Job Title:
Commercial Manager
Job Purpose:
Our client is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial and contractual management of projects, ensuring profitability, cost effectiveness, risk mitigation, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will establish and manage optimal contractual frameworks, oversee commercial performance, manage contractual claims and disputes, and support business growth through strategic commercial practices. This role requires strong expertise in contract administration, commercial law, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership while ensuring all projects are delivered in line with contractual, legislative, and business requirements.
Responsibilities:
Commercial Management & Profitability:
- Manage the commercial performance and profitability of projects throughout their lifecycle.
- Ensure project costs remain within approved budgets and proactively identify commercial risks.
- Develop and maintain accurate cost reports, forecasts, cash flows, and financial projections.
- Participate in tender processes, contract negotiations, and bid preparation for new business opportunities.
- Review and rework tender submissions to establish accurate baseline cost reports.
- Monitor project profitability and identify opportunities to enhance margins and commercial outcomes.
- Ensure accurate collection and analysis of commercial and financial data for decision-making.
Contract Administration & Risk Management:
- Establish and manage contractual frameworks that support project delivery and profitability.
- Administer contracts and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and legislative requirements.
- Identify, manage, and resolve contractual claims and disputes.
- Represent the business during dispute resolution processes and negotiations.
- Negotiate, draft, and manage subcontractor agreements.
- Manage guarantees, cessions, penalties, insurance requirements, and insolvency-related matters.
- Maintain effective document control and contract management systems.
- Apply sound knowledge of contract forms such as FIDIC, NEC, and commercial law principles.
Quantity Surveying & Commercial Controls:
- Oversee quantity surveying functions and conduct regular audits of measurements and calculations.
- Review budget allocations, project payments, reconciliations, and commercial reporting.
- Ensure accurate measurement and valuation of completed work.
- Monitor financial integrity across projects and implement improvement strategies where required.
Customer & Stakeholder Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and industry stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted advisor by providing commercially sound solutions and alternatives.
- Monitor client satisfaction and continuously improve commercial service delivery.
- Leverage professional networks to generate referrals, repeat business, and new opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with operational teams to align commercial and project objectives.
Leadership & People Management:
- Lead, mentor, and develop commercial teams to achieve high performance.
- Recruit, onboard, and retain talented team members.
- Conduct performance management, coaching, and career development discussions.
- Establish clear objectives aligned with business strategy and monitor team performance.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Promote ethical conduct, compliance, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Build succession plans and talent pipelines to support future business growth.
- Create a positive, high-performing team environment focused on engagement and results.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
- Professional registration with a recognised Quantity Surveying professional body (preferred).
- Registration with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) advantageous.
- Membership of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) advantageous.
- Minimum 10 years' technical experience within a commercial, quantity surveying, or construction environment.
- Minimum 5 years' managerial or leadership experience.
- Extensive experience in contract administration, claims management, and commercial risk management.
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, including FIDIC, NEC, and related contract forms.
- Experience managing project profitability, financial reporting, and commercial controls.
