Claims and Contracts Director

Role SummaryThe Claims & Contracts Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for all contractual and claims activities across the Company's construction projects.The role ensures effective contract governance, protection of the Company's contractual rights, and successful management of claims, variations and disputes throughout the project lifecycle. The position will lead the development and implementation of contractual strategies, oversee contract administration practices, and provide expert guidance to Project Directors, Commercial Managers, and project teams.Working within a main contractor environment, the role requires extensive experience in managing complex construction contracts, including FIDIC-based agreements, major building, infrastructure and high-rise projects. The Director will provide strategic leadership in maximizing commercial value, mitigating contractual and commercial risks, enhancing project profitability and ensuring successful resolution of contractual matters with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.Key Responsibilities Contracts Management & GovernanceLead the Company's contract management function across all ongoing construction projects.Develop and implement contract administration strategies, procedures, and best practices.Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, notice requirements, and project-specific conditions.Provide contractual advice to Executive Management, Project Directors, and project teams.Manage contractual correspondence, including notices, instructions, claims submissions, and responses. Claims Management & Dispute ResolutionLead the preparation, review, and submission of all major contractual claims, including:Extension of Time (EOT) ClaimsDelay and Disruption ClaimsProlongation ClaimsVariations and Change Order ClaimsLoss and Expense ClaimsAcceleration ClaimsEstablish claims strategies to maximize entitlement and commercial recovery.Review claim entitlement, contractual basis, quantum assessment, and supporting documentation.Ensure timely submission of contractual notices and claims in accordance with contract requirements.Lead negotiations with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers to achieve favorable outcomes.Manage dispute avoidance strategies and support arbitration, adjudication, mediation, or litigation processes when required.Coordinate with external legal advisors and consultants on complex contractual matters. Variations, Change Management & Financial RecoveryOversee the management of variations and change orders across projects.Ensure all additional works, scope changes, and client instructions are properly documented and valued.Support project teams in securing approvals and commercial recovery.Review project commercial reports, cost impacts, and potential entitlement.Leadership & Team ManagementLead, mentor, and develop Contracts Managers and Claims Managers.Establish departmental objectives and performance standards.Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing across project teams.Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or related discipline.Professional certifications such as MRICS, MCIArb, CIOB, PMP, or equivalent are preferred.ExperienceMinimum 18 years of experience in construction industry.Minimum 10 years of experience in senior contracts and claims leadership roles.Proven experience working with a main contractor in the UAE/GCC market.Strong background managing large-scale construction projects including high-rise buildings, Hospitality projects, mixed-use developments, infrastructure projects and government projects.Demonstrated experience managing complex contractual claims.Experience managing teams of Contracts Managers and Claims Engineers.Technical Skills & CompetenciesAdvanced knowledge of FIDIC Conditions of ContractStrong understanding of UAE construction contracts and commercial practices.Expertise in:Extension of Time (EOT) claimsDelay analysisContract interpretationVariation managementDispute resolutionContract negotiations