Commercial Manager

Dubai The Commercial Manager Commercial & Contracts is a senior, site-based position within the Consultant s construction supervision team. Forming part of the Engineer under the FIDIC Conditions of Contract, the role is responsible for the commercial and contractual administration of the construction contract on behalf of the Engineer, working closely with the Client s representatives and the Contractor on site. Stationed on site, the role leads the day-to-day commercial and contract administration of the Works, with particular responsibility for the assessment of interim payments, variations, claims, extensions of time, cost control, forecasting, and commercial risk always acting fairly and in accordance with the Contract. The role will also provide strong contractual support, including contract interpretation, entitlement, notices, claims procedures, extensions of time, and contractual risk, ensuring that commercial decisions are supported by a sound contractual basis. Roles & Responsibilities Project Commercial Performance Lead the commercial and contract administration of the construction contract on behalf of the Engineer s site supervision team. Monitor the construction contract value, measured works, committed costs, variations, and forecast final account for the Client s information. Establish and maintain project commercial controls, budgets, forecasts, and reporting. Prepare accurate monthly commercial forecasts and identify emerging financial risks and opportunities. Monitor actual performance against approved budgets, fee proposals, and project plans. Advise Project Directors and senior management on commercial performance and corrective actions. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Lead, manage, and develop the Quantity Surveying (QS) team, ensuring high-quality and consistent commercial delivery across all assigned projects. Act as the front face to the senior management of the Client and the Contractor for all commercial meetings, negotiations, and key commercial engagements. Contract Administration & Payment Administer the construction contract on behalf of the Engineer in accordance with the FIDIC Conditions of Contract. Review and assess the Contractor s Interim Payment Applications and recommend Interim Payment Certificates to the Engineer. Identify works instructed or carried out beyond the scope of the Contract and address the associated commercial implications. Assess the Contractor s entitlement to additional payment and evaluate the supporting commercial substantiation. Evaluate and agree the valuation of variations, dayworks, and changes to the Works with the Contractor. Tendering, Procurement & Provisional Sums Lead and manage the entire tendering process for project packages, from initiation and pre-qualification through evaluation, award, and closure. Manage provisional sum packages, including their definition, procurement, valuation, adjustment, and final closure. Oversee the procurement of specialist and high-end packages, ensuring commercial value, compliance, and protection of the firm s interests. Claims & Commercial Negotiations Lead the financial assessment and valuation of the Contractor s claims. Review costs associated with delay, disruption, prolongation, acceleration, variations, and other commercial events. Evaluate supporting records, quantities, rates, resources, and cost substantiation. Develop commercial negotiation strategies and settlement positions. Lead commercial negotiations with clients, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders. Protect the firm s commercial interests while maintaining constructive client and project relationships. Commercial Risk Management Maintain project commercial risk and opportunity registers. Identify potential financial exposure and revenue opportunities at an early stage. Assess the commercial implications of contractual, technical, programme, and scope changes. Escalate significant commercial risks to senior management with clear recommendations. Develop and implement appropriate mitigation and recovery strategies. Contract Review & Interpretation Review construction and consultancy agreements and identify key commercial and contractual obligations, risks, and entitlements. Provide practical contractual advice to Project Directors, Project Managers, and commercial teams. Review FIDIC and other commonly used construction contracts and bespoke amendments. Identify contractual provisions affecting payment, variations, claims, extensions of time, and commercial exposure. Lead the contract management and administration of projects in accordance with FIDIC and other applicable contract forms. Experience & Qualifications Bachelor s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline. Professional membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) is strongly preferred. Minimum 15 years relevant professional experience. Significant experience in the UAE construction and consultancy market. Strong commercial management experience within an architecture, engineering, project management, or multidisciplinary consultancy.