Contracts & Commercial Director - Construction Industry

The Greater Change; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Abu Dhabi seeks a Contracts & Commercial Director to lead the organization's commercial and contractual functions. This role involves protecting commercial interests and driving profitability across complex projects. Candidates should have at least 15 years of experience in commercial leadership within the construction sector, along with expertise in FIDIC standards and UAE contracts. This role offers an executive-level compensation package aligned with UAE market standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ senior commercial leadership experience in construction or engineering.
• Strong expertise in FIDIC and UAE construction contracts.
• Proven experience managing large-scale projects, claims, and disputes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial, contractual, and risk management functions.
• Develop and implement commercial frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with FIDIC standards and UAE construction law.
• Oversee claims and dispute resolution processes.
• Lead bid evaluation and pricing strategies.
• Implement commercial controls and reporting systems.

Skills

Advanced negotiation and dispute resolution capability

Strong commercial judgment and risk management mindset

Executive leadership skills

Communication and stakeholder management skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction, or Business

Job description

Job Title: Contracts & Commercial Director
Industry: Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

Position Overview

The Contracts & Commercial Director will lead all commercial, contractual, and risk management functions across the organization’s project portfolio. The role is accountable for protecting commercial interests, maximizing project value, ensuring contractual compliance, and driving profitability across complex construction and infrastructure projects.

This position plays a strategic leadership role in contract negotiations, claims management, dispute resolution, governance, and executive decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy

• Develop and implement company-wide commercial and contractual frameworks.
• Align commercial strategy with business objectives and project delivery goals.
• Provide commercial leadership to executive management and project teams.

Contracts Management

• Lead negotiations with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Review contractual risks, obligations, and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with FIDIC standards, UAE construction law, and internal policies.

Claims & Dispute Management

• Oversee claims, variations, extensions of time, and dispute resolution processes.
• Support arbitration, mediation, and settlement negotiations.
• Safeguard contractual and financial interests of the organization.

Tendering & Pricing

• Lead bid evaluation, pricing strategies, and commercial risk assessments.
• Support tender reviews, cost analysis, and contractual clarifications.

Governance & Reporting

• Implement commercial controls, reporting systems, and performance tracking.
• Ensure consistent commercial governance across all projects.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ senior commercial leadership experience in construction or engineering.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction, or Business.
• Strong expertise in FIDIC and UAE construction contracts.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale projects, claims, and disputes.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced negotiation and dispute resolution capability.
• Strong commercial judgment and risk management mindset.
• Executive leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Compensation

Executive-level compensation package aligned with UAE market standards.