Commercial Manager - Large Scale Construction Projects

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Generous leave

Executive bonus

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial lifecycle of flagship construction projects in Randburg, Gauteng. The role emphasizes contract administration, cost control, risk management and robust financial forecasting to maximize profitability and ensure compliance with safety, legal, and company policies.

The candidate should possess a Bachelor’s in a related field and a Master’s or professional qualification (e.g., RICS) is advantageous, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, Business, Finance).
• Master’s degree or professional qualification (e.g., RICS) is advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in commercial management within construction/engineering, with large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to drive profitability.
• Manage all project contracts, including drafting, negotiation and administration.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting to keep projects within parameters.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
• Lead procurement for subcontractors and suppliers, negotiating favorable terms.
• Manage variations, claims and disputes with expert resolution strategies.

Skills

Contract management

Cost control

Financial forecasting

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Leadership

Project management software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, Business, Finance

Master's degree or professional qualification (e.g., RICS)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected construction group, is looking for a strategic and experienced Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial aspects of large-scale construction projects in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior role demands a sophisticated understanding of contract management, cost control, risk assessment, and financial forecasting within the construction industry. You will be responsible for maximizing profitability, ensuring contractual compliance, and managing all commercial relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a keen eye for detail, and a proven track record of successfully managing the commercial lifecycle of complex projects in South Africa. This is a critical leadership position within a dynamic and growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to ensure project profitability and financial success.
• Manage all project contracts, including drafting, negotiation, and administration, ensuring compliance with legal and company policies.
• Oversee cost management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring projects remain within financial parameters.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks associated with projects.
• Lead the procurement process for subcontractors and suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and conditions.
• Manage variations, claims, and disputes, providing expert advice and resolution strategies.
• Liaise closely with project teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure commercial objectives are met.
• Conduct financial analysis and provide commercial insights to support decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and payment processes.
• Maintain comprehensive commercial records and documentation for all projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or professional qualification (e.g., RICS) is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in commercial management within the construction or engineering sector, with significant experience on large, complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of construction contracts (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, JBCC) and their administration.
• Proven expertise in cost control, financial management, risk management, and contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of South African construction law and industry practices.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and manage commercial teams effectively.
• Proficiency in relevant commercial and project management software.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Randburg, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunity to manage commercial aspects of flagship construction projects.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave allowance and other executive perks.
• Be part of a leading firm with a strong reputation for excellence.