Job Purpose
To lead the development, review, negotiation, and administration of construction and consultancy contracts across Arada's development portfolio. The role is responsible for establishing robust contract frameworks, supporting procurement and tendering activities, mitigating commercial and contractual risks, managing claims and disputes, and ensuring that all contractual arrangements protect Arada's commercial interests throughout the project lifecycle.
The role acts as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on contractual, commercial, procurement, and risk-related matters while ensuring compliance with company governance, industry best practices, and applicable contract standards.
Key Accountabilities
Contract Formation & Procurement
- Lead the preparation, review, and negotiation of construction contracts, consultancy agreements, supplier agreements, and other project-related contracts.
- Develop contract strategies and procurement approaches aligned with project objectives, timelines, and commercial requirements.
- Support tendering activities including preparation of tender documentation, contract conditions, scope reviews, and commercial evaluation criteria.
- Review and finalize contract documents prior to award, ensuring appropriate allocation of risks and responsibilities.
- Provide contractual support during procurement activities, bid clarifications, negotiations, and award recommendations.
Commercial & Contract Management
- Provide contractual and commercial guidance throughout project delivery.
- Interpret contract provisions and advise project teams on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and entitlements.
- Support the administration of contracts, including change management, variations, extensions of time, and payment-related matters.
- Monitor contractual compliance by consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
- Establish and maintain contract governance procedures and controls across projects.
Claims & Dispute Management
- Review and assess contractor and consultant claims relating to time, cost, variations, and contractual entitlements.
- Prepare contractual responses and recommendations in accordance with contractual obligations and timelines.
- Support negotiation and resolution of disputes to minimize commercial exposure.
- Assist legal teams and external advisors in dispute avoidance, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation matters when required.
- Promote proactive claims prevention through improved contract drafting and risk identification.
Risk Management
- Identify contractual and commercial risks during project planning, procurement, and execution phases.
- Develop mitigation strategies and recommendations to protect Arada's interests.
- Review scope documents, specifications, and commercial requirements to identify gaps, ambiguities, and potential liabilities.
- Ensure contractual risks are appropriately allocated and managed across all project stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with Development, Design, Procurement, Legal, Finance, Project Management, and Cost Management teams.
- Manage relationships with consultants, contractors, legal advisors, and external stakeholders.
- Provide guidance and training to project teams on contractual matters and best practices.
- Support senior management with contractual and commercial reporting, recommendations, and decision-making.
Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain standard contract templates, contractual procedures, and governance frameworks.
- Drive best practices in contract administration, procurement, and commercial management.
- Support lessons learned initiatives and continuous improvement of contractual processes across the organization.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Commercial Management, Engineering, Law, or related discipline.
- Master's Degree is advantageous.
Professional Qualifications
- MRICS, MCIOB, RICS Chartered Status, or equivalent preferred.
- Additional qualifications in Construction Law, Contract Management, Procurement, or Commercial Management are advantageous.
Experience
- Minimum 12–15 years of experience in contracts, commercial management, quantity surveying, procurement, or construction law.
- Strong experience within real estate development, infrastructure, mixed-use developments, hospitality, or large-scale construction projects.
- Proven experience in contract formation, procurement strategy, commercial management, and claims management.
- Experience working with developers, PMC consultants, contractors, or leading consultancy firms.
- GCC/UAE development experience preferred.
