Contract Administrator

Position Overview

Dar Al Riyadh is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Contract Administrator to oversee the management and administration of construction and consultancy contracts for large-scale infrastructure and building projects. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for ensuring strict contractual compliance, maintaining meticulous contract documentation, supporting commercial operations, and providing expert contractual guidance throughout the entire project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will bring extensive hands-on experience in Project Management Consultancy (PMC) environments and possess a deep understanding of FIDIC Contracts, enabling them to navigate complex contractual landscapes with precision and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Administration: Oversee the administration of construction and consultancy contracts from the initial award phase through to project close-out, ensuring all obligations are met and deliverables are achieved in accordance with contractual terms.
• Contractual Compliance: Interpret and apply contract terms, conditions, and obligations to guarantee full compliance with contractual requirements, mitigating risks of disputes or non-conformance.
• Documentation Management: Prepare, review, and manage all contractual correspondence, notices, reports, and records, maintaining organized and up-to-date contract registers and documentation throughout the project duration.
• Submission and Claims Review: Evaluate contractor submissions, variations, claims, and Extension of Time (EOT) requests, providing thorough assessments and recommendations to ensure fair and equitable outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Project Managers, Commercial, Planning, Cost Control, and Legal teams to address contractual matters, resolve issues, and align project objectives with contractual obligations.
• Risk Management: Identify contractual risks, assess their potential impact, and develop and implement effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project interests and minimize exposure to disputes.
• Change Management: Support the change management process by facilitating variation order procedures, ensuring all changes are documented, approved, and implemented in compliance with contractual provisions.
• Commercial Support: Participate in commercial meetings, provide strategic contractual recommendations, and assist in negotiations to optimize project outcomes while maintaining compliance with client requirements and company policies.
• Dispute Resolution: Play a proactive role in dispute avoidance and resolution, leveraging your expertise to negotiate settlements and minimize the need for formal dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Contract Close-Out: Ensure seamless contract close-out by managing final accounts, compiling project completion documentation, and verifying that all contractual obligations have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all contract administration activities are conducted in strict accordance with FIDIC Conditions of Contract and industry best practices, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law, or a closely related field is required.
• Professional Certifications: Preferred certifications include MRICS, CIArb, CCM, or equivalent qualifications, with FIDIC Contract certification considered a significant advantage.
• Industry Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Contract Administration, including at least 5 years within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) environment, is essential.
• Project Exposure: Proven track record in managing contracts for large-scale infrastructure, transportation, roads, utilities, mixed-use, or building projects, with prior experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region highly desirable.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of FIDIC Red Book, Yellow Book, and related contractual procedures, along with hands-on experience managing claims, variations, EOTs, and contract close-out processes.
• Commercial Acumen: Solid understanding of procurement and commercial management principles, coupled with proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract/document management systems such as Aconex or EDMS.
• Risk Management Skills: Strong ability to identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks, ensuring projects remain on track and within budget while adhering to contractual obligations.