Contracts Engineer

Job Summary: The Contracts Engineer will be responsible for supporting contract administration from tender stage through to closeout including variation and claims management subcontract coordination and commercial documentation across projects. This role requires strong analytical and contractual understanding attention to detail and the ability to ensure compliance with contract requirements while safeguarding Hunters commercial interests and maintaining accurate project records. The role reports to the Commercial Manager and works closely with Estimation Supply Chain Project Management Planning and Finance.

Key Responsibilities:

a.

Contract Administration:

Support administration of client purchase orders and contracts subcontract agreements and supplier purchase orders.

Maintain contract registers correspondence logs and key commercial records.

Ensure compliance with contractual requirements including notice and documentation procedures.

Review client enquiry and tender terms and conditions at bid stage and prepare commercial deviation and clarification lists in support of Estimation.

Track bonds bank guarantees parent company guarantees and insurance certificates including validity expiry extension and release.

b.

Change and Variation Management:

Identify scope changes and support preparation of Variation Orders and Change Requests.

Assist in evaluating time and cost impact arising from changes.

Maintain variation logs and ensure proper approval and tracking.

c.

Claims EOT Prolongation and Back-Charge Support:

Support preparation of Extension of Time (EOT) and cost claims including supporting documentation.

Coordinate with planning team for delay analysis and substantiation.

Track contractual notice periods and time bars and prepare draft notices for issue within the required timeframes.

Support assessment of liquidated damages exposure and the defense of client back-charges and contra-charges.

d.

Payment and Commercial Support:

Assist in preparation and review of progress claims milestone invoices and final account documentation.

Monitor payment status and support follow-up on overdue payments.

Ensure invoicing aligns with contract milestones and approved variations.

e.

Subcontract and Supplier Contracts:

Support review and administration of subcontractor and supplier agreements on a back-to-back basis with the client contract.

Assist in preparing contractual clarifications and commercial evaluations for subcontractors.

Monitor subcontract compliance including deliverables payment terms and variation requests.

f.

Risk Management and Reporting

Identify contractual risks and support preparation of risk registers and mitigation plans.

Provide commercial reporting to management as required (variation status claims status payment status).

g.

Contractual Correspondence:

Draft and review contractual letters notices and responses to clients/subcontractors.

Ensure communications always preserve Hunters rights and entitlements.

h.

Warranty Termination and Disputes:

Support management of warranty and defect claims including notification investigation records and responses.

Support termination suspension and contract closeout including settlement of final accounts and release of securities.

Compile and maintain contemporaneous records and documents in support of disputes adjudication or arbitration.

Requirements:

Bachelors degree in Engineering Quantity Surveying Construction Management or related field.

Minimum 10 years experience in contracts/commercial role within EPC / construction / modular building environment.

Strong knowledge of contract administration variations and claims management.

Working knowledge of FIDIC and client-specific terms and conditions (e.g. ADNOC and major EPC contractors purchase order terms).

Sound understanding of liquidated damages bonds and guarantees warranties limitation of liability suspension and termination provisions.

Understanding of notice regimes time bars and delay analysis principles.

Excellent written English with experience drafting formal contractual correspondence.

Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and MS Office.

Valid UAE driving licence.

Desirable: MRICS MCIArb or equivalent professional membership.

Key Competencies:

High attention to detail and disciplined record-keeping.

Able to manage multiple projects and work to contractual deadlines.

Clear professional written and verbal communication.

Integrity and discretion in handling confidential commercial information.

Collaborative approach across Commercial Estimation Supply Chain and Project teams.