Commercial Director – Infrastructure Projects

Brainstorm Headhunting Specialist; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 614,000 - 670,000; Full time

Job summary

Brainstorm Headhunting Specialist seeks a Commercial Director to lead the commercial and contractual functions across major infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi. The role requires extensive experience with major contracting companies and a strong background in commercial management, FIDIC contracts, claims, variations, dispute resolution, cost control, and contract negotiations.

The successful candidate will provide strategic commercial leadership while mentoring commercial and contracts teams

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of commercial management experience within infrastructure contracting.
• Extensive experience with major contracting companies and infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts, claims, variations, disputes, and cost control.
• Proven track record in commercial negotiations and contract settlements.
• Experience leading and mentoring commercial teams.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, analytical and communication skills.
• Candidates based in the UAE preferred; fluent English or Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall commercial and contractual management of major infrastructure projects.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to protect profitability and contract position.
• Manage contracts, claims, variations, change orders, disputes, and settlements.
• Oversee budgets, cost control, forecasting, cash flow, and profitability.
• Review and administer FIDIC and other construction contracts.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on major commercial decisions.
• Lead and mentor Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Contracts Managers, and commercial teams.
• Drive commercial best practices across infrastructure projects.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Cost control

Contract negotiations

Dispute resolution

Forecasting

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

English proficiency

Strategic advice

Job description

Commercial Director – Infrastructure Projects

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Salary: AED 55,000 – AED 60,000 per month
Industry: Infrastructure / Construction / Contracting
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced Commercial Director to lead the commercial and contractual functions across major infrastructure and contracting projects.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience with major contracting companies and a strong background in commercial management, FIDIC contracts, claims, variations, dispute resolution, cost control, and contract negotiations.

The candidate will provide strategic commercial leadership while managing and mentoring commercial and contracts teams across major projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall commercial and contractual management of major infrastructure projects.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to protect project profitability and contractual position.
• Manage contracts, claims, variations, change orders, disputes, and commercial negotiations.
• Oversee project commercial performance, including budgets, cost control, forecasting, cash flow, and profitability.
• Review and administer FIDIC and other construction contracts.
• Identify commercial and contractual risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Lead and mentor Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Contracts Managers, and commercial teams.
• Manage commercial relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Review and negotiate contractual terms, subcontract agreements, claims, and commercial settlements.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on major commercial decisions and project strategy.
• Monitor project commercial performance and ensure timely reporting to senior management.
• Lead dispute avoidance, negotiation, and resolution activities.
• Ensure proper contractual notices, correspondence, records, and supporting documentation are maintained.
• Support tendering, contract award, project execution, and final account processes where required.
• Drive commercial best practices across infrastructure projects and contracting operations.

Requirements

• Significant senior-level experience with major contracting companies and infrastructure projects.
• Currently or recently working as a Commercial Director, Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, or equivalent senior commercial leadership position.
• Minimum 10 years of commercial management experience within infrastructure contracting.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing contracts, claims, and variations.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with FIDIC contracts.
• Strong experience in commercial negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Proven experience managing and mentoring commercial and contracts teams.
• Strong understanding of project cost control, profitability, forecasting, and commercial risk management.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience working on major infrastructure projects is mandatory.
• Candidates currently based in the UAE are preferred.
• Strong English communication skills; European English or Arabic required.

Experience Required

Commercial Management – Infrastructure Contracting: 10 years (Required)
Contracts, Claims & Variations: 10 years (Required)
FIDIC Contracts: 10 years (Required)
Major Infrastructure Projects: Required
Senior Commercial Leadership: Required
UAE Experience: Preferred