Commercial Manager

TSL; Sines; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TSL is seeking a seasoned Commercial Manager to lead financial control and contract management on major construction projects in Portugal. The role collaborates with project delivery teams, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to optimise value and ensure contractual alignment.

The successful candidate will oversee budgeting, forecasting, and commercial reporting while guiding the QS team, negotiating variations, and driving profitability. Fluency in Portuguese and English is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Construction or equivalent.
• Significant experience in commercial management within construction, preferably on large-scale or complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of contracts, procurement, cost control, variations and claims management.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost management.
• Experience with international contract frameworks (FIDIC).
• Proficiency with COINS or similar software is desirable.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and communication skills.
• Fluent in Portuguese and English.

Responsibilities

• Assist in commercial management of construction projects, ensuring financial control and contractual compliance.
• Oversee cost planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the Quantity Surveying team with cost estimates and valuations.
• Review contracts with clients and subcontractors, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Oversee procurement, tender evaluations and contract awards.
• Monitor costs, cash flow, variations, and potential claims, managing risks proactively.
• Prepare and negotiate variations, extensions of time and claims where applicable.
• Collaborate with project managers to maximise profitability and track financial performance.
• Establish effective commercial procedures and reporting systems.

Skills

Commercial management

Budgeting & forecasting

Contract management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

English and Portuguese

Risk management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Construction

Tools

COINS

FIDIC contracts

Job description

Reports To: Commercial Director for Portugal

Company Description

Build your Future:

TSL is a leading technical engineering and construction partner operating across EMEA, the Americas and APAC.

We are committed to creating the spaces to power the fourth industrial revolution, whilst ensuring we leave a positive environmental and social legacy for communities across the world. Specialising in Data Centres, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics, Food and Pharmaceuticals, we are proud to deliver outstanding turnkey projects at speed, without compromise on safety or quality.

Our team at TSL is focused on working with our clients and the entire supply chain to create a simple agenda concentrated on getting things done. At the heart of what TSL does is taking the ‘noise’ out of project delivery whilst ensuring that we are always engineering best value for money and fit‑for‑purpose solutions.

TSL is an equal opportunity employer, and we are especially proud that our dynamic, international team is made up of colleagues representing 48 nationalities across the world. We want big‑picture thinkers who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves, refusing to settle for 'good enough' and pushing for great each time. We are firm believers that to build quality, you must invest in quality. We will continue to invest in our biggest asset: our amazing team.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Commercial Director for Portugal, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the commercial aspects of construction projects, ensuring effective cost control, contract management, financial performance and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.

The role will involve working closely with project delivery teams, clients, subcontractors and suppliers to protect the company's commercial interests, optimise project value and ensure that projects are delivered in line with contractual and financial objectives.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the commercial management of construction projects, ensuring effective financial control and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Oversee cost planning, budgeting, forecasting and commercial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage and support the Quantity Surveying team, ensuring accurate cost estimates, valuations, financial assessments and reporting.
• Review and manage contracts with clients, subcontractors and suppliers, identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
• Oversee subcontractor procurement, tender evaluations, commercial negotiations and contract awards.
• Monitor project costs, cash flow, variations, change orders and potential claims, ensuring that commercial risks are identified and managed proactively.
• Support the preparation and negotiation of contractual variations, extensions of time and claims, where applicable.
• Work closely with project managers and operational teams to monitor financial performance, resolve commercial issues and maximise project profitability.
• Establish and maintain effective commercial procedures, reporting systems and cost‑control processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other key stakeholders.
• Provide commercial guidance and strategic recommendations to senior management, supporting informed business decisions.
• Ensure that commercial activities comply with relevant contractual requirements, company procedures and applicable legislation.
• Promote continuous improvement, collaboration and the professional development of the commercial team.

Skills and Experience Required

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent in Engineering/Construction
• Significant experience in commercial management within the construction industry, ideally in large-scale or technically complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, subcontract procurement, cost control, variations and claims management.
• Proven experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, commercial reporting and project cost management.
• Experience working with FIDIC contracts and a strong understanding of international construction contract frameworks.
• Experience with COINS or similar commercial software is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and meet demanding project deadlines.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach, with a strong focus on financial performance, risk management and value optimisation.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English.

Important

The functions and tasks outlined in this document are merely indicative and may be changed, reassigned, or supplemented whenever necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the company and to meet its business objectives.