Senior Commercial Manager

General Accountability and Summary

The Commercial Manager is accountable for leading the procurement, contracting, cost management, and project accounting functions on a major capital project. This role encompasses the full commercial lifecycle—from strategy development through execution—across procurement, construction contracting, logistics, and financial oversight. The Commercial Manager ensures alignment with project delivery objectives, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory or community obligations. Working closely with internal teams and third-party service providers, the Commercial Manager is responsible for implementing effective systems and strategies that maximize value, manage risk, deliver robust reporting, and ensure compliance across all commercial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct a team of commercial professionals to deliver all aspects of project procurement, contracting, cost management, and project accounting.
• Lead end-to-end procurement and contract administration, including drafting Requests for Proposals (RFPs), negotiating terms, awarding packages, and administering vendor and service agreements.
• Manage large-scale construction and services contracts, including EPC/design-build for civil works, infrastructure, mineral processing facilities, and accommodations.
• Procure key assets and consumables and operational spares.
• Implement commercial and contracting strategies using models such as CMAR (Construction Management at Risk) and GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price).
• Coordinate with internal departments (Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Environmental) to ensure alignment and interface management throughout procurement and contracting processes.
• Lead cost management efforts, including cost forecasting, budget tracking, change control, and financial reporting.
• Maintain cost commitment registers and support monthly financial reviews with variance analysis and commercial risk assessments.
• Govern change orders, invoice approvals, and payment processes in accordance with client policy and procedures.
• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of Buyers and Contract Administrators as well as third-party commercial service providers.
• Monitor contractor and vendor performance against KPIs and contractual commitments; enforce remedies or corrective actions as necessary.
• Support local supplier development in accordance with relevant community and procurement policies.
• Collaborate with insurance advisors to implement project-wide insurance programs and manage claims as required.
• Manage and maintain the commercial risk register in coordination with broader project risk management activities.
• Ensure all commercial activities meet regulatory, corporate, and stakeholder requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of commercial contracting strategies, especially CMAR and GMP frameworks
• Proven ability in contract negotiation, claims management, and supplier relationship management
• Financial acumen, with the ability to lead project cost control, forecasting, and analysis
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities
• Ability to work across disciplines and coordinate with diverse stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and risk management skills
• Effective communicator, both verbal and written, with executive-level reporting experience
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ERP systems (preferably SAP)
• Understanding of procurement governance, regulatory compliance, and community engagement obligations
• Ability to work in a site-based or embedded office environment.

Experience, Qualifications & Education

• Minimum of 20 years of experience in commercial, contract management, and/or Project Controls management roles on large-scale capital projects.
• Prior experience as either Director of Commercial, Director of Contract Management, or Director of Project Controls preferred.
• Previous experience working with an operating mining company required.
• Demonstrated experience with cost control and financial oversight of projects >$1B
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Commerce, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline
• Professional certifications such as SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional), PMP, or Professional Engineer are considered strong assets

Position Dynamics

• Internal Relationships:   Operational Management Team, Project Managers, Project Services, Engineers
• External Relationships: Mining Companies, Contractors, Vendors, Engineering Consulting Firms, government & regulatory, and personnel from other companies.
• Application Documents: CV & cover letter.
• Salary Range: $150,000