Commercial Director / Commercial Manager - Rail

Mace; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is leading the delivery of key rail and metro infrastructure programs in the UAE, including governance, risk management and commercial oversight across work packages. The role focuses on optimizing cost, value and schedule while collaborating with clients, consultants and the supply chain.

Inspired by our safety, integrity and client-focus culture, this position supports complex projects with a view toward sustainable, carbon-conscious delivery and value creation across the project

Qualifications

• Experience delivering rail/metro infrastructure projects.
• Strong client-facing and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Knowledge of delivery processes, standards, governance for the role.
• Professional membership or chartership preferred where applicable.
• UAE or GCC experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manages the commercial delivery of work packages from procurement through to final account.
• Administers subcontract procurement, tendering and commercial agreements, supporting best value and successful outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains cost control, forecasting and change management processes.
• Identifies, assesses and manages commercial risks and opportunities with mitigation measures.
• Supports evaluation and administration of client and subcontractor variations, ensuring accurate valuation and resolution.
• Drives value creation through cost optimisation and value engineering initiatives.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary project teams, clients and supply chain partners for informed decisions.
• Contributes to net zero carbon transition during delivery.

Skills

Commercial management

Cost control

Procurement

Forecasting

Change management

Risk management

Contract admin

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The Project

The UAE continues to invest heavily in world-class transportation infrastructure, with rail playing a pivotal role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and enabling sustainable mobility across the country. From major passenger rail initiatives to freight, metro and integrated transport programmes, the sector is creating exciting opportunities for professionals passionate about delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Leadership of cost, procurement, commercial governance, change, claims, forecasting and value management.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Manages the commercial delivery of work packages from procurement through to final account, ensuring compliance with contractual, commercial and governance requirements.
• Administers subcontract procurement, tendering and commercial agreements, supporting the delivery of best value and successful project outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains effective cost control, forecasting and change management processes, providing commercial visibility throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identifies, assesses and manages commercial risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation measures to protect project performance and margin.
• Supports the evaluation and administration of client and subcontractor variations, ensuring accurate valuation, agreement and commercial resolution.
• Drives value creation through cost optimisation, value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project and business performance.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary project teams, clients, consultants and supply chain partners to support informed decision‑making and successful delivery outcomes.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You’ll Need To Have

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in the applicable discipline.
• Demonstrated experience on rail, metro, high‑speed rail or comparable major infrastructure programmes.
• Strong client‑facing, analytical, written communication and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Knowledge of relevant delivery processes, standards, systems and governance for the role.
• Professional membership, chartership or specialist certification preferred where applicable.
• UAE or wider GCC experience is advantageous but should not replace demonstrable technical and delivery competence.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well‑being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long‑term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.

We are also open to discussing part‑time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.