Commercial Manager- Engineering

Job Title: Commercial Manager - Engineering (Procurement, Contracts & Cost Control)

Role Overview

Responsible for end-to-end management of project-related expenses and commercial functions, including vendor sourcing, tendering, rate finalization, contract administration, invoicing, and payment coordination. Ensures cost efficiency, contractual compliance, and alignment with project budgets and escrow regulations across all construction activities.

Typical Background

• 5–12 years in Engineering Commercial / Quantity Surveying
• Experience with real estate developers or Tier-1 contractors
• Degree in Civil Engineering / Quantity Surveying preferred

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Sourcing & Prequalification

• Identify and prequalify:
• Main contractors
• Subcontractors (Civil, MEP, Finishing, Infrastructure)
• Material suppliers
• Maintain an approved vendor/contractor database
• Conduct technical and financial due diligence in coordination with Engineering

2. Tendering & RFQ Management

• Float tenders/RFQs based on BOQ, drawings, and specifications
• Ensure minimum 3 competitive bids (as per procurement policy)
• Manage bidder queries and clarifications with consultants
• Prepare Techno-Commercial Comparison (TCC/TCS) ensuring like-to-like evaluation

3. Rate Analysis & Commercial Finalization

• Perform detailed rate analysis (materials, labor, preliminaries, margins)
• Benchmark with market rates and historical data
• Lead commercial negotiations with contractors/vendors
• Recommend award based on techno-commercial evaluation, not just L1

4. Contracting & Documentation

• Draft, review, and finalize:
• LOI/LOA (Letter of Intent/Award)
• Main contracts and subcontracts
• Ensure contracts are aligned with FIDIC Contracts (or equivalent standards)
• Clearly define:
• Scope of work
• Payment terms & milestones
• Liquidated damages (LDs)
• Deliverables & timelines
• Coordinate with Legal & Management for approvals

5. Budget Monitoring & Cost Control

• Track budget vs committed cost vs actual spend
• Maintain cost reports and project cash flow forecasts
• Identify risks of cost overrun and recommend mitigation strategies
• Ensure alignment with approved project feasibility

6. Variation Orders (VO) & Claims Management

• Evaluate and negotiate variation orders (VOs)
• Validate scope changes with Engineering/Consultants
• Manage contractor claims including:
• Extensions of Time (EOT)
• Cost escalation / prolongation claims
• Assess cost and timeline impact before approvals

7. Measurement, Certification & Invoicing

• Verify contractor invoices based on:
• Site measurements (BOQ)
• Engineer/Consultant certification
• Process Interim Payment Certificates (IPC)
• Ensure all invoices are backed by approved documentation

8. Payment Processing & Escrow Compliance

• Coordinate with Finance for invoice submission and payment release
• Ensure payments are:
• In line with contract terms
• Linked to actual construction progress
• Align disbursements with escrow requirements as per:
• Dubai Land Department
• RERA
• Track payables aging and cash flow commitments

9. Procurement Governance & DOA Compliance

• Ensure adherence to Delegation of Authority (DOA) matrix:
• Tender approvals
• Contract awards
• Variation approvals
• Payment releases
• Maintain maker-checker process and audit trails
• Ensure procurement compliance (multi-bid, documentation, approvals)

10. Regulatory & Authority Coordination

• Ensure cost and scope alignment with approvals from:
• Dubai Municipality
• Support compliance with project approvals and statutory requirements

11. Systems & Reporting

• Use ERP systems such as Oracle ERP / SAP for:
• PO management
• Invoice tracking
• Cost reporting
• Generate:
• Weekly/monthly cost reports
• Budget vs actual analysis
• Cash flow forecasts
• Maintain audit-ready documentation at all times

Key Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of construction contracts & procurement
• Expertise in cost control and commercial negotiation
• Quantity surveying fundamentals (BOQ, measurement, rate build-up)
• Familiarity with FIDIC contracts and UAE regulations
• Advanced Excel & ERP systems
• High attention to detail and governance

KPIs / Performance Metrics

• Cost savings vs initial estimates
• Budget adherence (%)
• Variation Order (VO) control (% of contract value)
• Payment cycle efficiency
• Claim resolution effectiveness
• Audit compliance score

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Commercial Director / Project Director
• Works closely with: Engineering, Finance, Legal, Consultants, Contractors

Pay: AED12,000.00 - AED18,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person