Contracts Lead; Rail

Overview

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally.

With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

We are currently seeking a Contracts Lead for a portfolio of mobility/railway projects in Dammam, KSA.

Lead and manage all aspects of contract administration, including review and negotiation of contracts.

• Assess and analyze contractual claims, including entitlement reviews, time extensions, and cost claims.
• Prepare and defend claims, including counterclaims, and support legal proceedings.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize contractual disputes.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders (e.g., Commercial Director, Operational/Technical Staff, Planning Teams) on contractual and claims matters.
• Prepare and present concise and insightful reports on contractual and claims issues to management.
• Mentor and guide junior team members on contract management and claims best practices.
• Leverage expertise in FIDIC contracts to ensure compliance and project success.
• Negotiate and resolve contractual disputes with contractors effectively.

• Minimum 12 years in contract management, administration, claims preparation, and rebuttal on major infrastructure projects, ideally on rail/transport related projects.
• Proven track record of managing all contractual matters on a major project.
• Highly experienced in assessing contractual claims, including entitlement reviews, time extensions, and cost claims.
• Experience in preparing and defending claims, including counterclaims.
• Experience in supporting legal proceedings (arbitration, adjudication).
• Skills:
  • Excellent contractual letter writing skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to prepare well-written, concise reports.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.
  • Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to implement risk mitigation measures and think strategically.
• Knowledge:
  • Extensive experience with FIDIC forms of contract.
• Qualifications:
  • Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar.
  • LLM/MSc in Construction Law or LLB is highly desirable.
  • Membership in recognized professional bodies (e.g., MRICS, MICE, MIOB) is preferred
  • Membership (or Fellowship) in Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb/FCIArb) is highly desirable.
  • Experience working in the Middle East is preferred

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

Why SYSTRA? Read more