Job Description
Role Summary
- The Commercial Manager is responsible for managing the financial and contractual aspects of the project to ensure value for money, cost control, and profitability.
- The role oversees tendering, contract negotiation, project valuation, budgeting, and payment administration.
- The Commercial Manager ensures all commercial transactions are transparent, compliant, and aligned with project delivery objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Administration:
- Develop, review, and manage all contracts (vendors, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers).
- Work with the Contracts Manager and Legal Team to ensure terms and conditions are compliant with project policies and client requirements.
- Manage variations, claims, and contractual disputes.
- Prepare and maintain a Contract Register and ensure compliance with approval thresholds
Cost Planning andBudget Control:
- Prepare the overall project cost plan and budget in alignment with approved funding structure.
- Establish cost control systems linked to procurement and project accounting (e.g., SeamlessProcure & QuickBooks Online).
- Track actual vs. forecast expenditure and flag deviations to the Project Director.
- Lead value engineering and cost optimization reviews.
Procurement andTendering:
- Oversee all commercial aspects of procurement, including RFQs, bid evaluations, and contract award recommendations.
- Participate in Bid Evaluation Reports (BER) and ensure transparent selection based on value, compliance, and capability.
- Negotiate pricing and payment terms to protect company cash flow and ensure alignment with project milestones.
Valuation, Payments andCash Flow:
- Certify interim and final payments to contractors and suppliers.
- Manage monthly valuations and progress certificates for works completed.
- Monitor and update project cash flow forecasts in coordination with the finance team.
- Coordinate invoicing, payment certificates, retention release, and reconciliation.
Reporting andRisk Management:
- Prepare periodic commercial reports for management and financiers (e.g., Access Bank / APG compliance).
- Identify, monitor, and mitigate commercial and financial risks.
- Maintain accurate records for audits and funding milestones.
- Contribute to project progress reports and financial dashboards.
Coordination and Leadership
- Lead and supervise the Contracts Officer, Quantity Surveyors, and Cost Engineers.
- Liaise with the Project Management Office (PMO), Finance, Procurement, and Technical Teams to ensure alignment.
- Support negotiations with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.
- Mentor and build capacity within the commercial department.
Key Deliverables
- Approved project budget and cost control plan.
- Monthly commercial and cash flow reports.
- Updated contract register and payment tracker.
- BERs, LPOs, and variation approvals.
- Risk and opportunity matrix for all contracts.
- Final accounts and closeout documentation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Finance, or related field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of commercial management experience in large construction or infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of FIDIC / EPC contracts, BOQs, and PPP project structures.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, cost control software, and project management tools.
- Experience in managing bank-funded or APG-backed projects preferred.
- Professional certification (e.g., RICS, NIQS, PMP, MBA) is an advantage.
Core Competencies:
- Financial acumen and cost management
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management
- Integrity and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and report writing skills
- Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy