Contracts Manager (Hydropower & Dam Projects)

My client a International Engineering Consultancy is seeking a Contracts Manager will be responsible for the administration, management, and oversight of all contractual matters associated with major hydropower and dam construction projects. The role will ensure that contractual obligations are effectively managed, risks are mitigated, claims are properly administered, and project teams are supported in achieving successful project outcomes.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in large-scale civil engineering infrastructure projects, particularly within the hydropower and dam sector, together with expert knowledge of FIDIC contract conditions and contract administration practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of project contracts from award through to project completion and close-out.
• Administer and interpret FIDIC contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and project requirements.
• Provide contractual advice and support to project management, engineering, procurement, and construction teams.
• Identify contractual risks and opportunities and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate contractual correspondence, notices, variations, claims, and change orders.
• Lead the preparation, assessment, and negotiation of contractor and subcontractor claims.
• Maintain contractual records and ensure compliance with project governance requirements.
• Support dispute avoidance and dispute resolution processes, including mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and negotiation where required.
• Review tender documentation, contracts, subcontract agreements, and supplier agreements.
• Coordinate with commercial, legal, and project teams to ensure effective contract management.
• Monitor contractual performance and provide regular reporting to senior management.
• Ensure timely submission of contractual notices and compliance with contractual deadlines.
• Manage subcontract administration and ensure contractual alignment throughout the supply chain.
• Support project teams in managing project changes, extensions of time, and compensation events.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (mandatory).
• Additional qualifications in Construction Law, Contract Management, Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related disciplines are desirable.
• Professional membership with a recognised engineering, commercial, or contracts management institution is advantageous.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 20 years of post-graduate experience within the civil engineering and construction industry.
• Minimum 15 years of direct experience on hydropower and dam construction projects.
• Extensive practical experience administering FIDIC contracts on major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience managing contracts for large-scale EPC, Design & Build, or civil engineering projects.
• Demonstrable experience in contract administration, claims management, variations, extensions of time, and dispute resolution.
• Experience managing contractor, subcontractor, and supplier contractual relationships.
• Strong understanding of contractual risk management and project delivery processes.
• Experience working on international projects and within multicultural project environments is highly desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of FIDIC contract forms and international construction contracting practices.
• Thorough understanding of contract administration, claims management, and dispute resolution procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Strong understanding of project planning, scheduling, and construction methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical, commercial, and legal documentation.
• Proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong report-writing and presentation skills.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.