Contracts Lead

About the role

Wasael Property Management is looking for a Contracts Lead in Abu Dhabi to lead and manage contract administration and contractual activities across assigned projects. The role ensures effective contract governance, compliance, risk management and protection of the organization's commercial and contractual interests throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Lead contract administration from award through completion and close-out, reviewing, interpreting and administering contracts to ensure compliance with terms and obligations.
• Support the development, review, negotiation and finalization of contracts, agreements, amendments and related documentation.
• Monitor contractual obligations, deliverables, milestones, notices and key dates, and manage correspondence, notices, claims, variations and extensions of time.
• Review and assess contractor and consultant claims and give contractual recommendations to project and commercial leadership.
• Identify contractual risks and liabilities and recommend mitigation measures; coordinate with Commercial, Procurement, Project, Technical, Finance and Legal teams.
• Support tendering and procurement by reviewing contractual terms, conditions and scopes, and advise project teams on decision-making.
• Lead contractual negotiations with contractors, consultants, suppliers and other service providers where required.
• Ensure change control procedures are followed and document the contractual implications of changes.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, amendments, correspondence, notices, claims and variations, monitor compliance and escalate significant non-compliance.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution, prepare reports and recommendations for senior management, and support final account negotiations and close-out.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, Law, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation such as MRICS, RICS or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 10-12 years of relevant contracts and commercial experience, including major construction or consultancy contracts.
• Strong experience in real estate development, construction, infrastructure or major project environments.

Required skills

• Contract administration and standard forms of construction contracts, including FIDIC where applicable.
• Claims, variations, extensions of time, contractual notices and dispute-related matters.
• Negotiation, risk assessment and contractual interpretation.
• Change management, stakeholder management and analytical problem-solving.