About KEO

KEO is a globally recognized, multidisciplinary AEP/PMCM firm delivering innovative solutions across the built and natural environments. With over 60 years of excellence, KEO has contributed to some of the world’s most iconic developments and complex infrastructure projects. Ranked among ENR’s Top 225 International Design Firms and Top 20 International PM/CM Firms, KEO is also recognized as the #1 firm in the Middle East by World Architecture (WA100 Survey 2024).

At KEO, you will find more than a career—you will experience a collaborative culture that promotes professional growth, global mobility, health and wellbeing initiatives, hybrid working policies, and continuous development opportunities.

The Opportunity

KEO is seeking a highly experienced Contracts & Commercial Manager to join its Site Supervision team in Dubai. This leadership role will oversee all contractual, commercial, and financial matters related to enabling and early works packages, representing the Client’s interests throughout project delivery.

The successful candidate will ensure strong commercial governance, effective contract administration, proactive risk management, and protection of the Client’s commercial position while supporting timely project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead contract administration for enabling and early works packages, including earthworks, utilities, haul roads, stockpile removal, and temporary works.

• Administer contracts in accordance with FIDIC conditions, ensuring compliance with notices, procedures, and contractual obligations.

• Manage contractual correspondence, early warnings, claims, and formal determinations in coordination with the Engineer.

• Provide strategic commercial and contractual advice to the Client and project teams.

• Support procurement processes, tender evaluations, and contract award recommendations.

• Monitor budgets, cost forecasts, cash flow, and financial commitments for early works packages.

• Review and recommend certification of interim payments, variations, dayworks, and final accounts.

• Oversee change management processes, including valuation of variations and compensation events.

• Assess and manage contractor claims, including extensions of time, disruption, prolongation, and acceleration claims.

• Maintain commercial risk registers and implement mitigation strategies.

• Support dispute avoidance and resolution through accurate documentation and negotiation.

• Act as the primary commercial liaison between the Client, Engineer, contractors, and consultants.

• Lead and mentor commercial and quantity surveying team members.

• Prepare detailed commercial reports, recommendations, and contractual documentation for Client approval.

• Ensure compliance with governance procedures, audit requirements, and best practice commercial controls.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in contracts and commercial management on major construction or infrastructure projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Law, or related field.

• Proven experience managing enabling or early works packages on complex developments.

• Extensive experience administering FIDIC-based contracts on behalf of a Client or Engineer.

• Strong expertise in claims management, entitlement assessment, and commercial negotiations.

• In-depth knowledge of cost control systems, contract governance, and risk management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong contractual drafting capability.

• Professional membership (RICS or equivalent) preferred.

• Experience within a supervision consultant or Engineer-led environment is advantageous.

Job Details

• Location: Dubai, UAE

• Employment Type: Full-Time

• Industry: Construction

• Function: Contracts & Commercial / General Management

• Nationality: Open to all nationalities