Position Title: Commercial Manager

Fly in Fly Out 
Location: West Africa- Sierra Leone
Department: Commercial / Contracts
Reports To: Project Manager
Category: Senior Management

 

1. Role Purpose

The Commercial Manager will lead all commercial, contractual, and cost-management functions for the SMPP construction project for our client. The role is responsible for safeguarding the commercial interests, managing project financial performance, overseeing contracts administration, and ensuring compliance with applicable commercial frameworks and client requirements. The Commercial Manager will play a strategic role in risk management, cost control, claims preparation, subcontractor governance, and commercial reporting to support successful project delivery.

 

1. Key Responsibilities
2. Contract & Commercial Management

• Lead all commercial and contractual activities across the SMPP project in line with the policies and our client’s contractual requirements.
• Interpret, administer, and enforce contract obligations, payment terms, variations, claims, and change management processes.
• Ensure timely submission of interim payment applications, progress claims, invoices, and final accounts.
• Analyse contract risks and advise project leadership on mitigation strategies.
• Maintain accurate commercial records including correspondence, approvals, and contractual notices.

• 100% timely submission of payment claims and contractual notices.
• Zero contract penalties due to failure to comply with notice requirements.

 

1. Cost Control & Financial Oversight

• Oversee project budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and cost tracking.
• Review and approve cost codes, cost allocations, and monthly cost-value reconciliations (CVR).
• Monitor labour, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs against budget and identify deviations.
• Support procurement teams with cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and commercial evaluation criteria.
• Generate monthly commercial reports for senior management and the client.

 

1. Subcontractor & Supplier Management

• Manage all subcontractor commercial activities including contract drafting, negotiation, onboarding, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure subcontractors comply with scope, schedule, pricing, safety, and contractual obligations.
• Validate and certify subcontractor progress claims, variations, and final accounts.

 

1. Change Management & Claims

• Identify, evaluate, and quantify variations, claims, extensions of time (EOT), and commercial risks.
• Prepare robust claim submissions supported by evidence, schedules, and cost justifications.
• Engage proactively with Lycopodium on commercial negotiations and disputes when necessary.

 

1. Reporting, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with the commercial procedures and Lycopodium project governance standards.
• Lead weekly and monthly commercial review meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all commercial documentation, approvals, correspondence, and registers are accurately maintained.
• Support audits, internal reviews, and risk assessments.

 

1. Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Commercial/Contract Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., MRICS, PMI, CIOB) is an advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of 8–12 years of commercial management experience in mining, heavy industrial, or SMPP (Structural, Mechanical, Platework & Piping) construction projects.
• Strong familiarity with EPC/EPCM environments, especially under major contractors.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-value contracts, claims, variations, and project financials.
• Experience working on cross-border or remote site projects in West Africa is highly desirable.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Strong understanding of SMPP construction processes and project lifecycles.
• Advanced knowledge of contract law, FIDIC principles, and EPCM frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in cost control tools and MS Excel.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and commercial acumen.
• Ability to work in challenging remote environments and manage multicultural teams.

 

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Summary

• 100% compliance during commercial audits.
• Accurate and up-to-date registers maintained at all times.
• Successful approval of ≥85% of submitted variation/claim values.
• Zero missed claim opportunities due to late notification.
• 100% compliance of subcontractor onboarding to the commercial requirements.
• All subcontractor claims processed within 14 days.
• Maintain project cost variance within ±5% of approved budget.
• Monthly CVR and cost reports submitted by due date.

 

1. Working Relationships

Internal: Project Director, Project Managers, Estimation Team, Procurement, Finance, HSE, Engineering.
External: Client Representatives, EPCM Contractor, subcontractors, vendors, auditors, consultants.

 

 

 

• FIFO rotation – 12/2  (Weeks)
• Salary - $7k nett