Assistant Contracts Manager (Building Construction)
Job Role Overview
The Assistant Contracts Manager supports the Contracts Team in managing all contractual and commercial aspects of projects. This role is central to ensuring full contractual compliance, safeguarding the company's commercial interests, and driving effective claims management, variation control, and contract administration. You work closely with the Project Director, Project Manager, Construction Manager, Clients, Client Representatives, and Sub-Contractors to ensure rigorous contractual execution and strong commercial protection across all projects.
Job Responsibilities
Contract Administration & Compliance
- Review, interpret, and analyse contract documents, including terms and conditions, to identify obligations, rights, and potential risks.
- Ensure full contractual compliance and conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies throughout the project lifecycle.
- Safeguard the company's contractual and commercial interests at all times.
- Monitor adherence to contractual requirements and proactively address any deviations or non-conformances.
Claims & Variation Management
- Support the formulation, preparation, and negotiation of Variation Claims, Progress Claims, Extension of Time (EOT) Claims, and Counterclaims.
- Establish and maintain an effective project variation control system to ensure timely and accurate tracking of all changes.
- Collaborate closely with project teams to prepare well-substantiated progress and variation submissions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve contract-related issues, including breach of contract, additional payment claims, and EOT disputes.
- Assist in managing negotiations in strict accordance with contract provisions.
Commercial & Contractual Advisory
- Provide sound contractual advice and guidance to Project Managers and site teams on day-to-day commercial matters.
- Support dispute avoidance and resolution strategies to protect the company's position.
- Proactively identify contractual risks and recommend practical mitigation measures.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation and records of all contractual correspondences, submissions, and claims.
Coordination & Stakeholder Management
- Liaise effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, including Clients, Client Representatives, and Sub-Contractors.
- Facilitate the smooth implementation of contractual requirements across all project teams.
- Serve as a reliable point of contact for contract-related queries and issues throughout the project lifecycle.
Leadership & Team Development
- Train, supervise, and mentor junior contract staff to build team capability and performance.
- Support team members in contract administration tasks and commercial negotiations.
- Communicate contract implementation requirements clearly and consistently to all relevant team members.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Construction Management, or an equivalent discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in a Contract or Commercial Department within a Main Contractor organisation.
- Proven track record in contract negotiation, contract administration, variation orders, and claims management.
- Experience working on A1 Main Contractor projects is highly advantageous.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts and standard forms (e.g., SIA, REDAS, FIDIC, NEC, or equivalent).
- Solid understanding of contract-related regulations and compliance requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail.
Professional Attributes
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong documentation, record-keeping, and reporting ability.
- Independent, proactive, and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
- Resilient and able to perform effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
