Senior Specialist - Contracts

About the role

The Senior Specialist - Contracts manages end-to-end contract management within the Finance - Ports Cluster department of Al Yaher Recruitment and Manpower Services Ltd. The role centres on the Fujairah Terminals expansion programme, ensuring that capital works, equipment and service contracts are procured, awarded and administered on schedule, within budget and in line with AD Ports Group policies and UAE regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with stakeholders on yearly procurement plans and ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Prepare Requests for Expression of Interest and/or pre-qualification, evaluate unpriced commercial aspects of technical bids and bidder lists, and examine scope of work for completeness and consistency.
• Prepare ITT packages using standard forms, coordinate their issuance to approved bidders, attend pre-tender meetings, arrange site visits, prepare award recommendations and Letters of Award, and handle bidding correspondence.
• Negotiate contract terms, handle administrative tasks such as bank guarantees, insurances and invoices, and maintain contract logs and files.
• Review and evaluate variations and claims, recommend approvals, prepare contract amendments and close out contractual matters.
• Manage end-user expectations on tender requests and devise tender strategies and cost-effective procurement solutions.
• Lead tendering and contracting of the Fujairah Terminals expansion packages (marine works, dredging, quay walls, civil works, buildings, utilities and port equipment), including EPC, design-build and FIDIC-based contracts.
• Work with the project management team and PMC/consultants to align contract strategy and award schedules with the project master schedule and budget.
• Administer contracts during execution, including variations, extensions of time, claims, payment certificates, performance securities and notices, and support dispute resolution.
• Monitor contractor performance and contractual risks, report status, commitments and savings, and ensure contracts reflect local Fujairah requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Quantity Surveying, Business Administration or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience in pre-award and post-award contract management, preferably on major port, marine or infrastructure capital projects.
• High-level English; working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Sound working knowledge of FIDIC and EPC contract forms, variations and claims management.
• Good knowledge of procurement regulations and industry standards.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, research and interpersonal skills.