Commercial Contracts Manager

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Commercial Contracts Manager for Upington, Northern Cape. This senior role oversees all aspects of construction contracts, from tender to final accounts, ensuring legal compliance and optimized commercial outcomes.

You will lead negotiations, manage variations and disputes, and provide expert contractual guidance to project teams and senior management, fostering strong client and subcontractor relationships while mitigating commercial risk.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related commercial field.
• 7+ years of experience in commercial contract management within construction/engineering sectors.
• Proven drafting, negotiating, and administering complex construction contracts (e.g., JBCC, FIDIC).
• Strong knowledge of South African contract law, procurement processes, and risk/dispute mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of construction contracts from tender to final account.
• Lead contract negotiations with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Ensure contracts comply with South African legislation and company policies.
• Administer terms, monitor performance, manage variations, claims and disputes.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Contract management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer and contractor with a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial projects, is seeking an experienced Commercial Contracts Manager for their operations based in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior role requires a seasoned professional adept at managing all aspects of construction contracts, ensuring legal compliance, mitigating risks, and optimizing commercial outcomes. You will be responsible for overseeing contract negotiation, administration, dispute resolution, and financial controls related to project agreements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of contract law, construction procurement, and commercial management, with a proven ability to safeguard the company's interests while fostering collaborative relationships with clients and subcontractors. This is a key position within a growing company, contributing to significant developments in Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of construction contracts, from tender stage through to final account settlement.
• Lead contract negotiations with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant South African legislation and company policies.
• Administer contract terms, monitor performance, and manage variations, claims, and disputes effectively.
• Provide expert advice on contractual matters to project teams and senior management.
• Develop and implement robust contract management strategies to mitigate commercial risks.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of contractual documentation and correspondence.
• Conduct commercial reviews and provide input on project feasibility and profitability analysis.
• Manage dispute resolution processes, including arbitration and litigation support where necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of all contractual agreements and associated documentation.
• Foster strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external parties.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related commercial field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in commercial contract management, preferably within the construction or engineering sectors.
• Proven experience in drafting, negotiating, and administering complex construction contracts (e.g., JBCC, FIDIC).
• In-depth knowledge of South African contract law, procurement processes, and construction industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple high-value contracts concurrently.
• Experience working on projects in Upington, Northern Cape, or similar large-scale regional developments is advantageous.
• Professional certification in contract management or relevant field is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including performance-based bonuses, medical aid, and a provident fund. This role offers the opportunity to play a critical part in the commercial success of projects within Upington, Northern Cape, and provides a clear path for career advancement within a respected organisation. Work on significant regional projects with a company committed to excellence.