Commercial Manager – Fit-Out Contractor

Location: Saudi ArabiaIndustry: Construction / Interior Fit-Out

Employment Type: Full-timeRole OverviewOur client is an established fit-out contractor in Saudi Arabia, specialising in the delivery of high-quality commercial and residential interior fit-out projects.They are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to take overall responsibility for the commercial management and financial performance of multiple projects, from contract award through to completion and final account.The ideal candidate will have a strong background working directly for a main contractor or fit-out contractor and will have proven experience managing the commercial aspects of construction and interior fit-out projects.Contractor experience is essential for this position.

Candidates from consultancy, client-side or developer backgrounds will not be considered.Key ResponsibilitiesTake overall commercial responsibility for assigned fit-out projects from contract award through to final account.Manage project budgets, cost control, forecasting and commercial reporting.Monitor project performance against agreed budgets and identify commercial risks and opportunities.Manage all commercial and contractual aspects of projects throughout the construction lifecycle.Prepare, submit and negotiate variations, claims and extension-of-time applications.Review and manage client contracts, subcontract agreements and purchase orders.Manage subcontractor commercial accounts, including valuations, variations, payments and final accounts.Review and approve subcontractor applications and ensure costs remain aligned with project budgets.Prepare monthly valuations, payment applications and commercial reports.Manage cash flow and ensure timely recovery of project revenue.Lead the preparation, negotiation and agreement of project final accounts.Ensure contractual notices, claims and other commercial correspondence are issued within required timeframes.Identify potential commercial and contractual risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.Work closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Estimators, Procurement and Finance teams.Provide commercial and contractual advice to project teams throughout project delivery.Lead commercial negotiations with clients, consultants and subcontractors.Support tendering and pre-contract activities where required, including reviewing scope, pricing and commercial terms.Manage and mentor Quantity Surveyors and other members of the commercial team.Ensure projects are commercially managed in accordance with company procedures and contractual requirements.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management or a related discipline.8–12+ years' commercial/QS experience, with substantial experience at Commercial Manager level.Proven experience working for a main contractor or specialist fit-out contractor.Contractor background is essential.Strong experience across commercial and/or residential fit-out projects.Previous experience working in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC is highly desirable.Strong knowledge of construction contracts, commercial procedures and project cost control.Proven experience managing variations, claims, valuations, subcontract accounts and final accounts.Strong understanding of procurement and subcontractor management.Experience managing project budgets and commercial forecasts.Excellent negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities.Experience managing or mentoring a team of Quantity Surveyors/commercial professionals.Preferred Project ExperienceCandidates with experience delivering the following types of projects would be particularly relevant:Commercial office fit-outsHigh-end residential fit-outsLuxury residential developmentsCorporate interiorsRefurbishment and renovation projectsDesign & build projectsCandidate ProfileThe successful candidate will be a commercially astute construction professional who is comfortable operating in a contractor-led environment and understands the pressures of delivering projects on time and within budget.They should be confident dealing directly with clients, consultants and subcontractors and have a strong track record of protecting margins, controlling costs and maximising commercial returns throughout the project lifecycle.Candidates must have direct experience working for a contractor. Consultancy, developer, client-side and purely PQS backgrounds will not be considered.