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.
If you are interested, please share your cv to cdutoit@caglobalint.com
