Senior Contracts Manager

Job Description

The Contracts / Commercial Manager shall lead and manage all commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of the enabling and early works packages, acting on behalf of the Client as part of the Site Supervision Consultant team. The role is responsible for contract administration, commercial governance, cost control, change management, and claims management, ensuring the Client’s commercial position is protected while supporting timely and compliant delivery of the Works.
The position requires close coordination with the Engineer, Client representatives, project management teams, contractors, cost consultants, and legal advisors, with a strong focus on early works risk, productivity control, and dispute avoidance.
The Contracts / Commercial Manager shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following
Lead contract administration for enabling and early works packages including mass earthworks, stockpile removal, construction haul roads, utilities, and temporary works
Administer the Contract in accordance with the Conditions of Contract (including FIDIC-based forms), ensuring compliance with notice provisions, procedures, and time bars
Manage all contractual correspondence, notices, early warnings, claims, and determinations in coordination with the Engineer
Provide contractual and commercial advice to the Client and supervision team on entitlements, risks, mitigation strategies, and commercial exposure
Support procurement strategies, tender evaluations, commercial comparisons, and recommendations for contract award or amendment
Monitor, control, and report project budgets, cost forecasts, commitments, and cash flow for early works packages
Review, assess, and recommend certification of interim payment applications, dayworks, and final accounts
Manage change control processes including valuation of variations, compensation events, and instructed changes
Lead the assessment and management of contractor claims including extensions of time, prolongation, disruption, and acceleration claims
Maintain and update contract risk registers, proactively identifying and managing commercial and contractual risks
Support dispute avoidance strategies through timely administration, accurate records, and commercial negotiation
Coordinate with legal advisors and external consultants as required on contractual or dispute-related matters
Act as the primary commercial interface between the Client, Engineer, contractors, and other consultants
Lead, manage, and mentor commercial and quantity surveying team members within the supervision team
Participate in commercial meetings, negotiations, and high-level project reviews with the Client and contractors
Ensure compliance with governance procedures, audit requirements, and best-practice commercial controls
Prepare commercial reports, recommendations, determinations, and contractual correspondence for Client approval
Maintain accurate and auditable records of contracts, variations, claims, payments, and financial status
Support audits, reviews, and compliance checks undertaken by the Client or regulatory bodies
To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that you will bring a minimum of 15 years’ experience in contracts and commercial management on large-scale construction or infrastructure projects partnered with a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Law, or a related discipline.
Proven experience managing enabling works, early works, or infrastructure-led developments
Extensive experience administering FIDIC-based contracts on behalf of a Client or Engineer
Demonstrated capability managing contractor claims, variations, and commercial risk on fast-track programs
Strong understanding of contract administration, commercial governance, and cost control systems
High level of competence in claims assessment, entitlement analysis, and commercial negotiations
Ability to manage complex interfaces and commercial risk across multiple work

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