Job Description
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 and Budget 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 and Tendering
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 and Cash 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 reconciliationReporting and Risk 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 dashboardsCoordination andLeadership
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
MINIMUM RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
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 managementContract drafting and negotiationAnalytical and problem-solving skillsLeadership and team managementIntegrity and attention to detailExcellent communication and report writing skillsStakeholder engagement and diplomacy