Job Description
Contracts Manager
Job Location City:  Dubaï, Dubai
Country/Region:  United Arab Emirates
Contract Type:  Permanent Contract
Pole:  TRAVAUX PUBLICS (AP003)
Full/Part Time:  Full Time
Remote/Onsite:  On-site/Office based
Travel Requirements:  Occasional travel
Requisition ID:  3438
Information at a Glance

As part of Bouygues Construction's Public Works division, VSL International participates in the construction of major technical structures and guarantees their structural safety and durability: transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), industrial and energy production structures, and commercial buildings.

 

VSL's business is based on four areas of expertise:
· Structural systems and technologies
· Civil engineering
· Foundations and soil engineering
· Preservation, structural repairs, renovation and optimization of structures.

 

VSL has 4,000 employees at 25 locations worldwide (Asia and Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Canada).

Project

VSL is a global specialist construction company and a recognised expert in post-tensioning and structural technologies. With 70 years of experience, we help build, preserve, and transform some of the world’s most ambitious structures, from bridges and high-rises to tanks and wind towers. As a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, we operate in over 25 countries, combining creative engineering, proprietary systems, and full-scope execution to deliver durable, high-performance solutions.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Contracts Manager to join VSL in a senior commercial and contractual leadership role. Acting as the central contract management lead across the project lifecycle, this role will be responsible for managing contractual risk, compliance, change, claims and commercial protections across major infrastructure and industrial projects.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with the Group Legal team in France, the role will support successful project execution through robust contract administration, stakeholder management and dispute avoidance.

Main Responsibilities

Contract Management and Commercial Risk

  • Act as the central contractual lead across allocated projects, providing strategic contract management support and commercial protection.

     

  • Lead negotiation, review and finalisation of contracts with clients, subcontractors and suppliers.

     

  • Manage contract administration throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with obligations and terms.

     

  • Identify contractual risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect project and business interests.

     

  • Maintain accurate records of contract documentation, correspondence and contractual notices.

Claims, Change and Dispute Management

  • Lead management of change orders, compensation mechanisms and contractual claims.

     

  • Support preparation, substantiation and negotiation of complex claims and commercial strategies.

     

  • Manage and resolve disputes relating to contract performance, including mediation or liaison with legal counsel where required.

     

  • Support contractual close-out and final account agreement where relevant.

Stakeholder and Legal Coordination

  • Act as a key point of contact for project teams on contractual matters and obligations.

     

  • Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on contract interpretation, risk and compliance matters.

     

  • Liaise with external legal counsel and collaborate closely with Group Legal where required.

     

  • Support contractual arrangements within consortium and joint venture delivery structures.

Reporting and Compliance

  • Prepare and present reports on contract performance, compliance and risk exposure to stakeholders.

     

  • Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations and governance requirements.

  • Maintain alignment between contract management processes, project controls and reporting requirements.

     

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline, or Law degree with construction experience (or equivalent)

     

  • 8+ years’ experience, including at least 3 years in Contract Management

     

  • Proven experience on major infrastructure or industrial projects

     

  • Experience managing contracts within Consortium or Joint Venture environments

     

  • Strong understanding of construction contracts, claims and contractual risk management

     

  • Strong negotiation skills, analytical thinking and problem-solving capability

     

  • Arabic and English required; French would be advantageous

Personal Attributes

  • Strong commercial and contractual leadership mindset

     

  • Strategic thinker with strong risk management capability

     

  • Confident communicator able to influence internal and external stakeholders

     

  • Structured, organised and detail-oriented

     

  • Resilient and adaptable in complex, high-value project environments

     

  • Committed to ethics, integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement

     

  • Strong commitment to health, safety and protecting colleagues and stakeholders

Interested? Apply now and let's build the great structures of tomorrow together!