Legal & Contracts Manager

Description:

Smart Home Realty Development & East DSK Contracting LLC is hiring a qualified and experienced Legal & Contracts Manager to oversee all legal and contractual matters related to their real estate development and construction businesses. This position requires expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts for construction, subcontracting, sales, and regulatory compliance, with a solid understanding of FIDIC, UAE civil and commercial law, and RERA regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts, including construction contracts (FIDIC and bespoke), subcontractor agreements, MOUs, NDAs, joint ventures, and development agreements (SPA, DDA).

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all contracts comply with UAE laws, RERA, DLD regulations, and escrow requirements. Liaise with government bodies and legal entities to ensure compliance.

• Risk Management: Identify legal risks related to contracts and propose strategies for mitigating those risks.

• Dispute Resolution: Handle claims, variations, and disputes, and assist with arbitration or litigation in coordination with external counsel.

• Tender Support: Provide legal insight during the tendering process and bid evaluations.

• Legal Advice: Advise management and project teams on legal matters, ensuring alignment with UAE law and best practices.

• Document Management: Develop contract templates, standard operating procedures, and ensure all legal documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law (preferably civil/commercial law).

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in construction and/or real estate contracts in the UAE, with extensive experience in FIDIC contracts.

• Skills: Strong knowledge of local construction law, regulatory frameworks (RERA, DLD), and UAE civil and commercial law. Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and negotiation abilities.

• Language: Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

• Preferred Qualifications: UAE legal practice license (optional but preferred), PMP or construction project management experience, and familiarity with free zones and offshore/onshore structuring.