Commercial Manager

First Gulf Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm seeks a Commercial Manager for large-scale MEP subcontract works in Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will manage commercial operations including budget establishment, cost control, and claims management. They should possess a bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related fields, along with 10–15 years of experience, particularly within the GCC. Strong negotiation and financial management skills are essential. Proficiency in FIDIC contracts and relevant software tools is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of commercial & quantity surveying experience.
• 5–8 years in a Commercial Manager or Senior QS role.
• Proven experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC.

Responsibilities

• Administer MEP subcontract in accordance with FIDIC conditions.
• Establish project budgets and manage costs.
• Prepare and submit claims for extension of time.

Skills

Commercial management

Risk mitigation

Cost control

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Civil Engineering

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Cost control systems

ERP/project management software

Job description

The Commercial Manager is responsible for the commercial, contractual, and financial management of MEP subcontract works on a large-scale construction project in Saudi Arabia. The role ensures contractual compliance, cost control, claims management, cash flow optimization, and risk mitigation, while protecting the subcontractor’s commercial interests in line with Saudi regulations and FIDIC-based contracts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract & Commercial Administration

• Administer the MEP subcontract in accordance with FIDIC conditions, Particular Conditions, and Saudi project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Saudi contract law, local regulations, and project-specific governance.
• Manage contractual correspondence, notices, claims, and responses, ensuring compliance with contractual time bars.
• Advise the project team on commercial risk, entitlement, and contractual strategy.
• Establish and manage project budgets, cost reports, and forecasts for all MEP packages.
• Conduct monthly Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) and margin analysis.
• Monitor labor, material, and subcontractor costs in line with Saudi market conditions.
• Provide early warnings of cost overruns and propose mitigation measures.

3. Payments, Valuations & Cash Flow

• Prepare and submit monthly interim payment applications in compliance with contract and KSA practices.
• Manage certification, follow-up, and recovery of payments from the Main Contractor.
• Review and certify sub-subcontractor and supplier payments, ensuring compliance with Saudi payment regulations.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts to support project liquidity.

4. Variations, Claims & Final Accounts

• Identify, evaluate, and substantiate variations and change orders, including those arising from:
• Design changes
• Client instructions
• Authority requirements (SBC, Civil Defense, SEC, NWC, etc.)
• Prepare and submit claims for extension of time (EOT), prolongation, disruption, and loss & expense.
• Lead commercial negotiations with the Main Contractor / Client.
• Close and agree final accounts in accordance with contractual and Saudi commercial practices.

5. Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Maintain a live commercial risk and opportunity register.
• Ensure compliance with:
• ZATCA (VAT and tax considerations related to commercial matters)
• Support internal and external audits and commercial reviews.

6. Procurement & Subcontract Management

• Support procurement of MEP sub-subcontracts and long-lead items in the Saudi market.
• Prepare commercial evaluations, negotiate terms, and finalize subcontract agreements.
• Manage subcontractor commercial performance, including claims, variations, and final accounts.

7. Stakeholder & Reporting Management

• Act as the primary commercial interface with the Main Contractor’s commercial team.
• Prepare regular commercial reports for head office and regional management.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution, including mediation or adjudication where applicable.
• Lead and mentor Quantity Surveyors / Commercial Engineers on site.
• Ensure alignment with company commercial procedures and ethical standards.
• Promote a strong commercial culture focused on entitlement protection and profitability.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in:

• Quantity Surveying
• Construction Management
• Mechanical / Electrical / Civil Engineering, or a related discipline

Professional Certifications (Highly Preferred in KSA)

• MRICS / FRICS
• PMP or equivalent
• Recognized professional membership in construction or engineering bodies

Experience

• 10–15+ years of commercial / quantity surveying experience.
• Minimum 5–8 years in a Commercial Manager or Senior QS role.
• Proven experience working in Saudi Arabia or the GCC.
• Strong background as an MEP subcontractor on large-scale projects such as:
• Infrastructure or industrial projects

Contractual & Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of FIDIC Red & Yellow Book contracts.
• Understanding of Saudi construction practices and dispute mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of:
• MEP measurement and valuation
• Claims preparation and negotiation
• Final accounts and commercial closeout
• Excel and cost control systems
• ERP / project management software (SAP, Oracle, Candy, CCS, etc.)
• Excellent commercial judgment and negotiation skills
• Strong analytical and financial management capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in a multicultural, high-pressure site environment
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to interface professionally with Clients, Consultants, and Authorities

Language & Local Requirements

• Arabic – working knowledge preferred
• Ability to work legally in Saudi Arabia (valid Iqama or transferable sponsorship)

Personal Attributes

• Culturally aware and adaptable
• Proactive and commercially astute
• Results-oriented with strong ethical standards
• Confident in managing complex commercial negotiations