Contract Manager

The Contract Manager within AFNORD’s Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for overseeing all contractual and commercial aspects of AFNORD’s projects from tendering through execution and closeout. This role ensures that contracts with clients, EPC partners, subcontractors, and suppliers are properly structured, administered, and managed in accordance with AFNORD’s PMO governance framework, corporate policies, and industry standards. The Contract Manager acts as a key advisor to project management, safeguarding AFNORD’s commercial interests, mitigating risks, and ensuring contractual compliance across all project phases. Key Responsibilities • Lead the contract formation, negotiation, and administration process for AFNORD’s projects, ensuring alignment with project scope, risk profile, and commercial objectives. • Draft, review, and manage a range of contractual documents, including main contracts, subcontracts, amendments, change orders, and confidentiality agreements. • Provide contractual and commercial advice to Project Managers, Engineers, and PMO leadership throughout the project lifecycle. • Maintain full visibility and control over contract obligations, deliverables, and milestones, ensuring compliance from all parties. • Manage and track variations, claims, and change orders, ensuring proper documentation, evaluation, and timely resolution. • Support procurement and tender evaluation processes, ensuring that subcontract terms are back-to-back with main contract requirements. • Coordinate with project controls, cost, and planning teams to integrate contractual, schedule, and financial data for effective project management. • Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks, escalating issues where required to PMO leadership. • Participate in project review meetings, providing insights on contractual performance, claims status, and commercial trends. • Ensure all contractual correspondence and records are accurate, traceable, and stored in accordance with PMO document control procedures. • Support project closeout by coordinating final account settlements, release of guarantees, and formal contract closure documentation. • Drive continuous improvement in AFNORD’s contract management practices, templates, and governance processes. Required Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. • Minimum 8–12 years of experience in contract management or commercial management within EPC, industrial, or infrastructure projects. • In-depth knowledge of contract law, claims management, and dispute resolution mechanisms. • Strong experience in EPC and FIDIC-based contracts (e.g., Red, Yellow, Silver Books). • Proven track record managing complex contracts in multi-stakeholder project environments. • Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. • Proficiency in MS Office, contract administration tools, and document management systems. • Fluency in English (written and spoken); proficiency in Swedish or another European language is an advantage. Desirable Attributes • Experience in data center, energy, or industrial construction projects. • Familiarity with risk-based contracting models and cost-reimbursable vs. lump-sum contract strategies. • Exposure to PMI or AACE frameworks for project and contract controls. • Certification in Contract Management, Commercial Management, or Project Management (e.g., MRICS, PMP, CCP) is desirable. • Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to communicate complex contractual issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders. Key Interfaces • PMO Leadership and Project Managers • Legal Counsel and Finance Departments • Procurement, Cost Control, and Planning Teams • EPC Contractors, Subcontractors, and Suppliers • Client Representatives and External Auditors Performance Indicators • Quality and timeliness of contract administration and reporting • Effectiveness in managing claims, variations, and change control • Compliance with AFNORD’s PMO contractual governance and risk procedures • Successful mitigation of commercial and legal risks • Contribution to project profitability and stakeholder satisfaction