Assistant General Manager - Contracts

Role overview

This position serves as the contracts lead for the assigned project at the Bengaluru site office. The role is responsible for managing vendors, overseeing contracting activities, and administering the full contract lifecycle at both strategic and operational levels across projects in the region.

Strategy

• Create a contracting approach for each regional project by considering delivery models, scope packaging, contracting structures, and compensation methods so the project is executed effectively and in line with business goals.
• Build and periodically update category plans for areas such as civil, MEP, finishing, façade, external development works, and subcategories like waterbodies, doors, and waterproofing, while aligning with or adjusting from the national category framework where needed.
• Work with the project management team and other functions to put category and contracting strategies into action.

Vendor management

• Assess the existing vendor ecosystem and decide whether the base needs to be expanded, streamlined, or refreshed across categories and locations.
• Lead the onboarding and empanelment process for new vendors in line with the vendor strategy.
• Set up initiatives that strengthen vendor relationships, such as meetings, feedback loops, training sessions, and recognition programs.
• Monitor vendor performance, identify improvement actions, and ensure follow-through.
• Build long-term partnerships with contractors and involve them in value engineering discussions.

Tendering and negotiations

• Run the tendering and negotiation process in consultation with the central contracts team.
• Handle key steps including tender preparation, bid invitations, bid evaluation, negotiations, and final contracting.
• Examine inputs from stakeholders and consultants to ensure the RFP is complete and of high quality.
• Approve BOQ item descriptions in coordination with the Design team and Budgeting & Costing team.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth pre-bid meetings, tender clarifications, technical evaluations, and award decisions.

Contract administration

• Prepare contracts so that responsibilities are clearly assigned, scopes are fully defined, risks are properly allocated, and the company is protected from unforeseen exposure.
• Ensure agreements are accurate, tailored to the project, and executed on time.
• Oversee contract administration so all parties meet their obligations and any breaches or issues are handled promptly through the right remedies.
• Develop suitable systems for contract management and evaluation to support quality delivery within planned budgets.
• Ensure contractors meet statutory compliance requirements.
• Review contractor performance regularly with the project management team and take necessary corrective actions, while supporting the execution team on contractor-related matters.
• Manage variations and claims in coordination with the project management and legal teams.
• Set up systems for recording, tracking, monitoring, and auditing services with the project management team.

Knowledge management

• Capture learnings and share them periodically, then convert insights into improvement actions.

Process and innovation

• Identify pain points and risks early and propose better ways of working.
• Continuously research improved products and processes and carry out internal and external benchmarking to stay competitive.

Procurement and contract management portal

• Support enhancements to procurement and contracting automation and encourage adoption of the portal.

Key result areas

• Cost savings
• Working capital improvement
• Risk control, including contract administration
• Adherence to policies, turnaround times, and service levels
• Improved project delivery
• Innovation
• Vendor management
• Stakeholder management

Internal and external interfaces

Internal: Project Management Group, Procurement, Finance Team, Legal Team

External: Vendors, Contractors, Certification Authorities

Education and experience

• B.E. / B.Tech in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
• MBA or a degree from NICMAR will be an added advantage
• 12 to 15 years of experience in contracts management
• At least 5 years of experience in the building construction industry
• At least 5 years of experience with top MNCs, Indian corporates, or leading construction companies
• Experience using procurement and contracting platforms will be helpful

Mandatory skills and knowledge

• Strong business communication skills, both spoken and written, including contractual correspondence
• Solid understanding of construction contract frameworks such as FIDIC, AIA, and JCT
• Knowledge of compliance requirements relevant to construction contracts
• Working understanding of the Indian Contracts Act and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act
• Awareness of 4 to 5 trade packages commonly used in building construction projects
• Familiarity with the vendor ecosystem in construction
• Good grasp of construction cost, economics, and rate analysis
• Effective presentation skills
• Advanced MS Excel capability
• Understanding of taxation related to construction contracts