Commercial Director

Snc-Lavalin; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 440,000 - 588,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Abu Dhabi seeks a Commercial Director to drive the commercial strategy for a high-speed rail project. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years in commercial leadership, strong expertise in contract law and cost control, and preferably experience in the Middle East. The role involves strategic leadership, risk management, and team development. This position offers a tax-free salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive medical insurance

Paid annual leave

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of experience in commercial leadership roles, preferably in rail or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and cost control.
• Experience in the Middle East preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement commercial strategies aligned with programme objectives.
• Lead negotiation and administration of contracts.
• Oversee cost planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

Skills

Contract law

Cost control

Procurement

Dispute resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB)

Job description

Overview

Commercial Director – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. At AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company delivering sustainable solutions across the asset lifecycle. This role will lead the commercial strategy and delivery oversight for the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project – Phase 1, covering Abu Dhabi and Dubai scopes as part of the core team.

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Job type: Full time.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Commercial Leadership: Define and implement commercial strategies aligned with programme objectives, market conditions, and client expectations.
• Procurement & Delivery: Lead commercial input into procurement planning, contract structuring, and delivery models; ensure commercial alignment across all packages and disciplines.
• Contract & Claims Management: Lead negotiation, administration, and resolution of contracts, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and client requirements; oversee preparation and management of contract documentation (LOA, change notices, claims analysis); monitor contract performance and mitigate commercial risks.
• Cost Management & Forecasting: Oversee cost planning, budgeting, and forecasting across all workstreams; enforce cost management guidelines.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Oversight: Develop procurement strategies aligned with project timelines; manage supply chain relationships; review contractor pay applications and ensure timely approvals.
• Risk & Performance Monitoring: Identify and manage commercial risks; maintain change management logs; ensure accurate and timely commercial reporting; establish consistent procedures across project teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as senior commercial contact for clients, consultants, and contractors; foster transparency and long-term relationships.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor commercial teams, including quantity surveyors and contract managers; uphold high professional standards and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Law, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB, or equivalent).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in commercial leadership roles, with significant exposure to rail or infrastructure programmes.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, cost control, procurement, and dispute resolution.
• Experience in the Middle East preferred.
• Sector experience: managing commercial aspects of large-scale infrastructure programmes; preferably in high-speed rail, metro, or intercity rail systems.
• Understanding of Design & Build contract models, including FIDIC and NEC frameworks; familiarity with UAE regulations and procurement practices.

Benefits

• Tax-free salary; life insurance; comprehensive medical insurance; paid annual leave; company gratuity scheme; discretionary bonus program; annual flight contribution; relocation assistance; transportation & housing allowances; employee wellbeing program.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world\'s infrastructure and energy systems. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients across Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital sectors.

Equality and Inclusion

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disability. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. We are committed to treating all employees and job applications equally and strive to reflect all sections of society.