Contracts Manager

KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we’ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey.

We invite you to join us. Why?

When you join KEO, you’ll discover more than just a job – you’ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards.

Our newest opportunity is for a talented Contracts Manager to join our team based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This role ensures effective contract administration, compliance with project requirements, risk management, and alignment with the client’s objectives. The Contracts Manager will act as the key point of contact for contractual matters between the client, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.

We envisage success in this role to include;

• Manage the full cycle of contract administration including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing contracts, subcontracts, and consultant agreements.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, project specifications, and UAE/local regulations.
• Prepare and issue contractual notices in accordance with contract conditions.
• Maintain centralized documentation for all contracts and amendments.
• Oversee budgets, cost control, variations, claims, and change orders.
• Conduct detailed analysis of claims and prepare recommendations.
• Assist in preparing progress payment certificates and ensure proper valuation of work.
• Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations.
• Identify potential contractual and commercial risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all contractual activities align with company policies, client requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Support dispute resolution processes when required.
• Liaise with internal PMC teams, consultants, contractors, and client representatives regarding contract matters.
• Provide contractual advice and guidance to technical and project teams.
• Participate in tender evaluations, technical/commercial assessments, and contract awards.

To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include a minimum of 18 years of work experience partnered with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Law, or a related field.

• Experience in contract management within the UAE, preferably in PMC/engineering consultancy roles.
• Strong background in building projects, especially malls, mixed-use, retail, and community developments, is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of FIDIC contract conditions (Red/Yellow Book).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work in fast-paced project environments.

KEO’s performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its’ contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.