Commercial Director

RecruitMe Plus; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading interior contracting and fit-out specialist in the UAE is seeking a Commercial Director. This role involves leading the commercial department, ensuring project delivery, and driving financial outcomes through strategic risk management and cost control.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years in a senior commercial leadership role.
• Membership of a relevant professional body is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial department ensuring project delivery.
• Define and implement commercial benchmarks aligned with budgets.
• Review and approve key commercial documentation.

Skills

Negotiation

Conflict Resolution

Financial Acumen

Analytical Ability

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelors Degree in Quantity Surveying

Masters Degree

Job description

Position Title: Commercial Director

Reports To: Interim Managing Director / Sr. Commercial & Contracts Director

Supervises: All Commercial Department Staff

Location: Dubai, UAE

Our client is a leading interior contracting and fit-out specialist in the UAE, part of a wider global group, delivering high-profile commercial, hospitality, and residential projects across the region. The company is recognized for its excellence in execution, project delivery, and operational efficiency.

Position Summary

The Commercial Director is responsible for leading the commercial department and ensuring all projects are delivered in accordance with company standards, procedures, and best practices. The role is key to driving financial outcomes through strategic risk management, cost control, and commercial governance, while mitigating the risk of disputes across all phases of project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement commercial benchmarks and strategies aligned with approved project budgets.
• Support and guide Senior Commercial Managers to ensure alignment with project commercial objectives.
• Train, mentor, and oversee Project Commercial Managers to build capability within the team.
• Review and approve all key commercial documentation, including:
• Project budgets
• Monthly cost reports
• Payment applications
• Final accounts
• External payment requests
• Variations
• Procurement and logistics operations
• Claim submissions
• Delay notices
• Lead development and maintenance of project risk registers.
• Support Finance in the preparation of management reports and annual budgets.
• Facilitate internal and external audits in coordination with project teams.
• Provide expert input on disputes, legal processes, and claims.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including contractors, subcontractors, consultants, auditors, and clients.

Working Relationships

Internal:

• Managing Director
• Commercial Team
• Legal, Project Management, Accounts, Estimation, Finance Departments
• Department Directors

External:

• Main Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Clients
• Project Consultants
• Claim Consultants
• Auditors

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Commercial Management, or Contracts Administration
• Masters Degree is a plus
• Membership of a relevant professional body is desirable

Minimum Experience:

• At least 15 years in a senior commercial leadership role within the construction or fit-out sector

Key Competencies

• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Deep understanding of contracts, conditions of contract, and methods of measurement
• Proficient in project estimation and risk pricing
• Financial acumen and effective budget management
• Analytical ability to assess drawings, specifications, and contract details
• Proactive risk identification and management
• Proven experience in dispute resolution and claims management
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and prioritization
• Strong interpersonal and leadership qualities
• Effective communication and collaboration across teams
• Knowledge of procurement and logistics operations