Commercial Manager

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Commercial Manager in the UAE to oversee the commercial and cost control activities for real estate development projects. You will ensure budgets are managed, costs forecasted, and procurement contracts administered with governance and risk controls.

You will work with the Commercial Director and project teams to safeguard commercial interests and deliver projects within approved budgets and governance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
• 8–12 years of experience in commercial management, QS or cost control.
• Understanding of UAE construction and real estate practices.
• MRICS or equivalent qualification is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage project budgets, cost plans, forecasts and reporting.
• Review variations, claims, and final accounts while ensuring governance.
• Lead procurement, contract administration and commercial risk management.
• Provide regular commercial reports and support strategic decisions.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Cost forecasting

Contract negotiation

Budget management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying

MRICS or equivalent

Job description

The Commercial Manager is responsible for managing the commercial and cost control activities of assigned real estate development projects. The role ensures effective budget management, cost planning, procurement, contract administration, variations, claims, and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle. Working closely with the Commercial Director and project teams, the Commercial Manager safeguards the company's commercial interests and ensures projects are delivered within approved budgets and governance requirements.

1. Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Cost Management

• Manage project budgets, cost plans, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Monitor committed and actual costs against approved budgets.
• Identify cost risks, overruns, and savings opportunities.
• Support value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives.

Procurement & Contracts

• Manage tendering, commercial evaluations, and contract award recommendations.
• Review and negotiate commercial terms with contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
• Administer construction and consultancy contracts.
• Review variations, claims, payment applications, and final accounts.
• Ensure effective change control and contractual compliance.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Development, Project, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams.
• Manage external quantity surveyors and cost consultants.
• Provide regular commercial reports and recommendations to senior management.
• Support the Commercial Director in implementing commercial strategies and governance.
• Identify and manage commercial and contractual risks.
• Maintain accurate cost, variation, and risk registers.
• Escalate significant commercial issues and recommend mitigation measures.
• Support and guide junior commercial team members where applicable.
• Promote strong commercial discipline, accountability, and accuracy across projects.

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Projects delivered within approved budgets.
• Accuracy of cost forecasts and commercial reporting.
• Effective management of variations, claims, and final accounts.
• Timely delivery of procurement and tendering activities.
• Compliance with commercial governance and approval procedures.
• Identification and delivery of cost-saving opportunities.

4. Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8–12 years' experience in commercial management, quantity surveying, or cost management.
• MRICS or equivalent professional qualification is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of contracts, procurement, cost control, variations, and claims.

5. Key Skills

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent cost management and forecasting skills.
• Strong contract administration and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of UAE construction and real estate practices.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.