About dhk:
dhk Architects is one of the largest architectural studios in Africa. We deliver buildings, public spaces and interiors that are contextually sensitive, environmentally responsible and technically resilient, resulting in exceptional places that elevate the human experience. dhk is part of 10N, a collective of urbanism, architecture and related design experts brought together by Egis Group.
Our strength as a design-focused, multidisciplinary studio lies in an integrated combination of creative talent, advanced technical capability including digital delivery, on-site implementation expertise and a clear understanding of commercial development strategy.
We work from studios in Cape Town and Johannesburg, delivering a portfolio of award-winning projects that spans geographies and scales. We design for clients in multiple sectors, including commercial, residential, hospitality and leisure, retail, healthcare and education, among others.
Requirements
Contract Administration
Administer the bid/ tender contracts
Advise the Project Director / Resident Engineer on contractual rights, obligations, and risks.
Manage contractual correspondence, notices, determinations, and formal communications.
Ensure compliance with contractual procedures, timelines, and approval requirements.
- Identifying and reviewing tender/bid opportunities (often via portals like eTenders in South Africa, or similar procurement platforms)
- Coordinating input from various departments (finance, legal, technical, operations) to compile a complete bid
- Ensuring compliance with tender requirements (documentation, BBBEE certificates, tax clearance, etc. — especially relevant in SA)
- Managing submission deadlines and formatting requirements
- Maintaining a tender/bid tracking register or database
- Liaising with clients or procurement officers for clarifications
- Drafting or reviewing contract terms once a bid is successful
- Filing and archiving submitted bids and related contracts
Claims & Variations Management
Review and assess Variation Orders, and change requests.
Prepare contractual assessments and recommendations.
Maintain a comprehensive Variation Register.
Payments & Commercial Control
Review Interim Payment Applications (IPAs) and Final Accounts in coordination with the Quantity Surveyor or Project Controller.
Verify contractual compliance related to payment, retention, advance payments, and deductions.
Support the certification process in line with contract provisions.
Time & Delay Management
Review baseline and updated programmes from a contractual perspective.
Monitor contractual milestones and notice requirements related to delay events.
Risk & Compliance
Identify contractual and commercial risks and propose mitigation measures.
Ensure adherence to country laws, regulations, and local authority requirements.
Support dispute avoidance and resolution through proactive contract management.
Reporting & Coordination
Prepare contractual reports, summaries, and dashboards for the Client and Consultant management.
Coordinate closely with Resident Engineers, discipline engineers, planners, QS, and the Client/PMC.
Support audits and provide contractual input during meetings and negotiations.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or equivalent).
Minimum 5–10 years of experience in construction projects, with significant exposure to contract management roles.
Proven experience working within a Supervision Consultant or Engineer’s team.
Strong knowledge of contract administration practices.
Skills & Competencies
Strong contractual, analytical, and negotiation skills.
Strong tender/ bid coordination experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
High attention to detail and strong documentation skills.
Ability to work independently on site and manage multiple stakeholders.
Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving capability
Benefits
- A competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
- Exposure to iconic urban and architectural projects across the continent.
- Career development opportunities in a progressive, design-led environment
- A studio culture grounded in innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent discipline
- 5–10 years of experience in construction projects
- Significant experience in contract management roles
- Experience working within a supervision consultant or engineer's team
- Strong knowledge of contract administration practices
- Contractual, analytical, and negotiation skills
- Tender and bid coordination experience
- Excellent written and verbal English communication
- Strong documentation and attention-to-detail skills
- Ability to work independently on site and manage multiple stakeholders
- Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving capability
What We Do
DHK Architects is an award-winning architecture and planning firm based in Boston, MA. For more than 40 years our successful designs have transformed communities and led innovation in multi-family housing, transportation, and public places and structures.
