Contracts Manager – Johannesburg

Executive-Level Construction Contracts Role

SASSO Consulting is recruiting on behalf of a client seeking a highly experienced Contracts Manager to oversee complex construction contracts across multiple projects within Gauteng.

This is a senior-level appointment suited to a seasoned construction professional with extensive commercial, contractual and risk management experience within civil, infrastructure or major building environments.

This is a permanent, full-time role.

STRICT NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS

Applications will only be considered if candidates meet ALL of the following:

• Minimum 15+ years experience in the construction industry

• Minimum 7+ years experience specifically in Contracts Management

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale civil or major building projects

• Proven experience administering standard forms of contract (JBCC, NEC, FIDIC, GCC)

• Tertiary qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law, Engineering or Commercial Management

• Strong commercial acumen with experience in:

  • Claims management

  • Variations and EOTs

  • Dispute resolution

  • Cost control and margin protection

• Demonstrated leadership of project teams, QS teams and subcontractors

Applications not meeting all requirements will not be considered.

ROLE PURPOSE

To take full responsibility for contract management activities from award through to close-out, ensuring commercial integrity, risk mitigation and protection of project profitability.

The role requires a mature, highly experienced professional capable of operating independently and providing strong contractual guidance to operational teams and senior management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract Administration & Governance

• Draft, review and negotiate main and subcontract agreements

• Administer JBCC, NEC, FIDIC and GCC contracts

• Oversee contract compliance and ensure obligations are met

• Maintain accurate contract documentation and records

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Authorise and manage variations, EOTs and claims

• Protect project margins through proactive contract management

• Monitor contract financial performance

• Provide commercial risk assessments and mitigation strategies

Claims & Dispute Management

• Evaluate, prepare and negotiate claims

• Manage contractual disputes in collaboration with legal advisors

• Ensure disputes are resolved with minimal commercial exposure

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate contractual and commercial risks

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and governance requirements

• Align contract strategy with project delivery objectives

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with project managers, QS teams, site management and procurement

• Provide regular reporting to General Manager / Construction Director

• Support executive decision-making with contract insights

PERFORMANCE METRICS

• Variations kept within approved thresholds

• Claims resolved cost-effectively

• Timely contract close-out

• Margin and profitability targets achieved

• Zero major contractual non-compliance issues

DESIRED (ADVANTAGEOUS BUT NOT MANDATORY)

• Professional registration (SACPCMP, RICS, PrEng, PMP or equivalent)

• Experience on complex, high-value infrastructure or mixed-use developments

• Exposure to multi-project portfolio management

IDEAL PROFILE

We are seeking a highly experienced, steady, commercially astute Contracts Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex construction projects and managing contractual risk at senior level.

This role is best suited to a professional with significant industry depth, proven contract leadership capability and the ability to operate at a high level of accountability.