Cost/Commercial Manager

KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we’ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey.

We invite you to join us. Why?

When you join KEO, you’ll discover more than just a job – you’ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience managing the commercial aspects of large-scale construction projects, with a strong background working for Tier 1 contractors before transitioning into consultancy. Experience delivering 5-star hospitality developments within mega projects is essential.

We envisage success in this role to include;

Cost Planning & Budget Management

• Lead cost management activities across multiple hotel developments, infrastructure, enabling works, utilities, public realm, FF&E, OS&E and specialist packages.
• Monitor cost allocation across all project packages ensuring alignment with approved budgets and project objectives.
• Ensure budgets remain aligned with approved scope, design development, procurement strategy and construction packaging.
• Review and validate cost estimates prepared by consultants, contractors, cost consultants and specialist advisors.
• Identify cost risks, budget gaps, omissions, duplicated scope and opportunities for value optimisation.
• Maintain comprehensive cost control registers for each hotel, contract and major work package.
• Ensure cost plans reflect luxury hospitality brand standards and operator-specific requirements.

Cost Control & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and maintain detailed cost reports, cost forecasts, cash flow projections and cost-to-complete assessments.
• Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets, commitments and forecast final costs.
• Identify potential cost overruns and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Review monthly commercial reports submitted by contractors, consultants and quantity surveyors.
• Produce cost variance analyses highlighting commercial risks and key financial indicators for senior Client and PMC leadership.
• Maintain accurate forecasts for design development, authority changes, operator requirements, contingency utilisation and project risks.

Commercial Management

• Review contractor payment applications and recommend certification.
• Assess contractor pricing using market benchmarks, project rates, productivity analysis, subcontractor quotations and current site conditions.
• Challenge unsupported or excessive commercial submissions and ensure contractual compliance.
• Evaluate subcontractor pricing, prelimi