Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager

About Groundwork:Groundwork is building the AI powered contract intelligence platform for construction contractors across the UAE and GCC.Every year, contractors sign contracts containing risks they don't fully understand until it's too late, leading to disputes, delayed payments, margin erosion, claims, and avoidable losses.Groundwork helps commercial teams instantly understand complex construction contracts in plain English, with every risk linked back to the exact clause, amendment, and contractual obligation.We are an early stage company working closely with contractors to build a product that commercial professionals genuinely trust.The Opportunity:We are looking for an experienced Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager, or Commercial Director to join our founding team and help shape the future of contract intelligence for construction across the UAE and GCC.This role is ideal for someone who has spent years reviewing construction contracts, managing commercial risk, negotiating terms, administering claims, and protecting contractor margins, and now wants to apply that expertise to a technology product used across the industry.You won't be managing projects.You'll be helping us build the commercial brain behind the platform.What You'll Do:Review contract analyses produced by our AI systemsIdentify contractual risks, omissions, ambiguities, and commercial implications that matter to contractorsHelp define how contract risks should be assessed, scored, and prioritisedContribute real world commercial knowledge from live projects, tenders, negotiations, and claimsTest contracts across FIDIC, bespoke employer contracts, main contracts, and subcontractsReview UAE and GCC specific contractual practices and amendmentsHelp identify risks relating to payment, retention, bonds, guarantees, variations, delay, extensions of time, liquidated damages, claims, and terminationHelp develop practical guidance that commercial teams can immediately act uponWork closely with founders, product, and engineering teams to improve platform accuracy and usefulnessWhat We're Looking For (Essential)5+ years experience as a Quantity Surveyor, Senior QS, Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager, Commercial Director, or similarStrong understanding of FIDIC and/or major bespoke construction contractsContractor side experience within the UAE or wider GCCExperience reviewing, negotiating, and administering construction contractsStrong understanding of commercial risk, claims, variations, payment mechanisms, and contractual obligationsAbility to explain contractual risks in commercial terms, not just legal languageExperience working with employers, consultants, subcontractors, and/or main contractors on live construction projectsHighly DesirableStrong experience with FIDIC 1999 and/or FIDIC 2017 formsExperience with amended or bespoke FIDIC contractsExperience with UAE construction contracts and commercial practiceExperience across GCC markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, or KuwaitSubcontract management experienceExperience with claims, extensions of time, variations, disruption, prolongation, or delay analysisAdjudication, arbitration, dispute resolution, or expert determination exposureExperience with UAE and GCC specific payment, security, and contractual requirementsExperience in sectors such as civils, infrastructure, rail, roads, utilities, water, oil and gas, residential, commercial, hospitality, or fit outWhat Success Looks LikeYou can quickly identify:Hidden commercial risksUnbalanced or heavily amended contract provisionsPayment and cashflow risksRetention, advance payment, bonds, and guarantee exposuresVariation and change order risksExtension of time and delay risksLiquidated damages exposureClaims and notice requirementsDesign responsibility and liability exposuresUnclear scope or responsibility gapsBack to back subcontract risksClauses that look harmless but create significant downstream commercial exposureContractual obligations that are easy for project teams to missMost importantly, you understand how contract wording translates into real world commercial outcomes.You know the difference between a clause that looks difficult on paper and one that can genuinely cost a contractor millions.Why Join Groundwork?Help build a category defining AI platform for constructionHelp shape a product specifically designed around the realities of UAE and GCC contractingWork directly with the founding teamBring your commercial expertise into the development of a new technology categoryFully remote and flexibleCompetitive salaryEquity participation availableOpportunity to shape the future of commercial and contract management technologyIf you've spent your career protecting contractor margins, navigating complex construction contracts, and managing commercial risk across the UAE or GCC, we'd love to hear from you.Apply with your LinkedIn profile or a brief summary of your experience.