Commercial Manager Fit Out Contractor

About the Role

Ignite Search and Selection is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager for a full-time position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role is with an established fit-out contractor specializing in high-quality commercial and residential interior fit-out projects. The Commercial Manager will be responsible for the overall commercial management and financial performance of multiple projects, from contract award through to completion and final account.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background working directly for a main contractor or fit-out contractor, with 8-12 years of proven experience managing the commercial aspects of construction and interior fit-out projects. This position requires a commercially astute construction professional comfortable operating in a contractor-led environment, understanding the pressures of delivering projects on time and within budget. Candidates must have direct experience working for a contractor; those from consultancy, client-side, developer, or purely PQS backgrounds will not be considered. The successful candidate will be confident in dealing directly with clients, consultants, and subcontractors, with a track record of protecting margins, controlling costs, and maximizing commercial returns throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume overall commercial responsibility for assigned fit-out projects from contract award to final account.
• Manage project budgets, cost control, forecasting, and commercial reporting.
• Monitor project performance against agreed budgets and identify commercial risks and opportunities.
• Manage all commercial and contractual aspects of projects throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Prepare, submit, and negotiate variations, claims, and extension-of-time applications.
• Review and manage client contracts, subcontract agreements, and purchase orders.
• Manage subcontractor commercial accounts, including valuations, variations, payments, and final accounts.
• Review and approve subcontractor applications, ensuring costs align with project budgets.
• Prepare monthly valuations, payment applications, and commercial reports.
• Manage cash flow and ensure timely recovery of project revenue.
• Lead the preparation, negotiation, and agreement of project final accounts.
• Ensure contractual notices, claims, and other commercial correspondence are issued within required timeframes.
• Identify potential commercial and contractual risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Estimators, Procurement, and Finance teams.
• Provide commercial and contractual advice to project teams throughout project delivery.
• Lead commercial negotiations with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Support tendering and pre-contract activities as required, including reviewing scope, pricing, and commercial terms.
• Manage and mentor Quantity Surveyors and other members of the commercial team.
• Ensure projects are commercially managed in accordance with company procedures and contractual requirements.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates with experience in delivering the following types of projects are particularly relevant:

• Commercial office fit-outs
• High-end residential fit-outs
• Luxury residential developments
• Corporate interiors
• Refurbishment and renovation projects
• Design & build projects