Contract Manager (Pre-Contract) – Rail/Metro Projects

About SYSTRA Arabia

SYSTRA is a prominent global engineering and consultancy firm specializing in public transport and sustainable mobility. With a workforce exceeding 10,300 employees, the group's mission centers on designing safe, sustainable transport systems that promote social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education, and leisure worldwide. Over its 65-year history, SYSTRA has partnered with cities and regions to create, enhance, and modernize infrastructure and transport networks throughout all project phases, from initial design to testing, deployment, and maintenance. The company operates across more than 80 countries, with 74% of its revenues generated internationally, supporting clients in digital, ecological, and energy transitions to define the future of mobility.

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Contract Manager to support procurement and tendering efforts for a significant rail/metro infrastructure project. This role covers managing the development, review, negotiation assistance, and finalization of contractual documentation across various procurement packages, ensuring commercial solidity, compliance, and project alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead contract formation processes related to procurement and tender packages.
• Draft, review, and finalize tender and contract documentation comprehensively.
• Assist in procurement strategy formulation and select fitting contract frameworks.
• Create and revise contractual terms, conditions, and any special clauses as needed.
• Contribute commercial and legal insights throughout tendering phases including clarification, evaluation, and awarding stages.
• Analyze deviations submitted by tenderers and recommend appropriate responses.
• Identify risks associated with contracts and recommend corresponding mitigation tactics.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, legal, technical, and commercial teams to ensure cohesive contract management.
• Support negotiations before contract award with suppliers, consultants, and contractors.
• Ensure adherence to project governance, procedures, and procurement policies.
• Maintain organized records of all contract documents, including approvals and revisions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• At least 15 years' experience in contract management, procurement, tender support, or commercial management roles.
• Demonstrable expertise in rail or metro infrastructure projects is mandatory.
• Extensive experience in contract formation and pre-award contract administration.
• Proven track record working on major infrastructure or transportation projects.
• Thorough knowledge of FIDIC and other standard contract forms.
• Strong skills in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating tender and contractual documents.
• Deep understanding of contractual risk allocation and procurement methodologies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Commercial Management, or related disciplines.
• Excellent command of English with superior communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• High commercial awareness paired with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective drafting and negotiation proficiency.
• Capability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams within complex project environments.
• Experience within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region preferred.