Senior Commercial Manager

Senior Commercial Manager | Leading Real Estate Developer | Abu Dhabi

A leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to join its growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering a portfolio of high-profile residential, mixed-use and master-planned developments across the UAE.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will be responsible for leading all commercial and cost management activities from pre-contract through to project close-out, ensuring robust commercial governance, effective risk management and successful financial outcomes across multiple developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of a portfolio of large-scale real estate developments.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that align with business objectives and maximise project profitability.
• Manage all pre- and post-contract commercial activities including procurement, tendering, contract administration and final account settlement.
• Review and approve tender documentation, commercial evaluations and contractor recommendations.
• Lead contract negotiations with consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Oversee project budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and identify commercial risks and cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate and negotiate variations, claims and extension of time submissions.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, company governance procedures and procurement policies.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to Development, Design and Project Delivery teams during all project phases.
• Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining quality, programme and project objectives.
• Prepare and present commercial reports to senior management and executive stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of commercial managers, quantity surveyors and commercial professionals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, contractors and key external stakeholders.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution through proactive commercial management and contract administration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• MRICS or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 15 years commercial management experience within the construction or real estate sector.
• Previous experience working for a leading real estate developer is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale residential, mixed-use, hospitality or masterplan developments.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts and commercial best practices.
• Excellent understanding of procurement, contract administration, cost planning and project financial management.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and leading high-performing commercial teams.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.