Contract Manager

RLB is seeking a highly capable and proactive Contract Manager to support the commercial delivery of a major project (Post Contract). The role is responsible ensuring the effective implementation of contractual obligations, protection of the client's commercial interests, and successful delivery of contractual and commercial outcomes.

Acting as a trusted advisor, the Contract Manager provides strategic contractual guidance throughout project execution, managing variations, claims, Extension of Time (EOT) requests, commercial risks, dispute resolution, and contract close-out activities. The role requires strong client-facing capabilities and the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and project teams.

The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, accountability, and urgency, with the ability to independently drive commercial activities through to completion.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement

• Collaborate with the Procurement team to manage the tender process from invitation through to tender clarification and submission
• Evaluate technical and commercial tender submissions and prepare tender evaluation reports
• Manage the tender evaluation of future contracts through to contract award
• Coordinate contract execution and contract deliverables following award.

Contract Administration

• Administer and manage contracts throughout the project lifecycle from contract award to final account.
• Interpret contract provisions and advise clients project delivery team on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and entitlements.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, governance procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Monitor contractor and consultant performance against contractual commitments.
• Maintain comprehensive contract records, notices, correspondence, and contractual documentation.
• Identify contractual issues and recommend appropriate mitigation and resolution strategies.

Change Management and Variations

• Lead the administration and management of variations, change orders, compensation events, and contract amendments.
• Assess contractual entitlement relating to changes in scope, time, cost, and risk.
• Review and prepare variation submissions and supporting documentation.
• Negotiate variations and commercial agreements with contractors and consultants.
• Maintain variation registers and monitor approval status and financial impacts.
• Ensure all contractual notification requirements are satisfied within prescribed timelines.

Claims and Extension of Time (EOT) Management

• Manage the preparation, evaluation, and negotiation of contractual claims.
• Assess contractor and consultant claims for contractual entitlement, substantiation, and compliance.
• Review Extension of Time (EOT) submissions and associated delay analyses.
• Evaluate claims relating to prolongation costs, disruption, acceleration, and additional payment entitlement.
• Develop strategies to protect the client's commercial position
• Maintain accurate claims records and supporting evidence.

Payment and Commercial Administration

• Support the administration of interim and final payment processes in accordance with contract provisions.
• Review payment applications, assessments, certifications, and commercial entitlements.
• Ensure contractual payment obligations and timelines are properly managed.
• Support final account negotiations and commercial settlements.
• Monitor the commercial implications of project decisions, changes, and risks.

Contractual Correspondence and Notices

• Draft, review, and issue contractual notices, responses, instructions, and formal correspondence.
• Ensure contractual communications comply with contract requirements and applicable regulations.
• Monitor contractual deadlines, notice requirements, and critical milestones.
• Maintain effective document control and contractual correspondence records.
• Advise project teams on contractual communication strategies to preserve contractual rights and entitlements.
• Identify, assess, and manage contractual and commercial risks throughout project execution.
• Establish and maintain contractual risk registers.
• Advise clients and project teams on risk allocation and contractual exposure.
• Develop mitigation strategies to minimise commercial and contractual risk.
• Promote proactive dispute avoidance through timely identification and management of potential issues.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key client-facing representative and trusted advisor on contractual and commercial matters.
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong working relationships with clients and key project stakeholders.
• Provide strategic contractual advice to senior client representatives and project leadership teams.
• Lead contractual discussions, commercial negotiations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Collaborate effectively with project managers, commercial teams, planners, legal advisors, engineers, and consultants.
• Represent the organisation professionally during client engagements and contractual negotiations.

Dispute Avoidance and Resolution

• Support…