Manager – Contracts (Contracts & Procurement)

About This Role

About Us

DMCC is a government entity established in 2002 to enhance commodity trade flows through Dubai. We perform a range of roles which continue to position Dubai as the preferred destination for global commodities trade and DMCC as the world’s No.1 Free Zone.

Company Profile:

DMCC is a center of global trade. Headquartered in Dubai, DMCC is the world’s most interconnected Free Zone, home to over 25,000 member companies and the leading trade and enterprise hub for commodities. Whether developing vibrant neighborhoods with world-class property like Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai or delivering high-performance business services, DMCC provides everything its dynamic community needs to live, work, and thrive. Made for Trade, DMCC is proud to sustain and grow Dubai’s position as the place to be for global trade today and long into the future.

Role Summary:

The Manager – Contracts supports the Senior Director – Contracts & Procurement (C&P) by leading the drafting, negotiation and administration of commercial contracts across DMCC.

The role exists to safeguard DMCC’s commercial interests through robust contract governance, compliance with internal approval processes, effective risk identification and mitigation, and timely, practical contract support to Business Units and external counterparties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drafting and negotiating C&P contracts and reviewing third party terms and conditions (where applicable) providing advice and guidance to Business Units (BUs).
• Provide advice and support to BUs on contracts together with ancillary contract documentation such as performance securities, parent company guarantees, bonds, purchase orders etc.
• Maintain the C&P contracts and bonds register and ensure contracts are approved via the contract approvals process.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve contract templates, standard clauses and playbooks in coordination with the Senior Director – Contracts & Procurement and relevant stakeholders, ensuring alignment with policy, governance and risk appetite.
• Support the C&P team with the implementation and interpretation of Procurement Policies and Procedures, Contracts Approval Process and Contracts Register
• Support the Senior Director – Contracts & Procurement in resolving contractual issues, claims, variations, disputes and performance matters, ensuring risks are identified, documented and escalated appropriately.
• Lead contract support for strategic initiatives and projects, including structuring contracting approaches, drafting/negotiating key agreements, and coordinating internal inputs to meet programme timelines and governance requirements.
• Advise the C&P department members in the preparation of their contracts, especially in the context of new contract templates.
• Deliver awareness sessions and targeted training to ensure stakeholders understand contractual processes, approval requirements, recordkeeping expectations and common risk themes.
• Provide contract input on close-out requirements, including ensuring return/release of securities and retentions (as applicable), documenting completion and lessons learned, and updating registers and the Contract Management System (CMS).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Law degree is ideal, but not a “must have” criteria for this role.
• 5+ years experience in contracts management, commercial, or procurement roles, ideally with international contracts.
• Language Skills: Excellent English is a must have. Arabic would be an added benefit
• Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements e.g., NDAs, MSAs, service/vendor contracts. Experience with government or quasi-government entities is an advantage
• Exposure to international organizations or ME region practices is beneficial
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with CLM systems and contract processes preferred
• Relevant experience aligned with the DMCC’s industry

The successful candidate will enjoy the following:

• Working at the world’s best Free Zone with highly motivated colleagues
• A very diverse workforce from all around the globe
• Well-being initiatives all over the year
• Market competitive basic salary
• Housing allowance
• Transportation allowance
• National Allowance
• Annual flight allowance
• Other alternative family benefits
• Pension Scheme
• Discretionary bonus schemes
• Generous annual leave
• Medical and life insurance cover
• Free covered parking
• Retail discounts with over 450 outlets across JLT