Senior Commercial Manager

Atkins Realis Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 1,469,000 - 2,754,000; Full time

Job summary

Atkins Realis Group is seeking a Project Director to provide strategic leadership and delivery oversight for large-scale data centre and industrial projects across the UAE and wider Middle East. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through all phases, ensuring safety, quality, schedule, cost, and stakeholder alignment.

The role demands extensive experience delivering hyperscale data centres and mission-critical facilities in the UAE/GCC, with a track record of senior leadership, commercial

Qualifications

• Minimum 18-20 years of project management and construction experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and delivery oversight for large-scale data centre & industrial projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams through feasibility, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.
• Manage governance, controls, budget, schedule and risk to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Maintain executive relationships with clients, investors, developers and authorities.
• Oversee design development, technical coordination and compliance with UAE regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Commercial acumen

Client management

Delivery excellence

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Master's Degree in PM / MBA

Tools

CostX

Candy CCS

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Power BI

ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)

BIM 360

ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud)

Job description

Overview

The Project Director will provide strategic leadership, direction, and delivery oversight for large-scale industrial and mission-critical data centre developments across the UAE and wider Middle East region. The role is responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams through all project phases from feasibility and design management through procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover while ensuring excellence in safety, quality, schedule, cost, and stakeholder management.

The successful candidate will possess significant experience delivering hyperscale data centres, industrial manufacturing facilities, logistics hubs, warehouses, semiconductor facilities, pharmaceutical facilities, or other mission-critical infrastructure projects, preferably within the UAE or GCC region.

Leadership & Project Delivery

Direct and manage multiple large-scale industrial and data centre projects from inception through completion.

Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned with client objectives and business goals.

Lead project teams comprising project managers, design managers, commercial managers, construction managers, and specialist consultants.

Establish governance frameworks, reporting structures, and project controls.

Ensure delivery of projects within approved budget, schedule, quality, and risk parameters.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Serve as the primary executive point of contact for clients, investors, developers, and key stakeholders.

Build and maintain strong relationships with hyperscale operators, colocation providers, industrial developers, and government authorities.

Lead executive-level project reviews and steering committee meetings.

Provide strategic advice on project risks, opportunities, and commercial decisions.

Design & Technical Oversight

Oversee design development and technical coordination for mission-critical infrastructure.

Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, international codes, and client standards.

Guide design optimization efforts focusing on operational efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and lifecycle cost reduction.

Review and approve key technical deliverables.

Commercial & Contract Management

Lead procurement strategies and contract negotiations.

Oversee administration of EPC, Design & Build, PMC, and consultant contracts.

Manage project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and commercial reporting.

Drive cost control initiatives and evaluate change management requirements.

Construction Management

Provide executive oversight of construction activities.

Monitor contractor performance, productivity, safety, and quality compliance.

Ensure implementation of project recovery plans where schedule or cost deviations occur.

Oversee commissioning, integrated systems testing, and project closeout.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

Champion a strong Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) culture.

Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, client standards, and international best practices.

Lead risk management processes and mitigation strategies.

Ensure regulatory approvals and operational readiness requirements are achieved.

Business Development & Growth

Support business development initiatives and key pursuits.

Participate in client presentations, bid submissions, and project interviews.

Contribute to market growth strategies for industrial and data centre sectors across the region.

Mentor and develop senior project management talent.

Commercial Leadership

Lead commercial strategy and commercial management activities across large-scale industrial and data centre projects.

Develop project-specific commercial execution plans and governance frameworks.

Ensure commercial objectives are aligned with project delivery and client requirements.

Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on commercial opportunities and risks.

Lead and mentor commercial teams across multiple projects.

Contract Management

Administer and manage all contractual obligations between clients, consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners.

Lead contract negotiations and amendments.

Ensure compliance with contract terms, project procedures, and governance requirements.

Provide guidance on contractual entitlements, obligations, and commercial strategies.

Manage contractual correspondence and change control processes.

Contract Types Experience

FIDIC Red Book

FIDIC Yellow Book

FIDIC Silver Book

NEC Contracts

Design & Build Contracts

EPC Contracts

EPCM Contracts

PMC Agreements

Cost Management & Financial Control

Establish and manage project budgets, cost plans, and forecasting processes.

Monitor commercial performance against approved budgets and business targets.

Lead monthly commercial reporting and executive financial reviews.

Manage project cash flow forecasting and payment certification.

Develop cost optimization and value engineering strategies.

Evaluate commercial implications of design and construction changes.

Responsibility Areas

Budget Management

Cost Reporting

Financial Forecasting

Revenue Recognition

Cost-to-Complete Analysis

Margin Protection

Earned Value Management

Change Management & Claims

Establish robust change management procedures.

Review and assess variations, change orders, and compensation events.

Lead preparation and negotiation of extension of time (EOT) claims.

Manage disruption, acceleration, delay, and productivity claims.

Resolve commercial disputes while protecting organizational interests.

Support legal teams in arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution matters when required.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

Lead procurement strategies for major packages and long-lead equipment.

Manage tendering, bid evaluation, and contract award recommendations.

Oversee commercial evaluation of suppliers and subcontractors.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related discipline.

Preferred

Master's Degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration (MBA), or related field.

Essential

Minimum 18-20 years of project management and construction experience.

Minimum 8-10 years in a senior leadership role managing major capital projects.

Proven delivery of projects exceeding USD 250M+ in value.

Extensive experience delivering:

Hyperscale Data Centres

Colocation Data Centres

Industrial Manufacturing Facilities

Logistics Parks

Warehousing Developments

Mission-Critical Infrastructure

UAE/GCC Experience

Minimum 10 years working in the UAE or GCC region.

Strong understanding of UAE construction regulations, authority approvals, and project delivery practices.

Technical Expertise

Data Centre Design and Delivery

Tier III and Tier IV Data Centre Infrastructure

Uptime Institute standards

ANSI/TIA-942 Standards

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Programs

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Design Management

Construction Management

Program Management

Project Controls

Commercial Management

Commissioning Management

Risk Management

Hyperscale operators such as Microsoft, AWS, Google, Oracle, Equinix, Digital Realty, Khazna, or similar.

Industrial EPC projects.

FIDIC contracts and major procurement strategies.

Digital project delivery and reporting platforms.

Professional Certifications

PMP (Project Management Professional)

PgMP (Program Management Professional)

PMI-RMP

MRICS / FRICS

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

CIOB Membership

AACE Certification

LEED AP

Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD)

Data Centre Specialist Certifications

Competencies

Leadership

Executive presence and influencing ability.

Strategic thinking and decision-making.

Team leadership and stakeholder management.

Commercial Acumen

Contract strategy and negotiation.

Financial management and forecasting.

Claims avoidance and dispute resolution.

Client Management

Relationship management at C-suite level.

Strong presentation and communication skills.

Ability to manage high-profile international clients.

Delivery Excellence

Results-oriented approach.

Strong risk management capability.

Ability to perform under demanding schedules and complex environments.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in: Quantity Surveying

Preferred

Master's Degree in: Commercial Management

Experience

Minimum 15-20 years of commercial management experience.

Minimum 8 years in a senior commercial leadership role.

Experience managing projects exceeding USD 150M-500M+ in value.

Proven track record in industrial and mission-critical infrastructure sectors.

Project Experience

Hyperscale Data Centres

Colocation Facilities

Manufacturing Facilities

Semiconductor Facilities

Pharmaceutical Facilities

Industrial Plants

Logistics Parks

Distribution Centres

Infrastructure Projects

Regional Experience

Minimum 8-10 years of UAE or GCC project experience.

Strong knowledge of UAE contract practices and commercial regulations.

Technical Competencies

Quantity Surveying

Cost Management

Commercial Management

Contract Administration

Change Control

Variation Management

Procurement Management

Supplier Negotiations

Earned Value Management

Cost Forecasting

Value Engineering

Risk Management

Financial Reporting

Dispute Resolution

Software Knowledge

Proficiency in

CostX

Candy CCS

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Power BI

ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)

BIM 360

ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud)