Commercial Director

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Dubai; On-site; AED 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated in Dubai seeks a Senior Commercial Director to lead all commercial activities for multiple prestigious residential developments. You will drive strategy, budgets, tenders, contracts and client relationships to maximize project value and profitability.

The role requires MRICS, a Bachelor's in a related field, 12+ years in construction, and 5+ years in the UAE. You will mentor the site commercial team and ensure governance, risk control, and strong governance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• MRICS membership or similar certification.
• Experience with large-scale residential projects and masterplans is essential.

Responsibilities

• Commercial Strategy & Management – Manage budgets, forecasting and financial performance.
• 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.
• Lead the site commercial team and establish commercial processes and best practices.
• Monitor project margins, cash flow, and profitability KPIs; implement reporting.

Skills

Commercial management

Tendering & pricing

Contract negotiations

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying / Construction Management / Engineering

MRICS

Commercial/contracts certifications

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 people and empowering them to thrive, 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

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.