Senior Contract Manager and Head of Contract Management

Reference: CPT003628-AK-2A global leader in railway systems, signalling, and infrastructure solutions is seeking an exceptional Senior Project Contract Manager to lead the country-level contract management function while taking hands-on accountability for complex, high-criticality projects. This is a dual-mandate leadership role that combines strategic governance of the contract management discipline with direct ownership of claims, risk, and commercial protection on major infrastructure projects. Duties & Responsibilities The RoleReporting to the Regional Director of Contract Management, you will lead a team of four contract management professionals while simultaneously driving all contractual, claims, and risk activities on high-value infrastructure projects. You will define and implement the country's contract management strategy, protect the organisation's commercial and financial position, and serve as the primary interface between project teams, legal counsel, sourcing, finance, and regional leadership.This is a senior, high-visibility role suited to a commercially astute contract management professional who thrives in complex, fast-moving project environments and is equally comfortable in the boardroom and the construction site.Key ResponsibilitiesSenior Project Contract Manager:

Develop and implement Contract Management Strategy Plans for high-criticality projects Analyse contracts to identify risks, opportunities, and claim strategies Issue contractual notices, manage variation orders, and drive commercial closure of change events Prepare, manage, and negotiate claims and counterclaims with full supporting documentation Monitor project schedules against contractual milestones and proactively manage delays and Extensions of Time (EOT) Manage insurance policies in collaboration with the Regional Insurance Manager Prepare dispute files for Dispute Adjudication Boards (DAB) and support Legal in litigation processes Provide contract management training to project, finance, engineering, and sourcing teams Report contract management KPIs to project and regional leadership

Country Head of Contract Management:

Lead, coordinate, and develop the country contract management community Define claim strategies for critical projects across the country portfolio Drive offensive and defensive claim preparation and roadmaps to protect P&L Ensure consistent application of contract management governance, tools, and processes Support risk appetite assessments and project risk reviews Liaise with sourcing on pass-through claims from suppliers to customers Consolidate and report country-level contract management and claims KPIs to management Mentor and develop Project Contract Managers, Junior Contract Managers, and Contract Administrators

What You Need

Degree in Law, Engineering, or Quantity Surveying (mandatory) Masters degree in Construction Law, Arbitration, or a related field (desirable) Minimum 12 years of contract and claims management experience on infrastructure projects Proven experience leading a team of contract managers Strong background in construction or manufacturing environments Railway industry experience (highly advantageous) Professional certification in Contract Management (desirable) Willingness and ability to travel 20–30% of the time

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted Package & Remuneration R 1500000 - R 1700000 - Annually plus Excluding performance bonus