Senior Construction Contracts Manager

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 [email protected]

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.