Contracts Manager location

About the Role
Blake Anderson Recruitment is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager for a major Oil & Gas project in a remote location within Saudi Arabia. This is a contract position requiring a minimum of 10 years of experience, with a strong preference for candidates holding a transferable Saudi Arabian Iqama.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will manage the full spectrum of contract management activities for a large-scale and complex project. This includes contract administration, commercial correspondence, claims management, variations, subcontract administration, and contractual risk management. The role requires a strong Mechanical Engineering background and extensive experience with major Oil & Gas, EPC, industrial, or infrastructure projects within a Tier 1 contracting environment.
Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all contractual and commercial matters related to the project.
Provide contractual advice to the Project Director, Project Management team, and senior stakeholders.
Administer the main contract, ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations, notices, procedures, and deliverables.
Manage contractual correspondence with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks throughout the project lifecycle.
Lead the preparation, submission, negotiation, and resolution of variations, change orders, Extension of Time (EOT) claims, disruption and prolongation claims, and commercial claims/counterclaims.
Ensure all contractual notices and communications are issued within required timeframes.
Manage subcontract and supplier contractual matters, including change management, claims, disputes, and final account negotiations.
Collaborate with Planning, Cost Control, Procurement, Engineering, Construction, and Commercial teams to support project performance.
Develop and maintain contractual registers, risk registers, claims logs, and other contractual documentation.
Support dispute avoidance and resolution processes as required.
Lead negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and external stakeholders on significant contractual and commercial matters.
Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation to support contractual entitlement and defend against potential claims.
Mentor and guide junior Contracts and Commercial team members.
Ensure all contract management activities comply with company policies, procedures, and project requirements.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Mechanical Engineering discipline.
A minimum of 20 years' professional experience in Contracts Management, Commercial Management, or a closely related discipline.
Significant experience on large-scale and complex construction projects, particularly within the Oil & Gas, EPC, petrochemical, industrial, or energy sectors.
Proven experience working for a Tier 1 contractor or major international EPC/construction organization.
Extensive experience managing major contracts, variations, claims, change orders, and contractual disputes.
Strong understanding of contract forms and contract administration principles.
Experience working on projects in Saudi Arabia and/or the wider GCC region is highly advantageous.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to operate effectively within a demanding project environment and remote site location.
Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
Professional certifications such as MRICS, MCIPS, FCIArb, or equivalent are advantageous.

Essential Requirements

20+ years of relevant professional experience.
Mechanical Engineering background is mandatory.
Proven experience on large-scale projects.
Previous Oil & Gas / EPC / industrial project experience is essential.
Experience working for a Tier 1 contractor or equivalent major organization.
Willingness and ability to work on a remote project site in Saudi Arabia.
Must currently hold a transferable Saudi Arabian Iqama.

Compensation
A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered, commensurate with experience. The role provides an opportunity to work on a prestigious and high-profile Oil & Gas project in Saudi Arabia.