Experienced Contract Manager EPC - Engineering / Construction Industry - Midrand

Introduction A Global Renewable Energy/EPC Company is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Contract Manager to oversee the administration and management of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts throughout the project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will be a commercially astute Contract Manager with extensive EPC or construction experience, capable of managing complex contracts, mitigating commercial risks, administering claims, negotiating favourable contractual outcomes, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects while maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. This role requires expert knowledge of FIDIC contracts, contract administration, commercial management, and dispute resolution.

The successful candidate will be responsible for contract administration, commercial management, claims, change management, contractual compliance, and risk mitigation while protecting the company's commercial interests and supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure and construction projects.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Contract compliance achieved across all projects. Timely submission of contractual notices and claims. Effective management of Extension of Time (EOT) submissions. Successful administration of variation orders. Reduction in contractual and commercial risks. Successful resolution of contractual disputes. Commercial savings achieved through negotiations. Accuracy and completeness of contract documentation. Timely submission of commercial reports. Positive stakeholder and client satisfaction. Successful commercial close-out of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration

Lead the administration and management of EPC contracts from project award through project close-out. Interpret contract terms and provide contractual guidance to project teams. Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer contracts, amendments, and subcontract agreements. Maintain contract registers and ensure all contractual documentation is accurate and up to date. Ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled in accordance with project requirements. Monitor compliance with contractual terms and applicable legislation.

Commercial Management

Protect and enhance the company's commercial position throughout the contract lifecycle. Review commercial performance and identify opportunities to improve project profitability. Support procurement and subcontract commercial negotiations. Monitor contractual cost implications and commercial risks. Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Claims & Change Management

Prepare, review, and manage contractual claims. Administer Extension of Time (EOT) submissions. Manage variation orders and contractual change processes. Issue contractual notices within prescribed contractual timeframes. Prepare supporting documentation for delay, disruption, acceleration, and additional cost claims. Maintain detailed records supporting contractual entitlements.

Risk Management

Identify contractual and commercial risks. Conduct contract risk assessments. Develop and implement mitigation strategies. Escalate significant contractual risks to senior management. Monitor contractual compliance throughout project execution.

Stakeholder Management

Develop strong working relationships with clients, consultants, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. Participate in commercial negotiations and contract review meetings. Provide contractual advice to project teams. Resolve contractual issues while protecting the company's commercial interests.

Contract Compliance

Ensure compliance with: Contract conditions Company policies Client requirements Applicable legislation Industry standards Monitor subcontractor compliance. Conduct periodic contract compliance reviews.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain comprehensive contract documentation and records. Prepare commercial and contractual reports. Monitor contractual milestones, deliverables, and obligations. Maintain accurate records of correspondence, notices, instructions, variations, and claims. Ensure document control processes are consistently applied.

Dispute Resolution

Support dispute avoidance initiatives. Manage contractual disagreements before escalation. Assist with mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation processes where required. Coordinate documentation required for dispute resolution proceedings.

Desired Experience & Qualification Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in one of the following: Law Quantity Surveying Engineering Construction Management Commercial Management Business Management or a related discipline.

Experience

Minimum 8 years' contract management experience within EPC, engineering, infrastructure, or construction projects. Proven experience administering high-value contracts. Strong background in claims management and contract administration. Experience managing subcontract agreements. Demonstrated commercial negotiation experience.

Technical Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of:

FIDIC Red Book FIDIC Yellow Book FIDIC Silver Book NEC Contracts (advantageous) GCC Contracts (advantageous) JBCC Contracts (advantageous) Contract Law Commercial Law Claims Management Change Management Procurement Processes Commercial Risk Management Cost Control Construction Project Management

Core Competencies

Technical

Contract Administration Commercial Management Contract Negotiation Claims Management Contract Interpretation Risk Management Cost Control Procurement Dispute Resolution Financial Acumen Report Writing

Behavioural

Strong leadership skills Excellent communication skills Analytical thinking Attention to detail Commercial awareness Negotiation and influencing skills Decision-making ability Integrity and professionalism Problem-solving ability Stakeholder relationship management Ability to work under pressure

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Contract compliance achieved across all projects. Timely submission of contractual notices and claims. Effective management of Extension of Time (EOT) submissions. Successful administration of variation orders. Reduction in contractual and commercial risks. Successful resolution of contractual disputes. Commercial savings achieved through negotiations. Accuracy and completeness of contract documentation. Timely submission of commercial reports. Positive stakeholder and client satisfaction. Successful commercial close-out of projects.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To:

Commercial Director Project Director

Works Closely With:

Project Managers Commercial Managers Quantity Surveyors Procurement Team Legal Advisors Engineers Finance Team Clients Consultants Subcontractors

Working Conditions

Office and project site-based environment. Travel to project sites as required. Occasional extended working hours to meet project deadlines. Ability to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously.

Interested? The successful candidate will be a commercially astute Contract Manager with extensive EPC or construction experience, capable of managing complex contracts, mitigating commercial risks, administering claims, negotiating favourable contractual outcomes, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects while maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. This role requires expert knowledge of FIDIC contracts, contract administration, commercial management, and dispute resolution.