Head of Contracts- On Behalf of Steel Manufacturing & Heavy Industry

About this role

Job Purpose We are seeking an experienced Head of Contracts to lead and oversee all contracting activities for our integrated steel manufacturing facility in Bishoftu. The successful candidate will bridge commercial operations, procurement, and legal compliance, ensuring effective contract management throughout the entire contract lifecycle.The role involves contract drafting, negotiation, legal clause analysis, risk management, performance monitoring, and supplier and contractor identification. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal or paralegal background, excellent negotiation skills, and fluency in English, Amharic, and Afaan Oromo. Key Responsibilities Contract Drafting and Legal Compliance Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize commercial and operational contracts, including labor agreements, equipment hire and lease agreements, engineering and project contracts, service-level agreements, and procurement contracts. Analyze contractual clauses and terms in collaboration with internal legal teams and external legal advisors. Standardize contract templates, terms, and conditions across operational units and project phases. Contract Lifecycle and Performance Management Establish systems to track contract execution, milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators. Monitor contractor performance and compliance in coordination with project managers, plant engineers, and operational teams. Manage claims, contract variations, change orders, renewals, amendments, terminations, and dispute resolution. Enforce contractual obligations and applicable remedies where necessary. Vendor Identification and Procurement Collaboration Identify, evaluate, and onboard qualified local and regional contractors and service providers. Conduct commercial evaluations, market intelligence, and vendor risk assessments. Participate in contract negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and quality service delivery. Stakeholder Management and Coordination Coordinate with Plant Management, Projects, Procurement, Finance, Legal, government bodies, contractors, and labor providers. Lead contractor negotiations, support conflict resolution, and maintain effective stakeholder relationships. Key Performance Indicators Timely and high-quality contract drafting and execution. Reduced contractual disputes, claims, and compliance risks. Improved contractor performance against service-level agreements and operational milestones. Expansion of qualified service providers to improve cost efficiency and operational reliability.