Commercial Manager - Fit-out

Job Title: Commercial Manager

📍 Location: Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager is responsible for leading commercial strategy, governance, and delivery across construction projects, with a strong focus on fit-out environments. This role provides senior oversight of commercial operations, ensuring financial performance, contractual compliance, and risk management are aligned with business objectives.

The position requires a hands-on leader capable of managing teams, supporting project delivery, and maintaining strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Leadership and Governance

• Lead and manage the commercial function, ensuring clear accountability, performance standards, and professional development within the team
• Establish and maintain consistent commercial procedures across projects in line with governance frameworks
• Chair internal commercial reviews, providing clear visibility on financial performance, risk, and opportunity

2. Contractual and Commercial Management

• Oversee commercial activities from pre-award through to final account
• Manage and review tender submissions, contractual documentation, and commercial agreements
• Lead negotiations with clients, consultants, and external stakeholders
• Ensure contracts are administered in accordance with agreed terms and conditions

3. Financial Control and Cost Management

• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports
• Continuously review and update final account projections
• Maximise entitlement, cost recovery, and commercial outcomes
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place to manage liabilities, damages, and penalties

4. Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Oversee subcontractor and vendor procurement strategies
• Review, evaluate, negotiate, and appoint subcontractors and suppliers as required
• Ensure subcontract documentation, valuations, payments, contra charges, and final accounts are accurately managed

5. Project Support and Site Engagement

• Maintain regular engagement with project and site teams to monitor progress, variations, and cost impacts
• Review and value variations, new rates, and change events
• Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining quality and programme objectives

6. Risk Management and Client Engagement

• Undertake proactive commercial risk identification and mitigation
• Foster strong client relationships through regular liaison and transparent communication
• Promote a client-focused, solutions-oriented commercial culture

7. Team Development and Leadership

• Mentor and develop junior commercial staff
• Delegate responsibilities effectively within the commercial team
• Build a collaborative, high-performing team environment

Industry

• Construction (Fit-Out Focus)

Experience and Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum 12+ years’ experience in a commercial management role within the construction sector
• Significant experience within interior fit-out projects
• Proven background in managing complex contracts and leading commercial teams
• Strong understanding of full tender lifecycle, value engineering, and cost management
• High level of commercial awareness and strategic thinking

Education and Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline
• Professional certifications are advantageous

Technical and Professional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Experience analysing trade comparisons and financial data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in business-level English
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and decision-making capabilities
• High standards of professionalism, ethics, and attention to detail