Senior Construction Contracts Manager

Our client a technology-enabled property developer and construction group is currently looking for a Senior Construction Contracts Manager to oversee all contractual aspects of its large-scale residential construction projects in the Western Cape. This is a critical role responsible for managing large scale construction projects of 50-100 units at a time. The current projects are located at the companys current major development in Blue Downs called CentralBlue and will expand to our second large-scale project in Somerset West scheduled to commence in H2 2026.

The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on experience in construction contract management a deep understanding of standard industry contracts (particularly JBCC) and a proven ability to manage risk control costs and ensure project value.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract Strategy & Procurement:

• In collaboration with the Head of Construction and the QS Team develop and implement procurement and contract strategies for all South African residential development projects.
• In collaboration with the QS and Property Development Teams Lead the procurement and tendering process for subcontractors and suppliers.
• Draft review and negotiate standard-form construction contracts primarily JBCC agreements.

2. Contract Administration & Management:

• Administer construction-related contracts throughout the project lifecycle from inception to close-out.
• Manage contractual correspondence instructions and notifications in a timely and professional manner.
• Proactively manage and process claims variations extensions of time (EOT) requests and dispute resolution.
• Ensure all parties including contractors and consultants adhere to their contractual obligations.

3. Risk & Compliance Management:

• Proactively identify assess and mitigate contractual and commercial risks associated with each project.
• Manage contractual disputes leading negotiations to find commercially viable solutions.
• Ensure all projects are compliant with relevant legislation building codes and health & safety regulations.

4. Financial & Commercial Oversight:

• Work closely with the professional team (including Quantity Surveyors) to manage project cost control.
• Review and verify payment applications valuations and issue payment certificates.
• Prepare regular reports on contract status commercial risks and financial performance for senior management.

5. Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters.
• Liaise effectively with subcontractors suppliers and professional teams (architects engineers QS property development team) to ensure smooth project execution.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying Construction Management Engineering or Law is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of direct experience as a Contracts Manager.
• Specific and proven experience in large-scale residential construction or major property development projects is essential.

Technical Skills:

• Expert knowledge of South African construction contracts particularly the JBCC suite is mandatory.
• Familiarity with FIDIC and NEC contracts is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of construction law risk management principles and dispute resolution processes.
• Professional Registration: Professional registration (e.g. PrQS PrCM PrEng) is highly advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Meticulous Detail: A keen eye for detail with exceptional accuracy in contract review and administration.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills with the ability to handle difficult conversations and find common ground.
• Analytical Mindset: Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to make complex contractual issues clear to non-specialists.
• Integrity: Unquestionable personal and professional integrity.
• Autonomy: Ability to work independently manage a complex workload and meet strict deadlines.

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