Assistant Director - Contract

Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Industry: Real Estate & Construction
Job Function: Contract Management & Procurement
Salary: Negotiable
Gender: Any

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Contract Management:
   1. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and templates to optimize contractual oversight and procurement efficiency.
   2. Drive contract compliance from negotiation to execution, ensuring risk minimization and adherence to DHRE policies.
   3. Oversee contract administration, including performance tracking, compliance management, and dispute resolution.
2. Contract Administration and Negotiation:
   1. Lead dispute resolution processes by analyzing claims, proposing settlement strategies, and negotiating favorable outcomes.
   2. Manage cost control in project execution by administering change orders and claims with attention to contractual terms.
   3. Support leadership in bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and awarding processes to ensure fulfillment of all terms.
3. Procurement and Tender Management:
   1. Manage divisional procurement activities, ensuring adherence to policies and achieving cost efficiencies.
   2. Conduct price benchmarking and sensitivity analyses to identify cost variances and optimize budgeting.
   3. Implement procurement policies, contract standing orders, and risk management processes.
   4. Oversee procurement strategies, from contract preparation to tendering, evaluation, and award.
4. Contractual Compliance and Risk Management:
   1. Draft and issue tenders or contracts in coordination with legal and internal stakeholders.
   2. Ensure procurement requests and RFPs comply with DHRE standards and ethical procurement practices.
   3. Oversee contract performance, conduct periodic reviews of contractors and consultants, and ensure contract closeout compliance.
   4. Manage CAR & PI Insurance and ensure policy compliance, claims handling, and risk mitigation.
5. Legal and Claims Management:
   1. Liaise with legal teams on contract-related matters, ensuring seamless compliance throughout procurement processes.
   2. Handle the full lifecycle of assigned claims, conducting risk assessments and executing settlement strategies.
   3. Ensure contract changes and variations are timely and compliant with company policies.

Required Skills and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree in Property Economics, Quantity Surveying, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering.
2. Master's degree preferred.
3. Professional certifications in contract management or procurement (e.g., CPCM, CPPM, PMP) are an advantage.
4. 8-10 years of experience, with at least 5 years in a senior managerial role.
5. Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts, construction laws, and risk management principles.
6. Expertise in budgeting, cost control, contractor/vendor management, and commercial risk analysis.
7. Proficiency in MS Office and Power BI for reports and dashboards.
8. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
9. High attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commercial awareness.