Commercial Manager – Construction
Location: UAE
Industry: Construction & Infrastructure
Experience: 10+ Years
Employment Type: Full-Time
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to take overall responsibility for the commercial management of construction contracts from tender stage through to final completion.
The role will work closely with the General Manager, Estimation, Procurement, Project Management, and Operations teams to manage commercial risks, project costs, contractual obligations, claims, variations, subcontract administration, and financial performance.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in FIDIC contracts, commercial risk management, claims, variations, project financial management, and team leadership , with a proven track record in managing major construction projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise the General Manager on commercial and contractual risks from tender stage through project completion.
- Develop and implement commercial strategies and plans for individual projects to protect company interests and maximize profitability.
- Review commercial risks associated with tenders, including contractual risk, pricing, estimated costs, acceptable margins, and potential liabilities.
- Oversee the complete contract management process from project inception through completion and close-out.
- Lead contract and subcontract negotiations, ensuring terms and conditions adequately protect the company's interests.
- Ensure contracts comply with company policies, including requirements relating to insurance, bonds, warranties, guarantees, and other contractual obligations.
- Maintain complete and secure records of contract documents, drawings, correspondence, commercial records, and contractual documentation.
- Monitor project costs against approved budgets and ensure accurate and timely commercial reporting.
- Manage the financial performance of projects, including tender pricing, bids, contract terms, cost control, and commercial forecasting.
- Work closely with project teams to monitor project progress, costs, procurement, subcontracting, and supply chain performance.
- Identify cost and schedule variances, assess their impact, and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
- Prepare and review interim valuations, payment applications, final accounts, and other commercial submissions.
- Support the measurement and valuation of completed works when required by the Operations or Project Manager.
- Manage claims, loss and expense submissions, extensions of time, variations, and other contractual entitlements.
- Evaluate disputes and lead negotiations toward timely and commercially favorable resolution.
- Ensure timely review and approval of contracts before execution by authorized company representatives.
- Manage subcontract commercial activities and ensure subcontract terms adequately reflect the company's contractual obligations.
- Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors regarding commercial matters, project payments, collections, and contractual issues.
- Follow up with project engineers and relevant teams to ensure timely submission and certification of project payments.
- Prepare and consolidate business plan updates and contribute to periodic financial and commercial reviews.
- Report regularly to the General Manager on project performance, key commercial issues, risks, claims, opportunities, and financial matters.
- Support the implementation and improvement of commercial management systems, processes, and procedures.
- Assist in training and developing team members on commercial practices and systems.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of company, project, contractual, financial, and commercially sensitive information.
- Ensure compliance with company HSE requirements, applicable legislation, and contractual HSE obligations.
- Perform other commercial and contractual responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager.
Key Accountabilities
- Commercial and Contractual Risk Management
- Claims and Dispute Management
- Variations and Change Management
- Project Cost Control
- Contract and Subcontract Administration
- Interim Valuations and Final Accounts
- Project Payment and Collection
- Tender and Bid Commercial Review
- Commercial Planning and Forecasting
- Subcontract Commercial Management
- Business Plan and Financial Reporting
- Commercial Team Leadership
Internal & External Stakeholders
Internal:
- General Manager
- Estimation Department
- Procurement Department
- Project Heads
- Operations Teams
- Department Heads
- Finance and Commercial Teams
External:
- Clients
- Consultants
- Main Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Suppliers
- Other Project Stakeholders
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management , or an equivalent discipline.
- Master's degree is an advantage.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in construction commercial management, including at least 5 years in a Project Commercial Manager or similar senior commercial role .
- Proven experience managing and leading commercial teams.
- Strong experience in FIDIC contracts is mandatory .
- Strong knowledge of contract administration, commercial risk, claims, variations, and dispute resolution.
- Proven experience in project cost control, financial management, tendering, pricing, and final accounts.
- Experience managing client and subcontractor commercial relationships.
- PMP certification is preferred.
- Strong understanding of construction project commercial practices and contractual obligations.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Arabic language proficiency is an advantage.
- Ability to communicate effectively with senior management, project teams, clients, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects and commercial priorities.
Preferred Candidate Profile
Candidates with experience in large-scale construction or infrastructure projects , strong FIDIC exposure, and a proven record of managing commercial risk, claims, variations, project costs, payments, final accounts, and subcontract negotiations will be preferred.
Experience in a senior commercial leadership position with responsibility for team management, client-facing commercial negotiations, and project profitability will be highly valued.
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