Contract Administrator

About the role

The Contract Administrator will take ownership of contract administration across the construction project, making sure every agreement is handled in line with the applicable terms and conditions. The role also involves guiding contractual conversations and advising the client on the most suitable direction and implementation approach.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for contractors and project stakeholders on all contract-related matters.
• Help settle disagreements, disputes, and issues linked to contractual terms and performance.
• Review any gaps or problems arising during contract execution and coordinate with the right parties to close them out.
• Evaluate requests for scope changes, including variations, modifications, and extra work items.
• Work closely with finance and project teams to monitor payments, invoices, and contract-related cost control.
• Partner with project managers to keep project delivery aligned with the agreed schedule.
• Check that all contracts meet local, national, and international regulations, codes, and standards.
• Confirm compliance with insurance provisions, bonds, warranties, and other legal obligations.
• Ensure change orders are properly recorded, agreed by all relevant parties, and implemented without delay.
• Spot contractual risks early and advise the project team on practical mitigation measures.
• Maintain an updated file of correspondence, amendments, change orders, and other contractual records.
• Manage cost impacts resulting from scope changes and ensure the supporting documentation is accurate.
• Track contract delivery to verify that all parties are meeting their obligations.
• Prepare status updates on contracts, disputes, and risks for senior management and stakeholders.
• Share regular financial, risk, and performance updates with senior leadership.
• Report to the project director and support dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, or legal action where required.
• Review and interpret project contracts, draft contractual letters and correspondence, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Track claims, delays, and disputes, and work to resolve them according to contract provisions.

Experience

The ideal candidate should bring 20 years of experience in contract administration, along with strong exposure to construction supervision on large infrastructure or mega projects, preferably within Saudi Arabia or the GCC region.

Education and certifications

A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Civil, Architecture, Law, or a related discipline is required. Certification from the Saudi Society of Engineers, or an equivalent local professional body depending on country requirements, is also expected.

Essential skills and knowledge

• Deep understanding of construction contracts such as FIDIC and NEC, procurement practices, and contract law.
• Working knowledge of Saudi Arabian construction laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage contracts on large, complex, high-value projects.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and people-handling skills.
• Excellent organizational ability and comfort managing several priorities at once.
• Strong problem-solving approach with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good command of MS Office tools, especially Excel and Word; experience with contract management software is an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic is a plus.