Commercial Director

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in Dubai, UAE is seeking a Commercial Director to lead all commercial activities for multiple prestigious residential developments at an Executive Cost Management level. This role requires 12+ years in construction commercial roles and strong client relationship management.

The position combines strategic oversight with operational excellence to maximise project value, profitability, and governance across programs. On-site in Dubai with a focus on high-value masterplans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• MRICS membership or equivalent professional credentials.
• Relevant commercial and contracts certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial strategy and management for multiple residential developments.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, tendering, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations.
• Oversee risk assessment, commercial governance and performance monitoring.
• Identify new business opportunities and maintain client relationships.
• Lead and develop the site commercial team and implement processes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Relationship management

Board level presentations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

MRICS

Commercial/contracts certifications

Job description

Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented peopleand empowering them tothrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

What this job involves:

The Commercial Director will lead all commercial activities for multiple prestigious residential developments at an Executive Cost Management level ensuring profitable delivery while maintaining client relationships. This senior role combines strategic commercial oversight with operational excellence to maximize project value and organizational profitability.

What your day-to-day will look like:

Commercial Strategy & Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasting and financial performance monitoring
• Lead tender preparation, pricing strategies, and bid submissions
• Oversee contract negotiations, risk assessment, and commercial terms
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and commercial governance

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and market sectors
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, consultants, and stakeholders
• Lead strategic partnerships and joint venture negotiations
• Represent the company at industry events and client presentations
• Drive revenue growth and market share expansion

Team Leadership

• Lead and expand the site commercial team
• Establish commercial processes, procedures and best practices
• Foster a culture of commercial excellence and continuous improvement

Risk & Performance Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks
• Oversee claims management, variations, and dispute resolution
• Monitor project margins, cash flow, and profitability KPIs
• Implement commercial controls and reporting systems
• Ensure projects deliver within budget and timeline parameters

Required Skills and Experience:

Education & Professional Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• Professional membership: MRICS
• Relevant commercial/contracts certifications

Experience

• 12+ years of commercial experience in construction industry
• 5+ years of experience in the UAE with an in depth knowledge of the local construction market
• 8+ years’ experience working for tier 1 international Cost Management companies
• Experience in managing projects at a programme level for large scale masterplans
• Proven track record managing large-scale residential construction projects ($1Bn+)
• Experience across multiple construction sectors (commercial, residential, infrastructure)
• Strong background in contract administration and commercial law

Desired or preferred experience and technical skills:

• Advanced knowledge of construction contracts (JCT, NEC, FIDIC)
• Expert-level commercial and financial acumen
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Board level presentations
• Excellent written/verbal and presentation communication abilities
• Strategic thinking with attention to operational details

Location:

On-site –Dubai, ARE

Job Tags:

Construction Industry Knowledge

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you'repursuing.

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