Commercial Lead - Rwanda SHELTER Group Qatar W.L.L

Job Title- Commercial Lead - Rwanda

Department- Commercial

Reports To- General Manager

Direct Reports- Senior Project QS/Project QS /Assistant QS/Graduate QS/MEP QS/Administrative supervisor& Document controls lead

Location- Rwanda / Project Site

Type- Full-Time

Level- Lead / Country Commercial Lead

The Commercial Lead is the senior commercial representative for assigned project(s) in Rwanda and is responsible for the effective planning, control, reporting, and protection of project commercial performance across the full project lifecycle. The role ensures robust budgeting, cost control, forecasting, contract administration, quantity surveying, and commercial governance so that projects are delivered within approved financial parameters and in line with contractual obligations. The role covers both pre-tender (bidding, estimation, and cost planning) and post-tender (project execution and commercial management) phases, ensuring continuity and alignment between tender assumptions, pricing strategies, and actual project delivery.

The role acts as the key commercial interface between project management, engineering, procurement, finance, legal, clients, and subcontractors. It is responsible for establishing and maintaining the project coding structure, cost breakdown structure, budget elements, accruals, valuations, and commercial reporting outputs required for disciplined decision-making, profitability management, and cash flow visibility.

The Commercial Lead is also responsible for identifying commercial risks, supporting value engineering, managing the financial impact of change, and driving consistent use of the Cost Control System in alignment with the Work Breakdown Structure and Group Guidelines. As a senior member of the team, the role provides commercial leadership, guidance, and quality control across the function, ensuring effective transition from tender stage through to final account closeout.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES-

1. Commercial Leadership & Governance

2. Budgeting, Cost Planning & Coding Structure

3. Cost Control, Monitoring & Reconciliation

4. Forecasting, Cash Flow & Profitability

5. Tendering, Procurement & Subcontract Commercial Management

6. Contract Administration & Change Management

7. Quantity Surveying, Measurement & Valuation

8. Risk Management & Value Engineering

9. Reporting, Stakeholder Communication & Decision Support

10. Team Leadership & Capability Development

FUNCTIONAL KPIs-

Budgeting & Cost Structure Control- Establish 100% approved project coding structure, Cost Breakdown Structure, and budget elements within 20 working days of project award or mobilization, and maintain full alignment between budget structure and reporting structure throughout the project lifecycle.

Cost Control & Variance Management- Submit 100% monthly cost reports and accruals by the agreed reporting deadline, with all material cost variances above 5% identified, explained, and actioned within the same reporting cycle.

Forecasting & Cash Flow Accuracy- Maintain monthly Estimate at Completion and cash flow forecasts with variance not exceeding +/-5% against approved month-end position unless supported by documented scope movement, approved change, or exceptional event.

Contract & Change Management- Ensure 100% of instructed variations, claims, and material commercial correspondence are logged and commercially assessed within 5 working days of receipt or issue, with zero unauthorized commitments outside delegated authority.

Valuations, Final Accounts & Closeout- Issue 100% of subcontract or client valuation inputs and certification requirements by contractual deadlines and close final accounts within 90 days of completion or closeout unless disputed items are formally documented.

BEHAVIOURAL KPIs-

Ownership & Accountability- Ensure 100% of material commercial actions are closed or escalated within agreed timelines, with no unresolved critical commercial issue older than 10 working days without documented status.

Commercial Judgment- Maintain zero substantiated cases of unauthorized commercial commitment, unsupported certification, or budget release outside approved authority.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management- Conduct at least 1 formal monthly commercial review meeting with project management, finance, and procurement, and maintain an action closure rate of at least 90% by agreed due date.

Responsiveness & Communication- Acknowledge routine commercial queries within 1 working day and provide response, analysis, or next-step guidance within 3 working days.

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement- Complete quarterly coaching or review discussions with direct reports, where applicable, and implement at least 2 practical commercial control or reporting improvements per year.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related discipline.

• Mandatory: MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) certification

• Strong relevant experience in construction commercial management, cost control, quantity surveying, budgeting, forecasting, contract administration, and procurement support.

• Good working knowledge of cost control systems, project coding structures, Cost Breakdown Structure / Work Breakdown Structure alignment, and commercial reporting discipline.

• Solid understanding of subcontract administration, variation management, valuations, claims, and final accounts.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience leading or mentoring commercial teams and coordinating effectively with Finance, Procurement, Engineering, and Legal functions.

  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Project / Office-Based Role / Regular Site Exposure

• Based in Rwanda / project site, as applicable.

• Frequent coordination with project management, engineering, procurement, finance, subcontractors, clients, and management.

• Required availability for monthly reporting cycles, tendering activities, commercial reviews, site visits, and change / claim follow-up as needed.