Commercial Manager

We are representing a leading international construction group with a strong footprint across the Middle East, currently seeking an experienced Commercial Manager – Project Support to join their senior commercial function.

This is a high-impact role suited to a commercially astute professional who thrives in complex, large-scale project environments and can confidently support projects from early-stage start-up

through live delivery and legacy close-out.

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager – Project Support will play a pivotal role in:

• Leading the commercial start-up of new projects
• Providing expert contractual and commercial support to live and legacy projects
• Minimizing commercial and contractual risk while maximising profitability and opportunity
• Acting as short-term commercial cover for live projects when required

This role requires sound judgment, strong leadership, and the ability to bring a calm, strategic approach to negotiations and dispute resolution.

Key Responsibilities

Project Start-Up & Live Project Support

• Lead contract preparation, negotiation, and execution with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements, corporate governance, and internal standards
• Identify, mitigate, and manage commercial and contractual risks across projects
• Lead procurement activities in line with project timelines, budgets, and internal procedures
• Provide expert commercial advice to project teams and senior stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Mentor and support junior commercial staff, fostering professional development
• Prepare and present commercial reports to senior management
• Provide short-term commercial cover to live projects when required

Legacy Project & Close-Out Support

• Support legacy and closing projects to maximise commercial outcomes
• Lead negotiations on final accounts, claims, disputes, and bond recoveries
• Support Project Close-Out activities with expert commercial input
• Proactively escalate high-risk matters and recommend resolution strategies

Requirements.

• Minimum 20 years’ relevant industry experience
• At least 5 years in a similar commercial leadership role
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working in the Middle East
• Strong experience managing large-scale construction projects
• Proven expertise in contract management, procurement, risk management, financial control, and quantity surveying
• Solid experience with FIDIC or similar standard forms of contract
• In-depth knowledge of local and international construction laws
• Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management capability
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Strong presentation and communication skills (English – verbal & written)
• Comfortable working across the GCC region on a short-term, mobile basis

Professional certifications (MRICS, CIPS or similar) are highly advantageous.