Commercial & Cost Control Engineer

Job Title: Commercial and Cost Control Engineer

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Contracting / Construction

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reporting To: General Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a results-driven and highly experienced Commercial and Cost Control Manager to join our team in Abu Dhabi. This strategic leadership role is responsible for directing the commercial and cost control functions across all phases of complex construction projects. The ideal candidate will lead project budgeting control, financial planning, contract and claims management, risk mitigation, and reporting with an emphasis on cost efficiency, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall commercial strategy across assigned projects to ensure financial efficiency, cost competitiveness, and profitability.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to commercial and cost control teams including quantity surveyors, estimators, and procurement staff.
• Lead commercial negotiations with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to secure favourable terms and align contract provisions with project objectives.
• Align commercial operations with best practices, local laws, client objectives, and international standards.
• Work closely with executive leadership and stakeholders to drive project success and financial performance.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Control

• Establish, monitor, and update project budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasts for the full lifecycle of each project.
• Analyse, evaluate, and forecast resource allocation, revenues, and costs in line with project milestones and business targets.
• Track expenditures, perform variance analysis, and initiate corrective actions when necessary to maintain alignment with approved budgets.
• Implement earned value management (EVM) techniques and prepare regular cost/revenue performance reports.
• Ensure accurate financial tracking and transparency across all cost centres using ERP and project control systems.

3. Procurement & Contract Management

• Develop procurement strategies, coordinate bid evaluations, and support supplier/contractor selection.
• Administer contracts in compliance with FIDIC and other contractual frameworks, ensuring proper execution, documentation, and performance monitoring.
• Manage contract variations, extensions, and change orders, evaluating their commercial and schedule impact.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure contractual alignment and protection of company interests.
• Lead contract negotiations and resolve disputes through structured processes and stakeholder engagement.

4. Cost Control & Estimating

• Implement and manage integrated cost control systems and procedures across projects.
• Utilize historical data, benchmarks, and market trends to enhance accuracy in estimating and forecasting.
• Customize project control tools and reports to meet specific project requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve cost abnormalities, inconsistencies, or anomalies in financial reporting.
• Support project teams with real-time data on cost performance and risk indicators to inform decision-making.

5. Claims Management & Risk Mitigation

• Identify and assess commercial risks including cost overruns, supply chain fluctuations, and contractual claims.
• Help in the preparation and analysis of claims related to time, cost, and scope changes and ensure proper documentation and resolution.
• Lead dispute resolution and negotiation with contractors and subcontractors to minimize financial impact.
• Develop strategies to mitigate financial and contractual risks during project planning and execution.

6. Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare executive-level presentations and commercial reports for senior management, and stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on cost status, commercial KPIs, and project financial health through dashboards and financial summaries.
• Interface with internal departments (finance, legal, operations) and external entities (clients, consultant, suppliers) to ensure unified commercial direction.
• Participate in project review meetings and represent the commercial interests of the company.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related construction discipline (essential).

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in cost control and commercial management within the engineering and construction industry.
• Proven experience managing both pre-contract and post-contract phases in large-scale construction projects.
• Previous leadership of multidisciplinary teams in a contracting or construction environment is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of FIDIC contracts and UAE regulatory frameworks.
• Proficient in cost control software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Sound understanding of project management principles, including basic planning and scheduling.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with a deep understanding of estimating methodologies and cost modelling.
• Experience in preparing detailed project budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Familiar with earned value analysis (EVA) and industry-standard performance tracking techniques.
• Knowledge of value engineering, tender analysis, and feasibility costing.

Other Skills:

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken; Arabic is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep knowledge of the local UAE supply chain, materials market, and construction regulations.

Key Deliverables

• Comprehensive project cost estimates, BOQs, and feasibility studies.
• Monthly financial performance reports.
• Contract negotiation summaries and variation registers.
• Claims assessments and dispute resolution records.
• Real-time project dashboards for executive management.
• Resource/revenue/cost projections and variance analysis reports.
• Procurement strategy documents and supplier evaluation reports.
• Team performance evaluations and development plans

Job Type: Full-time