Job Details

A Variations Manager in construction is responsible for managing and overseeing changes to the scope, cost, and time of construction projects, which are typically referred to as "variations." These changes may arise due to client requests, unforeseen conditions, regulatory updates, or adjustments in project specifications. The Variations Manager ensures that these variations are properly documented, assessed, and approved while minimizing delays and cost overruns.

The Variations Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of variations onconstruction projects, including assessing, evaluating, negotiating, and documenting changes in scope, cost, and time. The role ensures that all variations are in line with contractual obligations and that the impact on project schedules and budgets is minimized.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Variation Requests: Oversee the entire process of variation requests, from initiation to resolution, ensuring that all changes are well-documented and appropriately assessed.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Review and assess the impact of variations on cost, time, and resources, providing recommendations for approval or rejection.
• Contract Management: Liaise with project stakeholders (clients, contractors, subcontractors) to ensure that variations align with the contract terms and conditions.
• Cost Control: Track and manage the financial impact of variations, ensuring that any adjustments to the budget are accurately recorded and managed.
• Negotiation: Lead negotiations with clients, contractors, and subcontractors to agree on fair compensation for variations and resolve any disputes that may arise.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess the potential risks of variations and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the successful completion of the project.
• Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for variations-related inquiries. Maintain clear and transparent communication with all project stakeholders.
• Documentation: Ensure all variations are properly documented, including detailed descriptions, cost implications, and time adjustments. Maintain an organized database of all variation-related documents.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on variations and their impact on the overall project progress, including cost implications, schedule adjustments, and any potential delays.
• Compliance: Ensure that all variations comply with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the project team, including estimators, schedulers, and contract administrators, to ensure variations are managed efficiently and effectively.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction project management, with at least 2-3 years specifically managing variations.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of construction contracts (e.g., NEC, FIDIC, JCT), as well as building codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Financial Acumen: Experience with cost estimating, budgeting, and financial management.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate effectively with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in assessing and documenting variations.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to assess the impact of changes and identify solutions.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in project management and accounting software (e.g., Procore, Aconex, Microsoft Project, Excel).

Desired Attributes:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Proactive and solution-focused, with a strong commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle high-stress situations in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player with the ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position.
• Based on-site or office-based depending on project location.
• Occasional travel to construction sites or meetings with clients and contractors may be required.

This job description covers the core responsibilities and requirements for a Variations Manager in construction, emphasizing the importance of managing changes in a way that minimizes project delays and cost overruns while maintaining clear communication and compliance.