Director – Administration

Job Description

Director – Contracts Administration

About:

Alef Group, a pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures, is seeking an experienced Director – Contracts Administration(Bilingual/Native English Speaker) who is well-versed in contractual and commercial matters related to real estate development projects to join the team in Sharjah.

Job Purpose:

The Director – Contracts Administration is responsible for managing and administering all contractual and commercial matters across the company’s real estate development projects. The role ensures effective contract administration, risk management, cost control, and claims avoidance, supporting timely project delivery and protecting the company’s commercial interests. This position acts as the primary client-side authority on contracts, working closely with project teams, cost consultants, legal advisors, and other internal stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities:

Contracts Administration

• Manage contract administration activities across all live projects in accordance with approved contract terms.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, notices, bonds, guarantees, insurances, and warranties.
• Oversee administration of payment certificates, variations, extensions of time (EOTs), delay notices, and claims.
• Support the final account and contract close-out process in coordination with cost consultants and project teams.

Commercial & Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and manage contractual and commercial risks at project level.
• Maintain contractual risk registers and provide early warnings on potential claims or disputes.
• Review and recommend mitigation strategies for cost and time impacts arising from contractual issues.
• Support dispute avoidance through proactive contract management.

Procurement & Pre-Contract Support

• Support procurement teams during tendering, commercial evaluations, and contract negotiations.
• Review and finalize contractual terms for consultant and contractor appointments.
• Advise management on contractual risks and commercial implications prior to contract award.

Claims & Dispute Management

• Manage claims and counter-claims in coordination with legal advisors and external consultants.
• Prepare contractual positions, correspondence, and recommendations related to disputes.
• Support mediation, adjudication, or arbitration processes as required.
• Ensure claims are assessed and resolved in line with contractual entitlements and company strategy.

Financial & Cost Control Interface

• Work closely with cost management and finance teams to ensure contractual alignment with approved budgets.
• Review payment applications, variation valuations, and final account recommendations.
• Highlight potential cost overruns or commercial exposures to senior management.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the key contractual interface with consultants, contractors, legal advisors, and internal teams.
• Support project directors and managers on contractual interpretation and issue resolution.
• Provide regular contractual and commercial reports to senior management.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage the contracts administration team (if applicable).
• Allocate workload, review outputs, and ensure quality and consistency of contract administration.
• Mentor junior contracts and commercial staff.

Educational Qualifications, Work Experience, and Skills Required:

Educational Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or Law.
• Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications, including MRICS / PMI / AACEI or equivalent recognized professional bodies, are preferred.

Work Experience:

• Must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in contracts administration or commercial management.
• Must have proven experience of working for client-side for a real estate developer or with major contractors/consultants on large-scale developments.
• Must have a strong exposure to UAE construction projects, including residential, mixed-use, hospitality, or commercial assets.
• Must have a solid working knowledge of FIDIC contracts and bespoke development agreements.
• Must have experience handling variations, EOTs, claims, and final accounts.

Skills required:

• Strong understanding of construction contracts and contract administration
• Commercial awareness and negotiation capability
• Risk identification and problem-solving skills
• Clear communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail with a proactive, solution-oriented approach