Contracts Lead; Rail​/Metro

We are currently seeking a Contracts Lead for a portfolio of mobility/railway projects in Dammam, KSA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of contract administration, including review and negotiation of contracts.
• Assess and analyze contractual claims, including entitlement reviews, time extensions, and cost claims.
• Prepare and defend claims, including counterclaims, and support legal proceedings.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize contractual disputes.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders (e.g., Commercial Director, Operational/Technical Staff, Planning Teams) on contractual and claims matters.
• Prepare and present concise and insightful reports on contractual and claims issues to management.
• Mentor and guide junior team members on contract management and claims best practices.
• Leverage expertise in FIDIC contracts to ensure compliance and project success.
• Negotiate and resolve contractual disputes with contractors effectively.

Experience/Skills

• Minimum 12 years in contract management, administration, claims preparation, and rebuttal on major infrastructure projects, ideally on rail/transport related projects.

• Proven track record of managing all contractual matters on a major project.

• Highly experienced in assessing contractual claims, including entitlement reviews, time extensions, and cost claims.

• Experience in preparing and defending claims, including counterclaims.

• Experience in supporting legal proceedings (arbitration, adjudication).

Skills:

• Excellent contractual letter writing skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to prepare well-written, concise reports.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to implement risk mitigation measures and think strategically.

Knowledge:

• Extensive experience with FIDIC forms of contract.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar.

• LLM/MSc in Construction Law or LLB is highly desirable.

• Membership in recognized professional bodies (e.g., MRICS, MICE, MIOB) is preferred

• Membership (or Fellowship) in Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb/FCIArb) is highly desirable.

Experience working in the Middle East is a must