KEITH HIERONYMI-SMITH
Oberursel,Germany
Summary
Senior Contracts, Commercial & Procurement Manager specialising in hyperscale and mission‑critical data center delivery, with 30 years post‑graduate experience in multiple industries across Germany, the UK, the Middle East and international markets. Extensive experience supporting projects from early commercial structuring and EPC/D&B/Procurement contract strategy from sales through construction, commissioning and operational handover. Trusted advisor to investors, key shareholders and colleagues on high‑value contracts, commercial governance, risk allocation, change control and long‑term asset value protection.
Overview
2
2
Languages
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Contracts Manager
Mainova Webhouse GmbH
Frankfurt am Main
2022.04 - 2026.07
- Lead Contract Manager responsible for all commercial and contract management tasks for a multi million Hyperscale Data Centre project (capital value EUR 390 mn).
- Leading contract negotiation with a Hyperscale client until successful completion of a Lease Agreement for a 30 MW IT Data Centre.
- Drafted various contract types to support project objectives and compliance.
- Managed correspondence with contractor, vendors, consultants, and end customer to ensure clarity and alignment on project requirements.
- Trained junior staff members on contractual policies and procedures, improving team competence level overall.
- Maintained good rapport with suppliers fostering long-term partnerships that benefited the business.
- Coordinated tender processes, resulting in improved competitiveness.
- Streamlined procurement activities to enhance efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations and contract management for site teams.
Senior Commercial Project Manager / Contracts Manager
ThyssenKrupp
Frankfurt Region (Bad Soden)
2015.06 - 2022.03
- Managed contract and claim processes for an EPC international chemical plant project valued at USD 1.3 bn.
- Identified opportunities for outgoing change orders and claims, developed strategies for change orders and claims, prepared notifications and correspondence, and negotiated settlements.
- Analysed incoming claims, developed defence strategies, prepared correspondence, and negotiated claim settlements.
- Core member of Project Management Team reporting to the commercial Director and Head of Contracts Management Division and interfacing with Legal Division, Senior Management and Management Board.
- Coordination with scheduling team in analysing time impact assessments as basis for extension of time proposals.
- Compilation and agreement of contract amendments.
- Conducting contractual awareness trainings and contract seminars.
- Managed risks and opportunities while ensuring alignment with company policies and objectives.
- Supporting preparation of internal reporting for Project Team and Contracts Management Division.
- Previously worked for TKIS mining division as global senior contracts manager (May 2017- Dec 2018).
- Attended relevant internal and external meetings.
Contracts Manager
Siemens
Frankfurt
2011.08 - 2015.03
- Working as a Contracts Manager for Siemens Energy based in Offenbach office in Germany on an Independent Power Plant Project being constructed in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, UAE (capital value USD 1.3 bn).
- Identified opportunities for outgoing claims, developed claim strategies, and prepared notifications/correspondence and claims, leading to successful negotiations and settlements.
- Analysed incoming claims, developed defence strategies, and supported/prepared responses/correspondence, resulting in effective claim negotiation and settlement.
- Aligned claim risks and opportunities monthly with financial project reporting risk assessment, ensuring comprehensive project oversight.
- General advice and support to project management, site management, supply department and other project team members in the execution of Customer Contracts, Consortial Contracts and Subcontracts to secure contractual rights and entitlements.
Contracts Manager
Multiforms
Dubai
2010.12 - 2011.06
- Managed contracts for specialist architectural façade contractor on high-rise office and hotel projects, including King Abdullah Financial District Project in Riyadh, KSA ($200m), Burj Downtown towers in Dubai, UAE ($20m), and a hospital in Al Ain, UAE ($5m).
- Applied bespoke FIDIC contracts to oversee design and build process from procurement to final account, developing complex EOT claims, settling variation orders, creating risk reports, processing interim payment requests, and integrating international cost reporting system.
- Conducted comprehensive contract reviews, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Reduced disputes managing conflict resolution processes effectively within contractual frameworks.
- Trained junior staff members on contractual policies and procedures, improving team competence level overall.
Contracts & Claims Manager
Schema Management Group
Dubai
2009.04 - 2010.11
- Developed claims for client MEP contractor on EPC Power Station Project in Dubai, overseeing contract administration, research, classification, contractual analysis, claim write-up, and quantum analysis, while rebutting arbitration claims against Consortium Partner (capital value USD 350m) using FIDIC Plant and Design and Build Contract 1st Edition 1999 (Yellow Book).
- Assessing contractor’s claims in the development of a Risk Analysis Report for the employer on a residential project (capital value USD 95m), using FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Works of Civil Engineering Construction 4th Edition 1987 (Red Book).
- Managed client communications daily to facilitate meetings, gather information, and produce scheduled deliverables, while liaising with Planning Manager to align programme analysis with contract requirements and actual critical time impacts.
Commercial Manager
Sama-ECH (part of EC Harris)
Dubai
2008.11 - 2009.01
- Oversaw processes from procurement to final account stages, including settlement of variation orders, change requests, and review of consultants’ cost plans, interim payment applications, monthly reporting, Earned Value Management, and KPIs.
- Oversaw contract management process, mitigating potential disputes or conflicts.
- Aligned commercial operations with company objectives for overall progress.
- Initiated new business opportunities, expanding the company's client base.
- Managed consultants and contractors for mixed-use urban community development in Morocco, utilising bespoke client contracts based on FIDIC Client/Consultant Model Services Agreement 1st Edition 2006 and FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Construction 1st Edition 1999.
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Trafalgar Technical Services / Page Kirkland
Dubai, UAE
2006.12 - 2008.11
- Led team of surveyors in preparing monthly valuations, variations, and financial reports while liaising with Resident Engineer and employer on contractual matters.
- Working for a leading quantity surveying practice in Dubai as the consultant to the government department DCA (Department of Civil Aviation) for Dubai’s new DWCI airport (capital value USD 670m), using FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Works of Civil Engineering Construction 4th Edition 1987 (Red Book).
- Checked contract documents for compliance, ensuring inclusion of all pre-tender clarifications and tender addenda.
- Created detailed reports for effective communication with stakeholders.
- Undertook pricing and assessment of variations in designs to maintain budgetary control.
Quantity Surveyor
Premium Contractors
Berlin
2004.12 - 2006.11
- Managed project performance, analysing time, labour, materials, cost value reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts to support informed decision-making.
- Managed procurement and administration of sub-contractors’ accounts, optimising resource allocation and compliance.
- Supervised construction team for renovation and development of principal train station, ensuring adherence to budget and timeline.
Quantity Surveyor
Scottish Water Solutions/Chandler KBS/Morgan=Est
Scotland, UK
2001.08 - 2004.11
- Monitored, measured and valued construction work on Scottish Water Rehab Contract for Lothian & Borders area, coordinating with Morgan Utilities and sub-contractors to uphold project standards.
- Evaluated, prepared and agreed valuations and compensation events, ensuring accuracy and alignment with contractual obligations.
- Preparing the final accounts for the Scottish Water CSO Programme (capital value USD 45m), using the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Option C.
- Assisted Senior Quantity Surveyor with pre-contract work for Scottish Water Mains Rehab Programme (capital value USD 520m) using New Engineering Contract (NEC) Options A, B & C, contributing to project readiness and compliance.
- Evaluated project performance metrics to ensure compliance with standards.
- Drafting ECC (short) contract documents for the Scottish Water Spill Monitoring Programme (capital value $320k).
- Assessed tender documents for accuracy whilst identifying potential issues or discrepancies.
Quantity Surveyor
Faithful & Gould and WS Atkins
Scotland
1996.08 - 2001.07
- Devised solutions, estimated costs, and managed works, preparing and issuing interim payments to final account.
- Managed multiple construction projects, ensuring adherence to budget and timeline parameters.
- Advised on procurement strategy which was instrumental in successful contract attainment.
- Managed various contracts delivering planned and reactive maintenance and minor works for Royal Bank of Scotland, WHSmith and Allied Domecq.
- Contributed significantly towards achieving sustainability goals through effective waste management strategies on-site.
Education
BSc - Quantity Surveying
Napier University
Edinburgh, ScotlandDaniel Stewarts & Melville College
Edinburgh, ScotlandSkills
- Contractual negotiation
- Contract drafting
- Contract renewal
- Contract negotiations
- Contract compliance knowledge
- Procurement management
- Procurement procedures
- Supplier assessment
- Risk assessment strategies
- Risk mitigation
- Change order management
- Tender process mastery
- Strategic contract management
- Logistics management
- Cost management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Power plant technology knowledge
- Membership in IACCM
- Business management
- Stakeholder management
- Project timeline management
- Effective negotiation skills
- Contract drafting
- Contract renewal
- Contract negotiations
INTERESTS
Family, music, reading, football, walking, travel, film and theatre
Languages
English
Native
German
Intermediate
Timeline
Contracts Manager
Mainova Webhouse GmbH
2022.04 - 2026.07
Senior Commercial Project Manager / Contracts Manager
ThyssenKrupp
2015.06 - 2022.03
Contracts Manager
Siemens
2011.08 - 2015.03
Contracts Manager
Multiforms
2010.12 - 2011.06
Contracts & Claims Manager
Schema Management Group
2009.04 - 2010.11
Commercial Manager
Sama-ECH (part of EC Harris)
2008.11 - 2009.01
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Trafalgar Technical Services / Page Kirkland
2006.12 - 2008.11
Quantity Surveyor
Premium Contractors
2004.12 - 2006.11
Quantity Surveyor
Scottish Water Solutions/Chandler KBS/Morgan=Est
2001.08 - 2004.11
Quantity Surveyor
Faithful & Gould and WS Atkins
1996.08 - 2001.07
Daniel Stewarts & Melville College
BSc - Quantity Surveying
Napier University