JOB TITLE:
CONTRACT MANAGER
ASSIGNMENT TYPE: PERMANENT HIRE - STAFF ROLE
LOCATION: PARIS, FRANCE
HYBRID WORKING: YES - 3 DAYS OFFICE / 2 DAYS HOME
WORKING SCHEDULE: MONDAY TO FRIDAY
CLIENT: DEVELOPER OF LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING FACILITIES
PACKAGE: COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS
INTRODUCTION
About the Role
An experienced Contract Manager is sought to support a major industrial development program. Reporting to the PMO, the Contract Manager oversees the execution and compliance of all project-related contracts throughout their lifecycle.
Acting as a key interface between internal teams and external stakeholders, this role ensures that contractual obligations are clearly understood, diligently followed, and strategically managed to reduce risk and optimise project performance. The Contract Manager works closely with engineering, procurement, project controls, legal, and other project functions to support successful delivery.
This position is based in Paris, with occasional travel to the project site in southern France and to engineering partners' offices.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Contract Administration & Compliance
- Oversee day-to-day contract execution and ensure full compliance with contractual obligations across all project phases.
- Support project teams in interpreting, clarifying, and applying contract provisions.
- Maintain, update, and control contractual documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure strong alignment between the main contract and subcontractor/supplier agreements (back-to-back consistency).
- Work closely with PMO and cost control functions to ensure consolidated, accurate, and up-to-date committed and forecasted budget values.
2. Risk, Claims & Change Management
- Identify contractual risks and propose effective mitigation strategies in coordination with Legal.
- Track project changes, deviations, and schedule impacts to maintain accurate records supporting potential claims.
- Prepare, negotiate, and defend claims, as well as respond to those submitted against the company.
- Coordinate and support insurance claims and indemnification processes.
- Participate in Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA), contributing to mitigation planning and monitoring.
3. Negotiation & Stakeholder Support
- Lead and support negotiations related to contract amendments and variations.
- Advise internal teams on contract-related procedures and ensure adherence to procurement rules.
- Draft and validate formal contractual communications, such as Early Warnings and official correspondence.
- Act as the primary contact for contract-related matters between project teams, partners, clients, and suppliers.
4. Governance, Awareness & Continuous Improvement
- Promote contract awareness, best practices, and risk understanding across project teams.
- Support identification and management of project risks and opportunities.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of contract management processes, templates, and tools.
PROFILE
Education
- Master's degree in engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years' experience in EPC or large-scale industrial projects, including claims management and negotiation.
- Experience in industrial environments such as heavy process industries, piping engineering, or BIM is a strong advantage.
Required Skills & Knowledge
- Strong expertise in contract law and contract management for EPC/EPCm projects.
- Solid understanding of procurement, subcontracting, risk allocation, insurance, and claims processes.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills in complex technical environments.
- Strong communication skills in English and French.
- High integrity, proactive mindset, structured working approach, and strong teamwork orientation.