Commercial Manager – Construction & Contracts

Commercial Manager – Construction & Contracts

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial and contractual aspects of construction projects and support the organization in achieving its financial and business objectives.

The role is responsible for commercial strategy, contract administration, cost management, risk assessment, procurement and tender support, client relationships, and business development opportunities. The successful candidate will work closely with project teams, clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to protect commercial interests, improve project profitability, and ensure contractual compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategies that support business growth, project profitability, and long-term organizational objectives.
• Manage the commercial aspects of construction projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead contract review, negotiation, preparation, administration, and closeout activities in accordance with approved procedures.
• Review contractual terms and identify commercial obligations, opportunities, risks, and potential areas of exposure.
• Monitor project budgets, costs, cash flow, financial performance, and commercial forecasts to support effective cost control.
• Conduct financial and commercial analysis to evaluate project performance and identify opportunities for improved profitability.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage contractual and commercial risks, recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
• Prepare and review commercial reports, forecasts, valuations, cost statements, and key performance indicators.
• Lead the preparation, evaluation, and submission of tenders, bids, proposals, and commercial offers for new business opportunities.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify emerging opportunities, industry developments, pricing trends, and customer requirements.
• Maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, contractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Participate in commercial negotiations and support the development of mutually beneficial agreements with clients and business partners.
• Review project performance against contractual requirements and provide recommendations to management on commercial matters.
• Ensure variations, claims, extensions of time, payment applications, and other contractual matters are properly assessed, documented, and administered.
• Identify opportunities to improve commercial processes, project performance, and profitability through effective use of company procedures and systems.
• Ensure commercial activities are carried out in accordance with applicable laws, contractual obligations, company policies, and internal procedures.
• Monitor commercial KPIs and provide management with regular performance updates and recommendations.
• Lead, guide, and develop commercial team members, encouraging accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
• Support HSE initiatives and contribute to safety awareness, incident reporting, and corrective-action activities in accordance with company and Integrated Management System (IMS) requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide commercial guidance to project management and operational teams on contractual and financial matters.
• Review subcontract and supplier agreements and provide recommendations regarding commercial terms and risk exposure.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution through effective contract administration and stakeholder communication.
• Assist management with strategic commercial decisions, business planning, and opportunity evaluation.
• Maintain appropriate records of contractual correspondence, commercial documentation, and project financial information.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial procedures, controls, reporting systems, and project delivery practices.
• Perform other commercial and contractual duties assigned by senior management.

Job Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, commercial management, quantity surveying, and project cost control.
• Comprehensive understanding of contractual principles, commercial procedures, claims, variations, valuations, and contract administration.
• Strong financial and commercial management capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and profitability assessment.
• Proven ability to review and negotiate contracts, commercial agreements, and related documentation.
• Strong knowledge of tendering, estimating, bid preparation, and commercial proposal processes.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, financial, and operational risks.
• Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and relevant project management tools.
• Experience with commercial and cost management software such as CCS Candy is an advantage.
• ERP experience, preferably SAP functional knowledge, is required for successful performance in this role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop commercial professionals.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and make commercially sound decisions within project deadlines.

Job Experience

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in commercial management, quantity surveying, contracts, or a related construction discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a relevant supervisory or managerial position.
• GCC construction experience is an advantage, preferably with at least 2 years of regional experience.
• Experience managing commercial activities for major construction projects is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in contract administration, cost management, tendering, commercial negotiations, and project financial control.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification or membership of a recognized quantity surveying, commercial, or construction body is an advantage.