General Manager – Contracts

We are looking for a strategic, commercially strong, and result-oriented General Manager – Contracts to lead the Contracts and Commercial function of the organization. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in BOQ preparation and analysis, tendering, rate analysis, contractor/vendor management, contract negotiation, cost control, billing, variation management, claims, and commercial closure. The role requires a strong leader who can build and manage a high-performing Contracts team, negotiate effectively with contractors and vendors, protect the company's commercial interests, and ensure cost-effective procurement and contract execution.

• Contracts & Commercial Leadership
  • Lead the overall Contracts and Commercial function across multiple real estate projects.
  • Establish standardized contracts, commercial processes, systems, and controls.
  • Develop and implement contracts strategies aligned with project budgets and business objectives.
  • Review major contracts, work orders, agreements, commercial terms, and contractual obligations.
  • Ensure effective contract administration throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provide strategic commercial advice to senior management on major contractual decisions.
• BOQ & Cost Management
  • Lead preparation, review, and validation of BOQs for civil, finishing, MEP, and other project requirements.
  • Review quantities, specifications, rates, and scope of work.
  • Conduct detailed rate analysis and cost benchmarking.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or project requirements.
  • Ensure alignment of BOQ, project budgets, drawings, specifications, and actual site requirements.
  • Monitor project cost against approved budgets and identify potential cost overruns.
• Tendering & Vendor/Contractor Management
  • Develop and manage the complete tendering process from enquiry to final award.
  • Identify and evaluate suitable contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
  • Prepare tender comparison statements and commercial evaluations.
  • Conduct pre-qualification and capability assessment of contractors.
  • Negotiate rates, payment terms, scope, timelines, retention, security deposits, penalties, warranties, and other contractual conditions.
  • Develop and maintain a strong and reliable contractor/vendor network.
  • Monitor contractor performance and take corrective action wherever required.
• Negotiation & Commercial Closure
  • Lead high-value commercial negotiations with contractors, vendors, consultants, and suppliers.
  • Negotiate rates, quantities, variations, claims, escalation, payment terms, and final settlements.
  • Ensure the company's commercial interests are protected in all contractual agreements.
  • Resolve commercial disputes through effective negotiation and structured escalation.
  • Drive timely closure of pending commercial issues.
  • Participate in negotiations for major project packages and strategic contracts.
• Contract Administration
  • Review and finalize contracts, work orders, LOIs, amendments, and related commercial documents.
  • Ensure proper documentation of scope, specifications, rates, milestones, payment terms, and contractual obligations.
  • Monitor contractual milestones, deliverables, extensions, penalties, and obligations.
  • Manage contractual variations and change orders.
  • Review contractor claims and certify commercial validity in coordination with Project and Finance teams.
  • Ensure timely renewal, closure, and termination of contracts wherever applicable.
• Billing, Variations & Claims
  • Oversee contractor billing and certification processes.
  • Review measurements, RA bills, final bills, and supporting documentation.
  • Monitor variations against approved BOQ and contract scope.
  • Evaluate contractor claims and counterclaims.
  • Ensure proper approval and documentation of deviations and additional works.
  • Drive timely closure of final accounts and outstanding commercial matters.
• Cost Optimization
  • Establish cost-control mechanisms across projects.
  • Benchmark major construction packages and market rates.
  • Identify opportunities for value engineering and commercial optimization.
  • Analyse historical project costs and develop cost databases for future projects.
  • Monitor material and labour cost trends and their impact on project budgets.
  • Support management in achieving project cost and profitability objectives.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead and mentor the Contracts, Commercial, Quantity Surveying, and related teams.
  • Define responsibilities, KRAs, KPIs, and performance expectations.
  • Build a strong second line of leadership within the Contracts function.
  • Develop team capabilities in negotiation, estimation, contract administration, and commercial management.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide strategic guidance.
  • Create a culture of accountability, discipline, transparency, and commercial awareness.
• Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Work closely with: Projects / Engineering Estimation Purchase & Stores Finance & Accounts Planning QA/QC Legal Design & Architecture Management
  • Ensure commercial decisions are aligned with project timelines, technical requirements, budgets, and organizational objectives.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Strategic & Commercial Thinking
• Leadership & Team Building
• Negotiation Skills
• Decision-Making Ability
• Cost Management
• Vendor & Contractor Relationship Management
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Business Acumen
• Analytical & Financial Understanding
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Ownership & Accountability
• Integrity & Professional Ethics

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Project cost savings / optimization
• BOQ accuracy
• Tendering and award timelines
• Contract negotiation savings
• Contractor/vendor performance
• Contract compliance
• Variation control
• Claims resolution
• Final account closure
• Budget adherence
• Commercial dispute resolution
• Timely contract awards
• Vendor/contractor network development
• Team productivity and capability development

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Have 15–20+ years of relevant experience in real estate / construction contracts.
• Have experience handling large-scale residential and/or commercial projects.
• Have strong expertise in BOQ, estimation, rate analysis, tendering, contracts, billing, variations, and claims.
• Have extensive experience in contractor/vendor negotiations.
• Have managed multiple projects and a sizeable Contracts/Commercial team.
• Have strong knowledge of construction market rates and commercial practices.
• Have experience dealing with senior management, contractors, consultants, and vendors.
• Have demonstrated ability to achieve cost optimization without compromising project quality or timelines.
• Strong knowledge of MS Excel and relevant ERP/project management systems is preferred.