation, risk management, and a thorough understanding of the construction lifecycle. You will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and managing a diverse portfolio of construction contracts, ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and protecting the company's interests. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional negotiation skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and legal teams. This role is integral to the financial and operational success of our projects in the dynamic Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts, and other legal agreements to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
• Manage the entire contract lifecycle from pre-qualification and tender evaluation through to contract closeout.
• Oversee and administer existing contracts, ensuring compliance with all terms, conditions, and specifications.
• Identify, assess, and manage contractual risks, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Handle contract disputes, claims, and variations, working towards amicable and cost-effective resolutions.
• Liaise with project management teams, legal counsel, and external stakeholders on all contract-related matters.
• Ensure all project documentation related to contracts is accurate, organized, and securely maintained.
• Provide expert advice on contractual matters to senior management and project teams.
• Monitor market trends and legal developments related to construction contracts.
• Develop and implement best practices for contract management within the organization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Law, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional qualification (e.g., FIDIC accreditation) is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in construction contract management, with a significant portion in a senior or lead role.
• In-depth knowledge of various forms of construction contracts (e.g., JBCC, NEC, FIDIC) and their implications.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and managing complex construction contracts.
• Strong understanding of construction law, dispute resolution mechanisms, and risk management principles.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously.
• Experience in leading contract management teams is a significant plus.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptionally competitive remuneration package, reflecting the strategic importance and seniority of this role. In addition to a leading salary, comprehensive benefits include excellent medical aid coverage, a substantial retirement fund, performance bonuses, and generous paid time off. This position, based in Randburg , offers the opportunity to work on high-profile construction projects and contribute significantly to the company's growth in Gauteng . Our client is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous professional development. Join a leading firm that values expertise and offers substantial career progression within the thriving South African construction industry.