Rail Transport Contract Manager

Contract Manager - International Infrastructure (Rail & Transport Projects) - Japan
Fixed Term Contract
Transportation, Rail, Highways, Commercial
Reference: 320111596_1780412856

Tokyo, Japan (International Division)

Competitive Salary Package + Benefits

Major Projects Across Asia & Emerging Markets

The Opportunity

EWI is supporting a leading international contractor with a strong heritage in delivering large-scale rail, metro, and infrastructure projects globally.

Due to continued growth across Southeast Asia and South Asia, they are looking to appoint a Contract Manager to play a key leadership role in managing complex international contracts and supporting strategic project delivery.

This is a high-profile opportunity to work on major metro, railway, and transport infrastructure programmes, including ODA and donor-funded projects.

Key Responsibilities

As Contract Manager, you will take ownership of contract management across international projects, ensuring commercial protection and supporting project success:

• Lead contract drafting, review, and negotiation (FIDIC, JV agreements, subcontract agreements)
• Oversee contract execution and compliance across project lifecycle (tender to delivery)
• Provide expert guidance on FIDIC and ODA contract conditions (e.g. JICA)
• Manage and mitigate contractual and commercial risks, reporting to senior management
• Monitor project performance and implement contractual risk management strategies
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (engineering, operations, legal, commercial teams)
• Coordinate with external partners including JV partners, subcontractors, and legal advisors
• Drive standardisation and improvement of contract management systems and processes
• Support implementation of electronic contract management tools

Requirements

• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law, or related discipline
• Minimum 10+ years' experience in contract management within construction, EPC, or infrastructure projects
• Strong working knowledge of FIDIC contracts (Red and/or Yellow Book)
• Proven experience handling EOT, variations, and claims management
• Experience on international or overseas projects
• Strong capability in contract negotiation, drafting, and dispute avoidance
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Highly Desirable

• Experience on ODA / donor-funded projects (JICA, World Bank, ADB, etc.)
• Background working with major contractors or international consultancies
• Legal qualifications or advanced expertise in construction law

The Company

A leading Japanese contractor with a strong global presence, recognised for delivering high-quality railway, metro, and transport infrastructure projects.

With major live projects including metro systems and transport corridors across Asia, the business offers a unique environment combining technical excellence, international exposure, and long-term career development.

Language

Fluency in Written and spoken English is essential, Japanese beneficial but not essential.

SEO:

Rail, Metro, Highways, Road, Transportation, Japan, Contract Manager, Commercial Manager, FIDIC, Claims, Civil, Structures, systems, Stations, Depot Equipment, E&M, Electrical, Mechanical, Elevated, Japan, Asia Pacific, South East Asia, JICA, ADB

ewi is an international consultancy focused on the search & selection of the Worlds leading engineering and construction professionals. We specialize in recruiting expats and local experts for major infrastructure and build projects across the globe.

For more information on any senior Rail & Metro jobs please contact Oliver Jones at ewi recruitment on o.jones(at)ewi-group.com

ewi is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. ewi is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.