Commercial Manager

Dutco Construction L.L.C is part of the Dutco Group of Construction companies which started operations in the United Arab Emirates in the 1970s and today considered one of the leading heavy civil and marine contractors in the UAE.We employ more than 10,000 people, making us one of the largest construction companies in the region with an extensive track record in large-scale projects including power stations, reservoirs, hotels, airport infrastructure and port development. Many of the country’s highways, tunnels and bridges have been engineered and built by us, allowing the use of our in-house asphalt, concrete, plant and machinery.For almost 50 years we have built a strong and loyal client base across both the public and private sectors whilst working on the UAE’s iconic projects including Expo 2020, The Address Hotel renovation, Bluewaters, Marsa Al Seef, CityWalk and the expansion of the Fashion Avenue in the Dubai Mall.We are currently hiring a Commercial Manager for a high value project in Abu Dhabi. Job PurposeThe Commercial Manager is responsible for leading all commercial and contractual aspects of a high-value (c. AED 950M) large-scale Design & Build building project. The role will ensure the project's commercial success by maximizing profitability, safeguarding contractual entitlement and optimising cashflow whilst effectively managing risks, cost control, procurement strategy and claims/disputes..The role requires strong leadership in a Tier 1 contracting environment, with emphasis on strict governance, stakeholder alignment, and delivery under complex client/developer requirements.The Commercial Manager will work closely with the Project Director, Design Team, Procurement Team, Planning Team, Finance Team, and Client representatives to achieve the project's commercial objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial LeadershipLead and manage the project's commercial function throughout the project lifecycle.Develop and implement project-specific commercial strategies aligned with corporate objectives and margin targets.Provide commercial advice and support to the Project Director and senior management.Drive commercial best practice in line with Tier 1 governance frameworks, audit requirements, and reporting standards.Establish robust commercial governance processes and controls and audit-ready processes across the project.Contract AdministrationAdminister the main contract and all related contractual documentation (typically FIDIC Red/Yello Book or bespoke amendments).Interpret contract terms and advise project teams on contractual rights and obligations.Ensure strict compliance with contractual requirements and commercial procedures.Lead contractual risk reviews and ensure alignment with legal/commercial strategy.Manage contractual correspondence with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.Cost Management & Financial ControlDevelop and maintain fully integrate project cost control and reporting systems.Monitor project budgets, forecasts, commitments, forecasts and expenditures.Prepare monthly commercial reports, cash flow forecasts, and cost-to-complete analyses.Lead CVR (Cost Value Reconciliation) process in line with Tier 1 reporting cyclesIdentify and mitigate commercial risks impacting project profitability.Monitor project margins and implement corrective actions where required.Drive margin improvement and cost optimisation initiativesChange ManagementLead the identification, valuation, negotiation, and recovery of variations and change orders.Ensure timely submission and agreement of variation claims.Ensure early warning mechanisms and entitlement protection under contract.Establish processes for capturing design changes and scope modifications.Coordinate with design, planning, and construction teams to substantiate change events.Claims & Dispute ManagementLead preparation, submission, and negotiation of Extension of Time (EOT), prolongation and cost claims.Ensure strict compliance with contractual notices and claim submissions in accordance with contract requirements.Maintain detailed records supporting entitlement and recovery.Interface with external legal advisors and claims consultants (where required).Support dispute avoidance and resolution strategies.Procurement & Subcontract ManagementSupport procurement strategy development and subcontract packaging.Lead commercial evaluation of subcontractors and suppliers.Negotiate and finalize subcontract agreements.Manage subcontract administration, payment certification, variation management, and final account settlement.Drive timely closure of subcontract final accounts to reduce commercial exposure.Client & Stakeholder ManagementAct as the primary commercial interface with the client and consultant.Participate in commercial meetings and negotiations.Build strong working relationships with stakeholders while protecting company interests.Manage high-level commercial interface with developer. Represent company in executive-level commercial reviews.Reporting & GovernancePrepare monthly commercial dashboards and executive reports.Present commercial status, risks, opportunities, and recovery plans to senior management.Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and delegated authorities.Ensure reporting consistency with head office and regional commercial standards.Team LeadershipLead and develop the project commercial team including:Senior Quantity SurveyorsQuantity SurveyorsCost ControllersMentor team members and drive high-performance standards.Conduct performance reviews and succession planning within the commercial function.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.MRICS preferred.Master’s degree in construction law, Commercial Management, or Project engagement is advantageous.ExperienceMinimum 10–15 years of commercial management experience within major contractors.Minimum 5 years in a Commercial Manager role on large-scale building projects.Demonstrated experience managing projects valued above AED 750 million.Proven experience on Design & Build projects in the UAE or GCC.Strong experience with contracts based on FIDIC forms.Experience working with major developers such as Aldar Properties, Emaar Properties, or similar clients is highly desirable.Experience managing medium to large commercial teams. Technical CompetenciesContract Management (FIDIC)Commercial Risk ManagementClaims & Dispute ResolutionCost Control & ForecastingProcurement & Subcontract ManagementChange ManagementFinancial AnalysisNegotiation & Influencing SkillsContract Law AwarenessProject ControlsAdvanced CVR & cost reporting systems Commercial audit and governance complianceInterested candidates are requested to submit their most recent CV.Thank you for your application and interest in joining Dutco Construction. We appreciate the time taken to apply; however, only candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria will be contacted.