My client is a well-established and highly respected Engineering Consulting Company in South Africa.

The primary purpose of the Claims Expert is to support the Engineers Representative and Site Commercial Manager to ensure consistent and prompt application of claims management procedures and production of robust Determinations.

The role requires expert knowledge and understanding of all aspects of contracts and claims management, and a thorough understanding of all forms of dispute resolution.

Key Accountabilities
The primary responsibility of the role is to manage and control all forms of claims relating to the Works packages of the Medupi Power Station, South Africa.
• Ensure all necessary procedures for claims management, Determinations and Employer Claims are developed and implemented
• Provide training in the FIDIC forms of contract
• Ensure that claim reporting is accurately carried out and the WISPA claims management module is developed to suit Project reporting
requirements
• Provide support to Commercial Managers together with the Engineer’s Assistants regarding contractual obligations and the analysis of contractual risks
• Ensure that Determinations issued by the Engineer are contractually correct and appropriately substantiated
• Support the Employer’s commercial and legal teams in reaching sustainable claims settlement agreements and if necessary, in dispute resolution matters
• Support the commercial team in the development and delivery of commercial Strategies
• Ensure that all meetings are properly recorded and minutes issued
• Develop a team spirit with team members
• Identify contractual risks and opportunities and manage them through to conclusion to minimise Employer’s liability
• Develop an effective interface with the finance function in order to assess financial implications of claims matters
• Fulfil any other task that can be reasonably within the contemplation of the role
• Become aware and where appropriate apply SHEQ/Zero Harm Health and Safety objectives and Procedures to the role
• Become aware of the Environmental Objectives and Procedures associated with the Project Site

Experience
• Post-Graduate qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or Construction Law
• Membership of a Professional Body associated with Quantity Surveying or equivalent
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators or equivalent

Minimum Requirements
• Minimum of 20 years commercial management experience; with at least 5 years in a senior management role and 3 years of dispute resolution
• Strong contractual and/or legal background and experience
• Experience in managing multiple contracts or claims
• Good understanding of contractual law
• Technical knowledgeable in commercial, contract and risk management
• Extensive contracts negotiation and claims management experience with the ability to deliver to deadlines
• Exposure to large engineering and construction projects
• Outstanding communication, leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop proactive and professional working relationships
• Ability to resolve problems independently and operate efficiently under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to drive change through the organization and proven track record of leading multi-discipline commercial teams
• Demonstrated ability to successfully resolve complex disputes