Senior Commercial Manager Construction & Infrastructure

Black & Grey HR; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead contract management and risk control in Dubai. Ideal candidates will have 10-15 years in commercial management within the construction sector, including extensive experience in the UAE or GCC, and a strong portfolio of megaprojects. Responsibilities include managing claims, overseeing costs, and ensuring project alignment with commercial objectives. This role offers a competitive tax-free salary, performance bonuses, and the chance to work on landmark projects.

Benefits

Competitive tax-free salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Benefits including housing, transport and annual leave

Qualifications

• 10-15 years in commercial management roles within construction or infrastructure.
• Minimum 5 years in the UAE or GCC with delivered megaprojects (AED 300M+).
• Solid command of FIDIC and other regional contract forms.

Responsibilities

• Lead review, negotiation and administration of contracts.
• Manage EOT and cost claims ensuring robust documentation.
• Produce project budgets, cash flows, and financial forecasts.
• Champion commercial excellence through strategic planning.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Claims expertise

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

ERP cost management platforms

Commercial reporting software

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management & Risk Control: Lead the review, negotiation and administration of contracts including main contracts, subcontracts, guarantees and commercial terms.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations while identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and manage variations claims and formal communications with clients and consultants.
• Claims & Dispute Resolution: Manage EOT and cost claims ensuring robust documentation and adherence to contractual timelines.
• Oversee the claims lifecycle, coordinate with legal teams and represent the company in dispute resolution processes when needed.
• Procurement Oversight & Cost Control: Lead the procurement process for subcontractors, materials and services in alignment with project budgets and timelines.
• Monitor and control costs through real‑time cost tracking, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Ensure commercial alignment between procurement and project delivery teams.
• Project Financial Management: Produce project budgets, cash flows, financial forecasts and sensitivity analyses.
• Provide clear reporting on cost performance, profitability and financial risks to senior leadership.
• Monitor project KPIs including CTC, CVR and earned value metrics.
• Commercial Strategy & Delivery Optimization: Align commercial execution with overall project strategy, design milestones and risk frameworks.
• Drive weekly progress reviews focused on commercial health, resourcing and delivery timelines.
• Champion commercial excellence through strategic planning and value engineering.
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence: Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce commercial risk.
• Introduce systems for better cost visibility, contract management and reporting.
• Support adoption of digital tools like ERP, CostX and Oracle.
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Lead and develop a team of quantity surveyors, procurement specialists and commercial support staff.
• Act as the commercial point of contact for internal teams, clients, consultants and subcontractors.
• Ensure alignment across departments on commercial goals and deliverables.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Certifications: MRICS, PMP or FIDIC certification preferred.
• Experience: 10‑15 years in commercial management roles within the construction or infrastructure industry.
• Minimum 5 years in the UAE or GCC with a strong portfolio of delivered megaprojects (AED 300M+).
• Contract Knowledge: Solid command of FIDIC and other regional contract forms.
• Tools: Proficient in ERP cost management platforms and commercial reporting software.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Strong contract negotiation and claims expertise.
• Strategic commercial thinking and financial acumen.
• Hands‑on leadership style with team development focus.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑value project environments.

Benefits

• Competitive tax‑free salary package.
• Performance‑based bonuses.
• Benefits including housing, transport and annual leave.
• Opportunity to work with an industry leader on landmark UAE projects.