Commercial Lead

EHIF; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting and engineering firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to oversee contract management and compliance at their Abu Dhabi office. This role requires over 15 years of project commercial management experience, with an emphasis on engineering or construction projects. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and the ability to manage risks and changes effectively, contributing to the profitability of projects.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Medical Insurance

Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance

End of Service Gratuity

Employee Share Plan

Long Service Award

Commitment to continued professional development

Global connections

Energy Transition Academy

Qualifications

• 15 years of proven experience in commercial management of large-scale projects, ideally in engineering or construction.
• In-depth understanding of post-award contract management, compensation models, risk mitigation, and change management.
• Ability to supervise or directly manage commercial tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial administration procedures and ensure compliance with contract terms.
• Oversee contract-required deliverables and contractual correspondence.
• Support the project in implementing a robust risk management approach.
• Manage commercial contributions to profitability and monitor project returns.
• Attend Project Management Reviews and provide input into reports for senior management.

Skills

Project Commercial Management Experience

Contractual Knowledge

Strategic Communication

Financial and Analytical Skills

Problem Solving and Resilience

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Business, or Law

Job description

Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world.

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 60 countries, employing around 35,000 people. www.woodplc.com

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Lead with robust commercial acumen, adaptable skills, and the ability to manage oversight and direct contract management tasks as needed.

Our Clients and Projects – Designing the future. Transforming the world.

Across EMEA, our teams are providing solutions and expertise to support our growing client base, focused on combining maintenance and operations with asset management, modifications and engineering services across the energy and materials markets.

We are focused on growth and our strategy is centered around building partnerships with our clients across the three regions: UK, Norway and the Middle East and Africa.

What we can offer

• Meaningful and interesting projects: Delivered to high profile clients across the Energy Sector
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We are an organization actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business
• Competitive remuneration package: With regular reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
• Medical Insurance: Ensures inpatient, and outpatient medical care is available should you require treatment
• Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance: The company provides Life Assurance cover
• End of Service Gratuity: In line with UAE Labor Law, all employees are eligible for an End of Service benefit
• The Employee Share Plan: Gives you the opportunity to purchase Wood shares and receive a match from the company
• Long Service Award: Wood values the commitment and loyalty of our people. Celebrating Long Service provides an opportunity for the business to demonstrate their appreciation of the hard work, dedication and many years’ service of our employees at 5 year service milestones
• Commitment to continued professional development: Development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests
• Global connections: Join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession
• Energy Transition Academy: Join a community of experts sharing your knowledge and gaining more exposure to a variety of existing and emerging energy systems – delivered by experts in their field

Job Objective

The Commercial Lead, reporting directly to the Commercial Manager and supporting the Commercial Director, works closely with the project team in commercial management and change requirements. This individual will deliver post‑award commercial management tasks aligned with our Framework for Managing the Fundamentals (FMF). Responsibilities will be centered around managing the Contract, Risk, Change Management, Monitoring Returns, following Cash Must‑does, and Supply Chain.

Post‑Award Contract Administration and Compliance

• Compliance Oversight: manage commercial administration procedures in line with our existing policies/procedures to ensure strict adherence to contract terms, including initiating notices and maintaining detailed documentation
• Commercial Deliverables: oversee contract‑required deliverables, including guarantees, insurances, change management plans, invoicing, and templates
• Contractual Correspondence: manage contractual letters with the client or other third parties, handling all formal correspondences and addressing issues as they arise

Risk Management

Collaboration on Risk Strategy with Commercial Director: support the project in implementing a robust, ongoing risk management approach, encouraging proactive risk identification and facilitating open discussions about potential risks and opportunities

Change Management

• Understanding the Contractual Change Mechanisms of the Contract and EPCM Construction Contracts: gain a comprehensive understanding of the contract’s terms and conditions related to change, including notification periods, required formats, and timelines
• Compliance with Terms and Notices: ensure all change‑related actions comply with contractual terms, issuing timely and accurate notices and maintaining appropriate documentation

Financial and Cash Flow Management

• Commercial Contribution: manage commercial contributions to profitability, monitor project returns and contingencies, and recommend necessary adjustments

Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Performance Review: attend Project Management Reviews (PMRs), probing for risks or opportunities and evaluating project metrics (cost, schedule, productivity) against established benchmarks
• Stakeholder Reporting: provide input into regular reports for senior management detailing project contract and change management

Commercial Closeout

• Issue Resolution: support the resolution of claims, variations, and disputes, ensuring all are managed in alignment with FMF procedures

Experience and Skills

• Project Commercial Management Experience: 15 years of proven experience in commercial management of large‑scale projects, ideally in engineering or construction. ADNOC projects experience is preferred
• Contractual Knowledge: in‑depth understanding of post‑award contract management, compensation models, risk mitigation, and change management
• Versatility in Role: ability to supervise when required or deliver directly commercial management as needed
• Strategic Communication: strong communication skills, able to influence, negotiate and collaborate effectively across all levels
• Financial and Analytical Skills: proficiency in financial analysis related to project cash flow, profitability and ROI

Educational Background

• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying (QS), Engineering, Business, or Law
• Commercial Experience Requirement: substantial experience in Project Commercial Management (15 years) is a key selection criterion

Key Competencies

• Leadership and Influence: strong presence and ability to lead without direct authority, fostering effective teamwork and collaboration
• Problem Solving and Resilience: remain calm and decisive under pressure, adapting to evolving situations
• Relationship Building: build and maintain relationships with project stakeholders, from client representatives to senior leadership
• Adaptability: versatile, pivot between oversight and hands‑on contract management based on project demands

Wood is currently recruiting for an experienced Commercial Lead to be based at the Abu Dhabi office within our Oil, Gas & New Energies business. Due to the nature of the projects and client expectation, the position will be based at our Abu Dhabi office.

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non‑exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.