A leading main contractor in the UAE is seeking an experienced Commercial Director to lead and oversee the commercial function across its building construction projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving commercial strategy, maximising profitability, managing contractual risk, and ensuring strong financial performance across the business.
This role requires a commercially astute leader with extensive experience working for a main contractor on building projects, alongside the ability to lead commercial teams, manage key client relationships and provide strategic input to the senior management team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the commercial department, including Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Contracts Managers.
- Oversee all commercial activities across building construction projects, from tender stage through to final account settlement.
- Develop and implement commercial strategies to maximise project profitability and improve overall business performance.
- Monitor project budgets, cost control, cash flow, margins and commercial performance.
- Oversee contract administration, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and effective management of commercial risk.
- Lead the preparation, negotiation and settlement of variations, claims, extensions of time and final accounts.
- Manage subcontract procurement, commercial negotiations and subcontractor performance.
- Review tender submissions, contract terms and commercial proposals, identifying potential risks and opportunities.
- Establish robust commercial reporting procedures, providing regular updates to the Board and senior management.
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks, disputes and potential financial exposures across the project portfolio.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
- Work closely with the operations, project management, procurement and finance teams to ensure projects are delivered within budget and contractual requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement across commercial procedures, systems and reporting standards.
- Mentor and develop the commercial team, ensuring high standards of performance, accountability and professional development.
Candidate Requirements
- Extensive experience in a senior commercial leadership role with a main contractor.
- Strong background in building construction projects, including high-rise residential, commercial, hospitality or mixed-use developments.
- Previous 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.
- Proven track record of managing 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.
