Requirements
The Lead Contracts Engineer must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 18 years of experience in contract management for major infrastructure, marine, offshore, energy, or oil & gas projects. Proven experience with offshore island developments, dredging, reclamation, marine works, ports, or large-scale civil infrastructure projects, along with a strong background in EPC/EPCM and construction contracts, is required. Experience managing complex claims and dispute resolution processes is also essential.
Description
Job description / Role
Job Type
Full Time
Job Location
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Nationality
Any Nationality
Salary
Not Specified
Gender
Not Specified
Arabic Fluency
Not Specified
Job Function
Engineering - Civil & Construction
Company Industry
Construction
Belong, connect, grow, with KBR!
The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals. KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design and engineering capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.
Job title: Lead contracts engineer – offshore island project
KBR Abu Dhabi PMC team is currently looking to fill a position of Lead Contracts Engineer for an offshore island project to be based in UAE (Abu Dhabi) as soon as the administrative processes are completed, will then relocate to Spain office and then return to Abu Dhabi.
Key responsibilities
Job purpose
The Lead Contracts Engineer is responsible for managing all contractual and commercial aspects of a major offshore island development project. The role ensures that contracts are administered effectively throughout the project lifecycle, protecting the company's commercial interests while maintaining compliance with contractual obligations, project requirements, and applicable regulations.
Contract management
Lead the administration of EPC, EPCM, construction, marine, dredging, reclamation, infrastructure, and service contracts.
Review, interpret, and advise project teams on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and opportunities.
Ensure compliance with contract terms, project procedures, and company policies.
Develop and maintain contract management plans and contract registers.
Support contract negotiations, amendments, variations, and close-out activities.
Claims & change management
Manage variation orders, change requests, and contractual correspondence.
Assess contractor claims related to extensions of time (EOT), disruption, acceleration, and additional costs.
Prepare entitlement assessments and commercial recommendations.
Support dispute avoidance and resolution strategies.
Maintain comprehensive contractual records to support claims and defense positions.
Commercial support
Work closely with project controls, procurement, engineering, construction, and legal teams.
Evaluate commercial impacts of project changes and emerging risks.
Participate in tender evaluations and contract award recommendations.
Monitor contractor performance against contractual milestones and deliverables.
Review payment applications and commercial submissions.
Risk management
Identify, analyze, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks.
Develop risk registers and recommend proactive mitigation measures.
Ensure adherence to project governance and contractual compliance requirements.
Stakeholder management
Interface with clients, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and joint venture partners.
Lead contractual meetings and commercial discussions.
Provide contractual guidance to project leadership and stakeholders.
Reporting
Prepare periodic commercial and contract status reports.
Provide management with updates on claims, disputes, variations, and commercial exposure.
Support audits and management reviews.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering is a must.
Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
Professional certifications such as MRICS, MCIPS, CCM, PMP, or equivalent are preferred.
Experience
Minimum 18+ years of contract management experience in major infrastructure, marine, offshore, energy, or oil & gas projects.
Proven experience with offshore island developments, dredging, reclamation, marine works, ports, or large-scale civil infrastructure projects.
Strong background in EPC/EPCM and construction contracts.
Experience managing complex claims and dispute resolution processes.
Technical skills
Strong knowledge of FIDIC, NEC, EPC, and bespoke contract forms.
Expertise in contract administration, commercial management, and change management.
Strong understanding of project controls, planning, and cost management principles.
Proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
About the Company
We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission critical roles in 34 countries.
KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.
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