Senior Contract Manager

B

Primary

Location/Place/Mode

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (with international rotation)

Master's degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering, or related discipline; 10+ years of relevant work experience; extensive knowledge of standard international construction and maritime contracts (FIDIC, LOGIC, NEC, IMCA, BIMCO); experience in an international maritime or civil engineering environment is preferred; excellent command of English; open to international assignments and available for rotational work at project sites abroad.

Boskalis, a global leader in dredging, maritime infrastructure, and offshore energy, has opened a position for a Senior Contract Manager based in Abu Dhabi. This is not just another contract management vacancy—it is a gateway to working on some of the most complex, high-profile joint venture projects in the world. The role sits at the intersection of legal expertise, commercial acumen, and engineering reality, making it a compelling opportunity for seasoned professionals who want to leave a mark on the global maritime industry.

The job posting, which appeared on Linked In, outlines a position that requires more than just a law degree. It demands a strategic thinker who can draft, review, and negotiate subcontracts, manage claims, and guide project teams through the labyrinth of international construction standards. As the maritime sector expands with the growth of offshore renewable energy and large-scale coastal infrastructure, the demand for contract managers who can navigate FIDIC, LOGIC, NEC, IMCA, and BIMCO frameworks has never been higher.

“You can make your mark as Senior Contract Manager by providing contractual support during the preparation and execution of projects of Boskalis and you will be responsible for contract administration.” – Boskalis

Contract managers are often viewed as the guardians of project profitability and legal safety. In this senior role, you will take the lead on complex joint venture projects, supervising and training junior contract managers and quantity surveyors. Your decisions directly impact the bottom line, from avoiding costly disputes to ensuring that variation orders and claims are properly documented and pursued. This is a role that combines legal precision with commercial strategic thinking.

Key responsibilities include:

• Administering contracts by preparing and maintaining daily progress reports and event logs.
• Providing contractual and commercial support during the preparation, execution, and closure of projects.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating subcontracts, variation orders, and claims.
• Drafting and reviewing correspondence with partners, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Collaborating with project teams, insurance, procurement, treasury, and senior legal counsel.
• Enhancing contract awareness within the project team.
• Mentoring and supervising contract managers and quantity surveyors.

If you have spent years perfecting your understanding of risk allocation, force majeure clauses, and delay damages, this is your opportunity to apply that knowledge in an environment where the stakes are enormous—both financially and environmentally.

The job notice explicitly requires extensive knowledge of standard international construction and maritime contracts. Every one of these frameworks represents a distinct approach to risk and project management:

• FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) is the gold standard for construction and infrastructure projects worldwide, especially in the Middle East.
• LOGIC (Leading Oil and Gas Industry Competitiveness) standardizes contracts for the offshore oil and gas sector.
• NEC (New Engineering Contract) is known for its flexibility and clarity, and is increasingly popular in marine and infrastructure projects.
• IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) provides guidance for marine contracting, including diving, ROV operations, and offshore support.
• BIMCO (Baltic and International…