Commercial Manager - Civils Works

Our client is a leading Tier 1 contractor in the GCC region. They have recently been awarded various government contracts across the UAE.

Reports to: Commercial Director UAE

The Commercial Manager is responsible for the financial and contractual performance of road construction projects, from tender stage through to final account. They protect the company's commercial interests, manage risk, and ensure projects are delivered profitably while maintaining strong client and supply chain relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Review tender documents, contracts, and specifications for road/infrastructure projects
• Prepare cost estimates, pricing, and commercial proposals
• Assess commercial risk and advise on contract terms (NEC, JCT, FIDIC, or bespoke forms common in highways work)
• Liaise with estimators and planners on programme and pricing strategy

Contract Administration

• Administer contracts in line with the chosen form (e.g., NEC3/NEC4 is very common on UK/road authority work)
• Manage compensation events, early warnings, variations, and change control
• Ensure compliance with contract obligations and deadlines
• Draft and negotiate subcontract packages (earthworks, surfacing, drainage, street lighting, etc.)

Cost & Value Management

• Produce and maintain cost/value reconciliations (CVRs) and monthly cost reports
• Monitor project cash flow, budgets, and forecasts
• Prepare interim valuations and applications for payment
• Track and manage variations, claims, and extensions of time
• Control subcontractor and supplier accounts, including retention and final accounts
• Identify commercial risks (ground conditions, utilities diversions, weather, material price fluctuations) and develop mitigation strategies
• Manage insurance, bonds, and guarantees
• Support dispute resolution, adjudication, or arbitration where required

Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary commercial point of contact with clients (often local authorities, National Highways, or major infrastructure clients), consultants, and quantity surveyors
• Manage relationships with subcontractors and material suppliers
• Support project managers and site teams on commercial matters
• Manage and mentor quantity surveyors and commercial assistants
• Oversee commercial input into monthly project reviews and board reporting

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• NEC accreditation/training is a strong plus for highways/road work

Experience

• Based in the UAE
• 10 years experience with contractors in the UAE
• Typically 5-10+ years in a commercial/QS role within civil engineering, highways, or road construction
• Experience with NEC contracts, public sector infrastructure clients, and heavy civils packages (earthworks, surfacing, structures, drainage)

Skills

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Excellent negotiation and contract law knowledge
• Proficiency in cost management software (CATO, COINS, Causeway, or similar) and Excel
• Strong communication skills for client and subcontractor liaison
• Problem-solving under pressure, often across multiple live sites

Salary package is AED 50-55,000 per month.