Contracts Manager

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd | Full time

Thabazimbi, South Africa | Posted on 03/09/2026

Red Ember is seeking a Contracts Manager to join a leading organization in the engineering and construction sector. The successful candidate will monitor, manage, analyze, report, and recommend on the contractual, commercial, administrative,and programme aspects of major construction projects.

• Assist with the compilation of construction-related contractual correspondence and draft responses to incoming correspondence.
• Coordinate and compile daily, weekly, and monthly reports covering project progress, finance, construction progress, disputes, and claims.
• Coordinate and submit construction records for the compilation of As-Built records.
• Maintain registers and ensure timely responses to correspondence, claims and contractor queries.
• Arrange and coordinate site meetings and subordinate meetings, including agendas, invitations, venues and minutes.
• Evaluate project events, variation notices and claims for contractual entitlement and recommend appropriate action.
• Manage construction-related matters and provide support during dispute resolution processes.
• Evaluate progress against the approved programme and make recommendations where required.
• Monitor and report on milestone achievement and payment certification in relation to contractual matters.
• Coordinate Contracts Management activities with Construction Assurance and other relevant project support teams.
• Liaise with relevant project and site management teams regarding contractual matters and commercial requirements.
• Assist with the coordination and direction of Contracts and Programme Engineers and site administration structures.
• Coordinate monthly programme progress reporting and ensure contractual aspects are accurately reflected.
• Collate, reconcile and assess construction records and information required for contract management purposes.
• Identify construction-related contractual risks and recommend appropriate mitigation.
• Manage construction-related risks and maintain a comprehensive risk register.
• Compile ad hoc contractual and commercial reports as required.
• Escalate contractual and commercial issues of concern to senior management.
• Support the development of site-based commercial staff and identify relevant CPD opportunities.

Qualifications:

• BSc/BEng or B-Tech Degree in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a PrEng or PrTech, or registration with SACPQSP, would be advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience on major civil construction projects.
• At least 5 years’ experience as a Quantity Surveyor, Contracts Engineer and/or Programming Engineer.
• Working knowledge of construction law.

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Weirs
• Roads
• Buildings and structures
• Heavy foundations

• Strong computer and database skills.
• Proven leadership experience within multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and deadline-driven.
• Strong commercial and contractual understanding.
• Ability to analyze contractual matters and make sound recommendations.