Commercial Manager

1. Job PurposeThe Commercial Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all commercial and contractual aspects of the Company's projects, ensuring that the Company's contractual rights and financial interests are protected throughout the project lifecycle.The role involves managing contract administration, subcontract procurement and negotiations, commercial risk assessment, claims management, and contractual compliance. The Commercial Manager provides strategic commercial advice to senior management and ensures that all contractual obligations are properly managed, commercial risks are minimized, and project profitability is maximized.2. Key Roles and ResponsibilitiesA. Contract Management and AdministrationReview, evaluate, and manage main contracts, subcontract agreements, and other commercial arrangements.Ensure that all contracts are reviewed in accordance with company policies, approved procedures, and contractual requirements.Identify contractual risks, obligations, liabilities, and potential exposures before contract execution.Monitor contractual compliance and ensure that all parties fulfill their contractual obligations.Prepare, review, and negotiate contract amendments, variations, extensions, and supplemental agreements.Maintain an effective contract administration and documentation system.B. Subcontract Management and NegotiationsLead the commercial review and negotiation of subcontract agreements in accordance with the company's approved commercial procedures and standard checklists.Review subcontractors' commercial proposals, qualifications, payment terms, and contractual conditions.Ensure that subcontract terms are aligned with the main contract requirements and adequately protect the Company's interests.Manage subcontractor contractual issues, disputes, and commercial negotiations.Monitor subcontract performance in coordination with project management and procurement teams.C. Claims and Dispute ManagementLead the assessment, preparation, submission, and negotiation of contractual claims.Review claims relating to variations, extensions of time (EOT), delays, disruption, and additional costs.Provide contractual advice and recommendations to management regarding potential disputes and claims.Coordinate with project teams to ensure timely identification, notification, and documentation of contractual events.Support the resolution of contractual disputes through negotiations and other appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms.D. Commercial Risk ManagementIdentify, assess, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks throughout the project lifecycle.Advise senior management on contractual exposures relating to bonds, guarantees, insurance, indemnities, warranties, and liabilities.Review contractual payment terms, financial obligations, and risk allocation provisions.Develop and implement appropriate commercial risk mitigation strategies.Ensure that contractual obligations and critical deadlines are monitored and properly addressed.E. Employer and Stakeholder RelationsRepresent the Company in commercial and contractual negotiations with Employers, Consultants, Subcontractors, and other relevant stakeholders.Lead negotiations concerning contract terms, variations, claims, payments, and other commercially significant matters.Maintain effective professional relationships with key stakeholders.Provide commercial recommendations to the Project Director and senior management to support informed decision-making.F. Commercial Performance and ReportingMonitor project commercial performance, contractual commitments, and financial exposures.Review payment applications, valuations, variations, and commercial reports in coordination with the relevant departments.Monitor project budgets, cost implications, and potential commercial opportunities.Prepare regular commercial reports highlighting contractual status, claims, variations, risks, and financial implications.Provide management with recommendations to improve project profitability and commercial performance.G. Coordination and ComplianceCoordinate with Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and other relevant departments.Ensure that commercial activities comply with applicable laws, contractual requirements, and company policies.Ensure proper record-keeping and documentation of all commercial and contractual correspondence.Support internal and external audits relating to commercial and contractual matters.3. Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.Professional membership of MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or an equivalent recognized professional body, preferably Australian or South African accreditation.Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in commercial management, contract administration, quantity surveying, and major construction or engineering projects.Demonstrated experience in managing complex construction contracts and subcontract agreements.Strong experience in contractual claims, variations, dispute resolution, and commercial negotiations.Proven ability to advise senior management on contractual and commercial risks.Working knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its application in the design and construction process.4. Technical CompetenciesStrong knowledge of construction contracts and contractual frameworks, including FIDIC.Advanced understanding of contract administration and commercial management.Expertise in claims preparation, evaluation, and negotiation.Strong knowledge of subcontract management and procurement procedures.Understanding of project cost control, budgeting, valuations, and financial reporting.Knowledge of bonds, guarantees, insurance, indemnities, and contractual liabilities.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant commercial/project management software.Ability to interpret complex contractual documents and identify commercial risks.