Manager - Contracts & Commercial

Job Overview

The Manager - Contracts & Commercial will oversee the complete contract management process, handling pre-contract and post-contract commercial administration for data center and MEP projects. This includes ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, managing changes and variations, controlling costs, certifying payments, administering claims and extensions of time, handling risk, and finalizing accounts to safeguard the project's commercial interests.

Key Duties

• Manage main contracts and subcontracts throughout project phases.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual deliverables, notices, and correspondence.
• Maintain organized records and documentation relating to contracts.
• Offer expert contract advice to project teams and leadership.
• Assess and prepare variation orders due to design changes, client requests, and site conditions; negotiate changes commercially with stakeholders.
• Keep detailed registers of variations, monitoring approvals and cost recovery.
• Track and report project costs against budgets including forecasts and risk assessments.
• Support commercial decisions via detailed cost analysis and procurement reviews.
• Identify profit maximization opportunities within projects.
• Evaluate and prepare submissions for extensions of time and related cost claims; manage subcontractor claims and contractual rights.
• Assist in resolving commercial disputes and contractual issues by preparing thorough documentation.
• Certify subcontractor monthly payment applications and prepare payment recommendations.
• Monitor payment progress and cash flow according to contracts.
• Negotiate and settle final accounts with clients and subcontractors.
• Identify contractual and commercial risks; recommend mitigating steps and ensure timely issuance of contractual notices.
• Collaborate with project management to maintain contractual compliance and minimize disputes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience managing post-contract activities in construction projects, with proven expertise in MEP, ELV, mission-critical facilities, or data centres.
• Experience handling main and subcontract agreements under FIDIC or similar contracts.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of contract administration and commercial management.
• Expertise in handling variations, claims, extensions of time, and final accounts.
• Good knowledge of MEP systems and data centre construction processes.
• Proficient in cost reporting and commercial documentation preparation.

Core Skills

• Contract interpretation and administration capabilities.
• Claims management and dispute resolution skills.
• Cost analysis and commercial reporting expertise.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Credentials

• Experience working on hyperscale or mission-critical data centre projects.
• Professional certifications such as MRICS, CIArb, PMP, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with FIDIC Red Book, Yellow Book, and customized contract forms.

Additional Information

• Reports directly to the Senior Project Manager.
• Project types include Data Centre and MEP works.
• Main focus: Contract administration pre- and post-award, variations, claims, extensions of time, cost control, and final accounts.