Commercial Lead

MediaSource FZC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

MediaSource FZC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, seeks a seasoned Commercial Manager to lead the business side of major projects. You will oversee cost control, contract management, governance and risk management to maximise commercial value throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related field, MRICS or equivalent preferred, and 12–15 years of senior commercial experience on large-scale projects in real estate, construction or infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related field.
• MRICS or equivalent accreditation preferred.
• 12–15 years of relevant commercial experience.
• Experience in real estate development, construction, infrastructure or major projects.
• Strong knowledge of cost management, contract administration, procurement, claims, variations and final accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management of assigned projects from planning through final account.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with budgets and objectives.
• Manage project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, cash flows, and performance.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets and identify cost overruns and risks.
• Oversee contract administration and ensure compliance with terms and procedures.
• Manage variations, claims, and extensions of time; lead negotiations.
• Review tender documentation, evaluations, bids, and contract awards.
• Support procurement in contracting and procurement strategies for major packages.
• Review payment applications, valuations, and commercial submissions.
• Mitigate commercial risks and maintain favorable positions.

Skills

Budget management

Contract management

Cost forecasting

Risk management

Commercial negotiations

Procurement

Final accounts

Change control

FIDIC contracts

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline

MRICS or equivalent accreditation preferred

Job description

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the commercial aspects of assigned projects, ensuring effective cost control, contract management, commercial governance, and risk management to achieve project objectives and maximize commercial value throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of assigned projects from planning and procurement through construction, completion, and final account.

• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with project objectives, budgets, and organizational requirements.

• Manage project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, cash flows, commitments, and commercial performance.

• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and identify potential cost overruns, risks, and opportunities.

• Oversee contract administration and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, commercial terms, and organizational procedures.

• Manage variations, change orders, claims, extensions of time, and other contractual and commercial matters.

• Lead commercial negotiations with consultants, contractors, suppliers, and other service providers.

• Review tender documentation, commercial evaluations, bid submissions, and contract award recommendations.

• Support Procurement in developing contracting and procurement strategies for major project packages.

• Review and validate contractor and consultant payment applications, valuations, and commercial submissions.

• Manage the assessment and negotiation of claims and ensure appropriate commercial positions are maintained.

• Oversee cost reporting and provide accurate forecasts and commercial updates to project and senior management.

• Identify commercial and contractual risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Coordinate closely with Project, Procurement, Finance, Technical, Design, and Construction teams to ensure effective commercial management.

• Ensure appropriate change control processes are implemented and maintained across projects.

• Manage final account negotiations and commercial close-out of contracts.

• Monitor consultant and contractor commercial performance and ensure contractual issues are addressed promptly.

• Provide commercial advice and recommendations to project leadership to support key decisions.

• Maintain appropriate commercial records, documentation, approvals, and audit trails.

• Lead and support commercial team members, ensuring effective performance, accountability, and development.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

• Professional accreditation such as MRICS, RICS, or equivalent would be preferred.

• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant commercial experience, including significant experience in senior commercial roles on large-scale and complex projects.

• Strong experience within real estate development, construction, infrastructure, or major project environments.

• Extensive experience in cost management, contract administration, procurement, claims, variations, and final accounts.

• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and relevant contractual frameworks, including FIDIC where applicable.

• Demonstrated experience managing high-value contracts and complex commercial negotiations.

• Proven experience working with consultants, contractors, project leadership, and senior stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Commercial Management
• Cost Management & Control
• Contract Management
• Claims & Variations
• Commercial Negotiation
• Procurement
• Financial Acumen
• Risk Management
• Change Control
• FIDIC & Contractual Knowledge
• Stakeholder Management
• Leadership