Contract & Claims Manager

Overview:Our client is an established international consultancy with a strong presence across the Middle East, providing contract management, claims advisory, expert support, and dispute resolution services to major infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.They have recently been instructed to provide Contracts & Claims Management support into a newly awarded, multi‑million dollar desalination project in Abu Dhabi. This is a critical role embedded within the project environment, acting as a proactive commercial and contractual lead on behalf of the client.The Middle East water and utilities sector continues to expand rapidly, with desalination forming a key pillar of long‑term infrastructure strategy across the UAE. This assignment offers exposure to a technically complex, high‑value EPC environment where strong contractual leadership will be essential to project success.Job Description:The Contracts & Claims Manager will be embedded into the project team, operating in a senior, site‑based capacity. This is not a passive contract administration role. The successful individual will be expected to:Lead contract management strategyIdentify and drive entitlement positionsProactively manage claims (both defensive and offensive)Direct and influence client‑side stakeholdersEstablish robust commercial governance processesYou will act as a key contractual authority on the project, reporting to senior project leadership while liaising closely with contractors, legal advisors, and executive stakeholders. The project is being delivered under an EPC structure, likely incorporating FIDIC‑based conditions.Job Responsibilities:Full lifecycle contract management under EPC/FIDIC‑based contractsIdentification, preparation, and defence of contractual claimsDrafting and issuing contractual notices and formal correspondenceEvaluation of contractor claims including EOT, disruption, prolongation, and cost claimsDevelopment of commercial strategy aligned to project risk profileLeading negotiations on contractual matters and settlement discussionsAdvising senior project leadership on entitlement, exposure, and mitigationEstablishing structured claims management procedures within the project teamDriving proactive contract compliance and risk mitigationCoordinating with legal counsel on contentious matters where requiredProfile Required:15–30+ years’ experience in contract and commercial management within infrastructure, power, water, or major EPC environmentsStrong working knowledge of FIDIC (Red, Yellow, Silver Books)Demonstrable experience managing large‑scale claims and dispute processesExperience on power, water, desalination, heavy civil, or major industrial projects preferredAbility to operate independently and embed within live project teamsConfident, authoritative communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholdersProven negotiation capability in high‑value contractual environmentsChartered or professionally accredited status (e.g., MRICS, MICE, MCInstCES or equivalent) advantageousWhat Sets This Opportunity Apart:Direct involvement in a strategically significant UAE desalination schemeEmbedded leadership role within a live EPC projectOpportunity to shape contract and claims management culture from the outsetHigh visibility with executive stakeholdersBacked by an established global advisory platformCompetitive Middle East packageWhat Sets This Opportunity Apart:Rapidly expanding UAE fit‑out market with sustained project pipelineExposure to premium commercial and corporate interior mandatesHigh‑visibility role within a growing regional platformClear pathway toward senior commercial leadershipEntrepreneurial yet structured business environmentCompetitive tax‑free package aligned to experienceWho Are We?Anzurra is a specialist recruitment, executive search, and talent advisory firm focused on Commercial, Contract Management, Claims, Disputes, Legal, and Advisory talent across the global construction, infrastructure, and energy markets.We work as an embedded partner to ambitious organisations, supporting them not only to hire exceptional people, but to build, structure, and scale high‑performing teams.With offices in London and Copenhagen and an international client base, we provide retained, in‑house, and flexible recruitment solutions that go far beyond transactional hiring. Our work sits at the intersection of projects, contracts, risk, and people – supporting contractors, consultancies, developers, law firms, and expert practices to secure the specialist talent that protects projects and drives performance.#J-18808-Ljbffr