Senior Commercial Manager

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to oversee post-contract commercial activities across multiple residential villa and mid-rise projects in the UAE. The role demands deep expertise in managing FIDIC Red Book contracts, cost monitoring, cash flow forecasting, variation handling, claim assessment, and contractual advice. The successful candidate will lead commercial teams, provide strategic direction, and engage closely with clients to ensure favorable commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the commercial function for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Provide strategic guidance and supervise project commercial personnel including Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers.
• Ensure compliance with organizational commercial processes and governance standards.
• Manage all post-contract activities from contract award through to final account closure.
• Oversee valuation, certification of works, payment applications, and interim/final accounts management.
• Identify, analyze, and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities promptly.
• Prepare comprehensive monthly cost reports for stakeholders and clients.
• Track budgets, financial forecasts, commitments, and expenditures steadily.
• Develop and administer cash flow forecasts and review financial project performance.
• Conduct thorough cost analyses and benchmarking to support decision-making.
• Lead variation, claim, and change event management including equitable negotiations with contractors.
• Administer and interpret FIDIC Red Book contracts, managing notices, claims, and contractual correspondence.
• Support dispute avoidance, resolution, and settle contractual disputes through determinations.
• Draft client-facing contractual position documents, opinions, and executive level reports.
• Maintain strong client relationships, lead commercial negotiations, and present complex commercial issues to senior client personnel and executives.
• Develop negotiation strategies for claims related to time extensions, disruptions, additional costs, and prolongation.

Additional Commercial Management Duties

• Manage contract administration including reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing terms with clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Ensure legal, regulatory, and contractual compliance across projects.
• Implement risk assessments and develop mitigation approaches.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and stakeholders to resolve disputes and support project teams.
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, payments, and correspondence.
• Prepare commercial performance reports and ensure timely invoicing and financial reporting.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Law, or related fields.
• Mandatory MRICS accreditation.
• At least 15 years of extensive post-contract quantity surveying and commercial management experience.
• Proven track record within UAE and/or GCC market environments, particularly on residential villa, mixed-use, and mid-rise developments.
• Demonstrable experience leading commercial teams managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Expert knowledge of FIDIC Red Book contracts and post-contract commercial practices.
• Strong financial acumen including cost reporting, cash flow forecasting, and cost control analytics.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software systems.

Rewards & Benefits

• Tax-free salary package.
• Life and medical insurance coverages.
• Paid annual leave entitlements.
• Company gratuity schemes.
• Performance-based discretionary bonuses.
• Annual flight allowances.
• Housing and transportation allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program providing 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal advice, family care, health, fitness, and nutrition.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a leading global engineering and nuclear services organization focused on transforming infrastructure and energy systems worldwide. With a team of expert consultants, engineers, designers, and project managers, we collaborate with industry partners to engineer sustainable futures.