Senior Contracts Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Private medical aid

Pension fund

Generous leave allowances

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Senior Contracts Manager for our client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee drafting, negotiation, and administration of large-scale construction contracts, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities include managing variations, claims, disputes, and liaising with stakeholders. A Law degree with construction contract expertise and 10+ years in the field are required, with hybrid work in the Pietermaritzburg area.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent with contract/construction law specialization.
• 10+ years in contracts management within construction.
• Knowledge of JBCC, FIDIC, NEC standard forms.
• Experience drafting, negotiating and administering contracts.
• Strong negotiation, communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts and subcontracts.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations and policies.
• Manage contract administration across lifecycle, including variations and extensions.
• Advise project teams and senior management on contractual risks and rights.
• Oversee claims management, including preparation and negotiation.
• Resolve contractual disputes and potential litigation effectively.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, clients, subcontractors and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement contract management strategies and best practices.
• Monitor performance against contract terms and flag breaches.
• Maintain accurate contract records and documentation.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Risk management

Legal reasoning

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

LLB with Contract/Construction Law specialization

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the construction and infrastructure development sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Contracts Manager to join their team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This crucial role involves overseeing the contractual and commercial aspects of large-scale construction projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and resolving disputes. We are looking for an individual with a strong legal acumen, extensive experience in contract law within the construction industry, and excellent negotiation skills. This position offers the opportunity to work on significant projects and play a key role in the financial and legal success of the company's endeavors in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts, and other project-related agreements.
• Ensure all contracts are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage the administration of contracts throughout the project lifecycle, including variations, claims, and extensions of time.
• Provide expert advice on contractual rights, obligations, and risks to project teams and senior management.
• Oversee the claims management process, including the preparation, submission, and negotiation of claims.
• Manage and resolve contractual disputes and potential litigation effectively.
• Liaise with legal counsel, clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders on contractual matters.
• Develop and implement contract management strategies and best practices.
• Monitor project performance against contractual terms and identify potential breaches.
• Maintain accurate contract records and documentation.

Requirements

• Law degree (LLB) or equivalent, with a specialization in Contract Law or Construction Law.
• Professional qualification in Quantity Surveying or Construction Law is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in contracts management within the construction industry.
• In-depth knowledge of standard forms of construction contracts (e.g., JBCC, FIDIC, NEC).
• Proven experience in contract negotiation, drafting, and administration.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, project finance, and risk management.
• Excellent legal reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex contractual issues and work under pressure.
• Proficiency in contract management software and standard office applications.
• Must be willing to work a hybrid schedule, based in or near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, along with a comprehensive benefits package including private medical aid, pension fund, and generous leave allowances. The company provides significant opportunities for professional growth and development, including access to legal and industry training. This hybrid role allows for a flexible working arrangement. You will be part of a leading organization working on high-profile projects, offering substantial career progression and the chance to make a significant impact.