Lead - Contracts & Commercials

Job Description

Position: Lead – Contracts & Commercial Department: Contracts & Commercial / Project Controls Reporting To: Head – Project Controls Location: Pan India + Indonesia (with periodic travel to project sites and client offices) Role Overview We are seeking a strategic, process-driven, and commercially astute Lead – Contracts & Commercial to oversee the entire contract lifecycle management across all projects in India and Indonesia. The role will lead a team of 10+ contracts and commercial professionals, ensuring full contractual compliance, risk mitigation, and commercial safeguarding across pre-award and post-award stages. The role will serve as a central point of governance for all project contracts, company-level agreements, NDAs, BGs, and insurance, working closely with internal stakeholders, legal teams, clients, and external partners. The incumbent must ensure zero financial and reputational loss to the organization while supporting business growth, operational integrity, and contract enforcement. Key Responsibilities Team & Functional Leadership Lead and manage a team of 10+ contracts and commercial professionals across India and Indonesia. Drive performance management, talent development, and functional upskilling. Build and standardize robust contracts management frameworks and SOPs. Process Creation, Standardization & Compliance Define and implement structured processes for contract drafting, review, approvals, and risk assessment. Establish and monitor contract governance protocols. Drive process improvement and policy compliance across regions. Technology-Driven Contracts Management Leverage and enforce use of contract management systems (CMS) or ERP-integrated solutions. Ensure real-time tracking of obligations, change orders, NDAs, BGs, and insurance documents. Promote digital tools for versioning, clause libraries, and alerts. Pre-Award & Post-Award Contract Management Review and analyze pre-bid RFPs, commercial clauses, payment terms, and liabilities. Partner with BD and Estimation teams on risks, deviations, and mitigation. Ensure post-award enforcement, change management, and claims documentation. Risk Mitigation & Zero-Loss Mindset Safeguard the company from risks by identifying red flags and compliance issues. Ensure zero loss through vigilant execution and timely claims. Interface with legal on disputes, terminations, and interpretations. Bank Guarantee (BG) Lifecycle Management Oversee end-to-end BG processes with clients, banks, and internal teams. Ensure timely renewal and release to minimize financial exposure. Insurance Management Ensure project and organizational insurances (CAR, WC, Marine, PI, etc.) are in place. Coordinate policy initiation, claims, and statutory compliance. Change Management, EOT & Claims Prepare and review Extension of Time (EOT) documents with delay and impact studies. Lead/support commercial claims, documentation, and negotiations. Company-Level Contracts & NDAs Review all company-level contracts, NDAs, MoUs, service agreements, and JV documents. Ensure legal vetting, risk assessment, and leadership alignment. Stakeholder Coordination & Legal Interface Coordinate across functions (projects, procurement, finance, legal, BD, management). Provide inputs during legal escalations and contract deviations. Key Skills & Competencies Strong expertise in contract management for EPC/construction/MEP projects. Experience managing multi-country contracts and regulatory frameworks. Proficiency with BGs, insurances, and claims. Familiarity with contract laws, risk assessment, dispute resolution. Deep knowledge of clauses (EOTs, LDs, warranties, indemnities, scope deviations). Excellent stakeholder, negotiation, and commercial communication skills. Experience with ERP and CLM tools. Qualifications & Experience Education: Bachelor’s in Engineering, Law, or Commerce (Master’s or LLB preferred). Experience: 15–20 years in contracts/commercial roles; 5+ years in leadership. Domain: Large-scale infrastructure/MEP/EPC contracts (India & international). Frameworks: Exposure to FIDIC, CPWD preferred. Global Exposure: Experience in Southeast Asia is a plus. Show more Show less