Senior Contracts Manager - Construction Projects

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Continuous professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager for our client in Sandton, Gauteng. The role requires overseeing all contractual aspects of major construction projects, tender management, complex contract negotiations and risk mitigation.

You will ensure legal soundness and commercial advantage across the project lifecycle, working with legal, project management and finance teams in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Law degree or construction law qualification.
• 10+ years of contracts management experience in construction.
• Deep knowledge of JBCC, FIDIC, NEC, and JCT forms.
• Strong negotiation, communication and dispute resolution abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage tender processes including preparation of tender documents and bid evaluation.
• Negotiate and draft complex construction contracts with clients and subcontractors.
• Oversee contract administration, including variations, claims and dispute resolution.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and legal requirements.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks and liaise with legal counsel, project managers and finance teams.
• Monitor contract performance and provide strategic advice on contractual matters.
• Develop and implement robust contract management procedures.
• Conduct contract reviews and recommend improvements.
• Maintain accurate contract records and documentation.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Contract law knowledge

Education

Law degree or construction law qualification

Tools

Contract management software

Legal databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent construction company with a broad range of projects, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Contracts Manager to oversee all contractual aspects of major construction works in Sandton, Gauteng . This strategic role involves managing tender processes, negotiating complex contracts, overseeing contract administration, and mitigating contractual risks. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of construction law, contract forms (such as JBCC, FIDIC, NEC), and financial management within the construction context. You will be responsible for ensuring that all contracts are legally sound, commercially advantageous, and effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle. This position is critical to safeguarding the company's interests and ensuring project success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the tender process, including preparation of tender documents and evaluation of bids.
• Negotiate and draft complex construction contracts with clients and subcontractors.
• Oversee contract administration, including managing variations, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations and legal requirements.
• Identify and manage contractual risks, implementing strategies to mitigate potential issues.
• Liaise with legal counsel, project managers, and finance teams.
• Monitor contract performance and provide advice on contractual matters.
• Develop and implement robust contract management procedures.
• Conduct contract reviews and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain accurate contract records and documentation.

Requirements

• Law degree, construction law qualification, or extensive experience in construction contracts management.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in contracts management within the construction industry.
• In-depth knowledge of various construction contract forms (e.g., JBCC, FIDIC, NEC, JCT).
• Strong understanding of construction law, dispute resolution, and claims management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex contractual relationships.
• Experience in risk assessment and mitigation.Proficiency in contract management software and relevant legal databases.
• Membership in a relevant professional body is advantageous.
• Must be able to work a hybrid schedule in Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including significant performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development. This role offers the chance to work on high-profile projects in Gauteng and advance your career within a leading construction organization. The hybrid working model provides flexibility for strategic contract management.