Commercial Director

Role overview

Key responsibilities

• Lead the commercial department, including Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Contracts Managers.
• Oversee project commercial activities from tender through final account settlement; develop strategies to improve profitability.
• Monitor budgets, cost control, cash flow, margins, and commercial performance.
• Oversee contract administration, contractual compliance, and commercial risk.
• Lead negotiation and settlement of variations, claims, extensions of time, and final accounts.
• Manage subcontract procurement, commercial negotiations, and subcontractor performance.
• Review tenders, contract terms, and commercial proposals for risks and opportunities.
• Establish commercial reporting for the Board and senior management; identify and mitigate portfolio risks, disputes, and financial exposures.
• Maintain stakeholder relationships and coordinate with operations, project management, procurement, and finance.
• Improve commercial procedures, systems, and reporting; mentor and develop the team.

Candidate requirements

• Extensive senior commercial leadership experience with a main contractor and a strong building construction background.
• Experience with high-rise residential, commercial, hospitality, or mixed-use developments.
• Experience as a Commercial Director, Head of Commercial, or Senior Commercial Manager ready to step up.
• In-depth knowledge of construction contracts, including FIDIC, variations, claims, disputes, and final account negotiations.
• Experience leading commercial teams and overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of cost control, project financial management, cash flow forecasting, and profitability.
• Excellent negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
• Previous UAE or wider GCC experience is essential.