Commercial Manager

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to act as the client-side commercial lead for the post-contract delivery of major development projects.

This is a strategic commercial leadership role responsible for overseeing all commercial and cost-related matters from contract award through to project close-out. The successful candidate will ensure robust cost control, commercial governance, risk management, and contractual compliance while managing external consultants and supporting key business decisions.

This role is not a traditional Quantity Surveying position. It is focused on commercial oversight, due diligence, consultant management, cost validation, and protecting the client's commercial interests throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Leadership & Governance

• Act as the primary client-side commercial lead across assigned projects and packages.
• Establish and maintain commercial governance processes, controls, and reporting frameworks.
• Provide strategic commercial advice on cost, risk, contractual matters, and project performance.
• Ensure alignment of commercial activities with project objectives and financial targets.

Cost Management & Consultant Oversight

• Lead and manage external consultants, including cost consultants and specialist advisors.
• Review and validate cost reports, payment certifications, variations, and final account assessments.
• Challenge assumptions and ensure accuracy, consistency, and value in consultant deliverables.
• Monitor consultant performance against contractual obligations, reporting requirements, and KPIs.

Post-Contract Cost Control

• Monitor project costs against approved budgets and business plans.
• Review and consolidate forecasts, cash flows, and financial reports.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities, implementing proactive mitigation strategies.
• Maintain oversight of commitments, expenditures, and cost-to-complete forecasts.

Contract Administration & Claims Management

• Support the administration of FIDIC-based contracts.
• Oversee commercial aspects relating to:
• Variations and change control
• Payment certifications
• Claims and extensions of time
• Provide commercial input on contractual correspondence and key notices.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution strategies.

Change & Risk Management

• Lead the evaluation and negotiation of variations and contractor claims.
• Ensure all changes are commercially justified, documented, and appropriately managed.
• Review entitlement, quantum, and contractual compliance of claims.
• Assess the cost implications of design changes, value engineering initiatives, and scope adjustments.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks throughout project delivery.

Financial Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Prepare and present commercial and financial reports to senior management.
• Provide insight into project financial performance, risks, and forecasts.
• Collaborate with development, design, finance, legal, procurement, and project management teams.
• Manage relationships with consultants, contractors, authorities, and external stakeholders.

Final Accounts & Project Close-Out

• Oversee the preparation and agreement of final accounts.
• Ensure timely and efficient commercial close-out of contracts.
• Capture lessons learned and cost benchmarks to support future projects.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• 8-15 years of relevant experience with developers, client-side organizations, consultancies, or leading contractors.
• Strong experience in post-contract commercial management of large-scale residential, mixed-use, infrastructure, hospitality, or master-planned developments.
• Proven experience managing external cost consultants and commercial advisors.
• Extensive knowledge of FIDIC contracts and commercial administration.
• Strong background in claims management, variations, change control, and final account negotiations.
• Experience within European construction environments is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with EU procurement and regulatory requirements is an advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Strong commercial leadership and strategic thinking.
• Excellent understanding of commercial processes and contract mechanisms.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• Ability to challenge consultants and contractors constructively.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and detailed levels.
• Strong communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Experience engaging with regulatory authorities and overseeing commercial aspects of approvals and compliance requirements.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a professional who can combine: Commercial Leadership + Cost Governance + Contractual Expertise + Risk Management + Consultant Management

This role is ideal for a commercially astute professional who can provide strategic oversight, drive value, manage risk, and ensure successful commercial outcomes across complex development projects.