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

Job Description

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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LL.B.), Paralegal Studies, Business Law, Commercial Law, or a related field.

• Paralegal certification or formal legal training is strongly preferred.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in contract drafting, commercial law, or contract administration.

• Experience in steel manufacturing, heavy industry, construction, infrastructure, or large-scale industrial projects is highly preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of Ethiopian contract law, labor laws, and commercial regulations.

• Proven expertise in drafting and managing complex contracts, including labor agreements, equipment hire, EPC/turnkey projects, maintenance agreements, and procurement contracts.

• Proficiency in contract management software and standard office applications.

• Strong commercial evaluation, risk assessment, and contract performance monitoring skills.

Languages

• Fluency in English, Amharic, and Afaan Oromo, both spoken and written, is mandatory.

Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent negotiation, persuasion, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Strong leadership and cross-functional coordination abilities.

• High ethical standards, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their updated CV to deborah.eshetu@ethiojobs.net. With a subject line of Head of Contracts- On Behalf of Steel Manufacturing & Heavy Industry.