Senior/ Commercial Manager

Vita Partners; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vita Partners Group in Singapore is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial and contractual management of complex construction projects across pre- and post-contract stages, including strategy, procurement, cost control and risk management.

You will work closely with the Project Director, Senior Project Manager, and Business Unit stakeholders to protect the company’s entitlements and ensure timely, compliant delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of post-graduate experience in commercial management or contracts within the construction industry.
• Experience in managing complex construction projects with pre- and post-contract responsibilities, preferably in life sciences, pharma or related sectors.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contractual management of complex construction projects across pre- and post-contract stages.
• Develop and implement project commercial, procurement and contractual strategies.
• Lead negotiations with clients and stakeholders to protect and maximise commercial entitlements.
• Mentor and develop the project commercial team and oversee monthly reporting to sponsors.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Contract administration

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying / Construction Management

Job description

Senior/ Commercial Manager

Be part of a growing platform shaping the future of life sciences and innovation across Asia-Pacific.

Vita Partners is Asia-Pacific’s largest pan-regional pure-play life sciences, innovation and R&D real estate platform, backed by Australian-headquartered multinational real estate company Lendlease and leading US private equity growth investor Warburg Pincus.

We are at the forefront of a specialised and fast-growing sector, investing in, acquiring, developing, constructing, managing and operating real estate assets that support the advancement of life sciences, innovation and research across the region. Our business brings together two complementary areas of expertise: a high-barrier-to-entry project and construction management business, and a specialised investment management business.

Since the 2000s, our project and construction management business has delivered more than 200 projects across Asia-Pacific for over 100 leading life sciences and pharmaceutical companies, building a strong track record and long-standing client relationships. Our investment management business currently manages approximately S$2 billion in assets under management on behalf of institutional investors, with strong ambitions to expand our presence and grow across the region.

As we continue to build and grow our platform, we offer the opportunity to be part of a business operating at the intersection of real estate, investment and the life sciences industry — contributing to projects and developments that support innovation and scientific progress across Asia-Pacific.

What you will be working on

The Commercial Manager leads the commercial and contractual management of complex construction projects across pre- and post-contract stages, including commercial strategy, contract administration, cost planning, procurement, subcontract management, risk management and financial reporting.

Working closely with project leadership, Business Unit stakeholders, Clients and multidisciplinary delivery teams, the Commercial Manager protects the company’s commercial entitlements, ensures appropriate authorisation of commitments, and leads and develops the project commercial team to achieve effective project outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1.Limits of Authority (LOA)

• Establish and implement measures to ensure all project team members understand and comply with the Business and Project Limits of Authority (LOA).
• Actively monitor and manage LOA compliance, providing guidance to the project team on approval requirements and escalation matters.
• Ensure all commercial commitments, procurement activities and contractual decisions are appropriately authorised.

2.Head Contract and Contract Administration

• Develop a thorough understanding of the Head Contract and distil key commercial, contractual obligations, risks and entitlements for the project team.
• Work closely with the Project Director/Senior Project Manager, Construction Director/Senior Construction Manager and relevant Business Unit stakeholders to develop and implement project commercial, procurement and contractual strategies.
• Establish and maintain effective contract administration procedures, including variation registers, Extension of Time (EOT) registers, change management records and contractual correspondence.
• Establish processes to ensure timely identification, notification and management of potential contractual issues, variations and claims.
• Prepare, review and manage Head Contract payment claims, ensuring submissions are accurate, complete and in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Manage and prepare contractual notices, variation submissions, EOT claims and other contractual correspondence to protect and maximise the company's commercial entitlements.
• Lead commercial negotiations with the Client and other project stakeholders, resolving contractual and commercial issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor contract milestones, deliverables and obligations to ensure compliance and minimise commercial exposure.

3.Cost Planning and Estimation

• Review and validate project budgets, cost plans and Bills of Quantities (BQ) against design development, scope requirements and project estimates.
• Prepare and review cost estimates, including high-level estimates, cost plans and estimates for proposed scope changes and variations.
• Analyse tender returns and trade package pricing against the approved Budget of Design (BoD), identifying cost variances and potential savings.
• Advise the project team and Client on cost implications, budget adequacy and funding requirements to support informed commercial decisions.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation without compromising project quality, safety or delivery requirements.

4.Procurement and Tender Management

• Develop and implement project procurement strategies in collaboration with the project team, incorporating appropriate procurement approaches, supply chain engagement and contracting models to optimise value and minimise delivery risks.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including prequalification, preparation of tender documents, tender evaluation, commercial negotiations and recommendations for contract awards.
• Identify and assess suitable subcontractors, suppliers and consultants for participation in the procurement process.
• Conduct commercial reviews of tender submissions, including assessment of pricing, qualifications, exclusions, commercial risks and contractual deviations.
• Lead tender clarification and negotiation meetings and provide recommendations on the most commercially advantageous offers.
• Collaborate with the corporate Supply Chain function to leverage market intelligence, procurement strategies and supply chain partnerships.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures, LOA requirements and Head Contract obligations.
• Develop and review subcontract, supply, equipment procurement and professional services agreement templates in conjunction with the Business Unit.

5.Subcontract and Supplier Management

• Establish effective subcontract administration procedures, documentation and controls, providing guidance and support to the project team where required.
• Manage the commercial and contractual administration of subcontractors, suppliers and consultants throughout the project lifecycle, from award through to final account settlement.
• Review and assess subcontractor and supplier progress claims, variations and EOT claims in accordance with contractual terms and applicable Security of Payment requirements.
• Evaluate the legitimacy and commercial merits of variations, claims and additional cost submissions, working closely with the project team to establish entitlement.
• Monitor subcontractor performance, contractual milestones, commitments and cost exposure.
• Lead commercial negotiations and resolve contractual disputes and payment issues with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Oversee the preparation, agreement and finalisation of subcontract final accounts.

6.Risk and Opportunity Management

• Develop, maintain and implement project commercial risk and opportunity registers in collaboration with the project team.
• Participate in risk and opportunity workshops to identify potential contractual, procurement, cost and delivery risks.
• Identify and evaluate commercial risks arising from scope changes, design development, market conditions, supply chain constraints and subcontractor performance.
• Develop and implement appropriate mitigation strategies to minimise financial and contractual exposure.
• Proactively identify value-add and cost-saving opportunities, balancing commercial benefits against project delivery risks.

7.Financial Controls, Cost Management and Reporting

• Complete the construction authorisation checklist and coordinate with the Finance Manager to facilitate project budget establishment in the financial management system.
• Develop, manage and regularly update project cashflow, turnover forecasts, cost forecasts and financial projections.
• Establish and implement effective cost management, forecasting and reporting processes, ensuring clear accountability across the project team.
• Monitor project budgets, actual expenditure, commitments, forecast final costs and anticipated project margins.
• Prepare and review monthly commercial and financial reports, including budget movements, cost variances, commitments, cashflow and profit forecasts.
• Analyse financial performance and highlight potential cost overruns, financial risks and areas requiring corrective action.
• Present project commercial and financial performance, including key risks and mitigation measures, at monthly project and sponsor meetings.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the Client, senior management and relevant stakeholders.

8.Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, manage and develop the project commercial team, providing direction, guidance and technical support to ensure effective delivery of commercial responsibilities.
• Allocate responsibilities and oversee the performance of commercial and contract administration personnel.
• Mentor and develop team members, building their technical capabilities and commercial acumen.
• Promote collaboration between the commercial, construction, engineering, procurement and finance teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

What will set you apart

Capabilities

• Strong commercial acumen with extensive knowledge of construction contracts, commercial management and contract administration across both pre- and post-contract stages.
• Proficient understanding of common forms of construction contracts, subcontract agreements and applicable local legislation, including Security of Payment requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute commercial, procurement and subcontracting strategies to achieve optimal project outcomes.
• Strong expertise in cost planning, estimation, tender evaluation, cost control, financial forecasting and commercial reporting.
• Proven ability to manage complex contractual negotiations, variations, claims, EOT submissions and dispute resolution.
  Good understanding of construction methodologies, engineering and building services, equipment procurement and project delivery requirements.
• Ability to analyse market conditions, assess supply chain risks and develop commercial strategies that balance value, cost and delivery risk.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with the ability to lead, mentor and develop commercial teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, presentation and communication skills, with the confidence to engage and present to Clients, senior management, consultants, contractors and other project stakeholders.
• Collaborative, proactive and solutions-oriented, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary project teams.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a relevant discipline, or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant post‑graduate experience in commercial management, quantity surveying or contracts management within the construction industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing the commercial and contractual aspects of complex construction projects, preferably involving industrial, pharmaceutical, life sciences, process plants, M&E or other technically complex developments.
• Extensive experience in both pre- and post-contract management, including procurement, tendering, subcontract administration, cost control, claims management and financial reporting.
  Prior experience leading and developing commercial or quantity surveying teams.

What you can expect from us

Every person at Vita Partners is critical to the success of the business. We believe high performing employees drive business growth. We support our people through ongoing engagement, by providing learning and development opportunities for future career progression and by recognising and rewarding exceptional achievements.

If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and explore how we can take your career forward.