Lead Contracts Engineer

Role Overview

Lead Contracts Engineer at Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company LLC, part of Ghobash Group, based in Abu Dhabi.

Company Overview

Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company LLC has provided vital contributions to the Oil & Gas sector of the UAE for almost 20 years, executing both onshore and offshore projects. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is a main client, along with Tier 1 and Tier 2 EPC contractors. The company delivers full EPC&M services for electrical and instrumentation works, providing localized expertise in measurement and automation for exploration, production, separation, refining processes, and distribution.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the General Manager and functionally to the Legal Director, this role assists in managing project main contracts, subcontracts, and purchase order terms. It ensures post-contract management of insurances, bonds, guarantee submissions, and timely submission of variation and claim notices to reserve contractual rights with clients.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Documentation

• Manage all pre- and post-contract and subcontract administration, documentation, insurances, bonds, claims, and variation notices.
• Coordinate and compile documents received from Proposals & Estimation, Sales, Procurement, and Project execution teams for LOA/LOI/Subcontract preparation.
• Participate in negotiation meetings when required.
• Ensure high quality of documentation is conducted on time and maintain confidentiality.
• Perform document control tasks and assist in development of procedures for contracts and change management.

Bonds, Insurance & Risk Management

• Raise bonds and insurance documents as required by the main contract and follow up with the Finance Department.
• Maintain bonds and insurance registers and prepare draft notices to the client for submission and release of bonds.
• Maintain bonds and insurance registers for subcontractors and prepare documents for necessary amendments and release of bonds.
• Ensure subcontractor bonds and insurance are in line with contract and subcontract requirements.
• Apply project insurances for plant, machinery, equipment, and vehicles as required by main contract.
• Ensure that subcontractors secure necessary insurances to mitigate risks.
• Endorse subcontractor payment certificates upon compliance with insurance and bond requirements.

Claims, Variations & Time Extensions

• Draft letters for claims and time extensions, and timely submit variation and claim notices to reserve contractual rights with the client.
• Review requests for variations and EOTs from subcontractors and make contractual recommendations for further approval process.
• Draft letters related to claims and time extension, variation orders, and completion certificates.
• Maintain registers of variations, cost claims, and EOT of main contract and subcontracts.
• Assist Project Managers in preparation of Claim/EOT/Variation notices and cost particulars.
• Work closely with Project Managers, HODs, Planning team, and Sr. Project Engineers in preparation of Claim/EOT/Variation notices and cost particulars.

Timeline & Extensions Management

• Maintain registers of main contract and subcontract timelines and follow up with project execution teams for necessary notices to be submitted for EOT.
• Issue notices of delays to subcontractors as required.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with subcontractors for execution of LOA/LOI/Subcontracts.
• Coordinate with DGM/Head of Project and PMs, and provide day-to-day assistance to General Manager.
• Assist GM, DGM, and Head of Projects in development of procedures for contracts, change management, and document control tasks.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare monthly reports in relation to the contracts.
• Participate in audits as required.
• Train new fresh graduates and Emirati employees in the organization.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by Line Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Bachelor Degree in Engineering.
• 08+ years in the Oil & Gas industry.
• 03 years or more experience in UAE or Middle East.
• Experience with contracting company in oil and gas, power, and infrastructure.
• Pre- and post-contract experience working for EPC, contracting, or construction company.
• Affinity and familiarity with Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Contracting aspects in the business, both onshore and offshore, power and utility sector.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of pre-qualifications and qualifications for main contract during pre- and post-award of main contract.
• Familiar and good knowledge of FIDIC.
• Excellent negotiation skills and problem-solving approach.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent personality with strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office products: Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Professional memberships such as ACIArb preferred.
• Additional qualifications in construction contract law desirable.