Commercial Manager

About us

Dutco Construction L.L.C is part of the Dutco Group of Construction companies which started operations in the United Arab Emirates in the 1970s and today considered one of the leading heavy civil and marine contractors in the UAE.

We employ more than 10,000 people, making us one of the largest construction companies in the region with an extensive track record in large-scale projects including power stations, reservoirs, hotels, airport infrastructure and port development. Many of the country’s highways, tunnels and bridges have been engineered and built by us, allowing the use of our in‑house asphalt, concrete, plant and machinery.

For almost 50 years we have built a strong and loyal client base across both the public and private sectors whilst working on the UAE’s iconic projects including Expo 2020, The Address Hotel renovation, Bluewaters, Marsa Al Seef, City Walk and the expansion of the Fashion Avenue in the Dubai Mall.

We are currently hiring a Commercial Manager for a high value project in Abu Dhabi.

The Commercial Manager is responsible for leading all commercial and contractual aspects of a high-value (c. AED 950M) large-scale Design & Build building project. The role will ensure the project’s commercial success by maximizing profitability, safeguarding contractual entitlement and optimising cashflow whilst effectively managing risks, cost control, procurement strategy and claims/disputes. The role requires strong leadership in a Tier 1 contracting environment, with emphasis on strict governance, stakeholder alignment, and delivery under complex client/developer requirements.

The Commercial Manager will work closely with the Project Director, Design Team, Procurement Team, Planning Team, Finance Team, and Client representatives to achieve the project’s commercial objectives.

• Lead and manage the project’s commercial function throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and implement project‑specific commercial strategies aligned with corporate objectives and margin targets.
• Provide commercial advice and support to the Project Director and senior management.
• Drive commercial best practice in line with Tier 1 governance frameworks, audit requirements, and reporting standards.
• Establish robust commercial governance processes and controls and audit‑ready processes across the project.

• Administer the main contract and all related contractual documentation (typically FIDIC Red/Yellow Book or bespoke amendments).
• Interpret contract terms and advise project teams on contractual rights and obligations.
• Ensure strict compliance with contractual requirements and commercial procedures.
• Lead contractual risk reviews and ensure alignment with legal/commercial strategy. Manage contractual correspondence with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.

• Develop and maintain fully integrated project cost control and reporting systems.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, commitments, and expenditures.
• Prepare monthly commercial reports, cash flow forecasts, and cost‑to‑complete analyses.
• Lead CVR (Cost Value Reconciliation) process in line with Tier 1 reporting cycles. Identify and mitigate commercial risks impacting project profitability.
• Monitor project margins and implement corrective actions where required.
• Drive margin improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.

• Lead the identification, valuation, negotiation, and recovery of variations and change orders.
• Ensure timely submission and agreement of variation claims.
• Ensure early warning mechanisms and entitlement protection under contract.
• Establish processes for capturing design changes and scope modifications.
• Coordinate with design, planning, and construction teams to substantiate change events.

• Lead preparation, submission, and negotiation of Extension of Time (EOT), prolongation and cost claims.
• Ensure strict compliance with contractual notices and claim submissions in accordance with contract requirements.
• Maintain detailed records supporting entitlement and recovery.
• Interface with external legal advisors and claims consultants (where required).
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution strategies.

• Support procurement strategy development and subcontract packaging.
• Lead commercial evaluation of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Negotiate and finalize subcontract agreements.
• Manage subcontract administration, payment certification, variation management, and final account settlement.
• Drive timely closure of subcontract final accounts to reduce commercial exposure.

• Act as the primary commercial interface with the client and consultant.
• Participate in commercial meetings and negotiations.