Commercial Director

DG Jones and Partners; Manama; On-site; BHD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Bahrain is seeking a Commercial Director to spearhead their commercial strategy, ensuring long-term profitability and compliance. The role involves managing all commercial activities, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining high-level client relations. Candidates must possess extensive experience in commercial management and a strong understanding of both pre- and post-contract functions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of post-degree experience.
• Significant pre-contract commercial management exposure.
• Proven experience managing high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of commercial strategies.
• Oversee pre-contract activities (procurement, tender, negotiation).
• Manage high-level client relations and negotiations.

Skills

Negotiation

Risk Management

Financial Oversight

Leadership

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Finance or related field

Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)

MBA or Master's Degree (desirable)

Job description

JOB OBJECTIVES

The Commercial Director holds a pivotal leadership role responsible for the development and execution of the company’s commercial strategy, ensuring long-term profitability, contractual compliance, and sustainable growth. This role involves overseeing all commercial activities, including pre- and post-contract functions, across multiple projects or business units. The Commercial Director works closely with senior leadership to ensure commercial decisions align with broader business objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Commercial Leadership: Develop and lead the implementation of commercial strategies to support company growth and financial targets. Ensure commercial practices are robust, efficient, and aligned with strategic priorities.

• Pre-Contract Management: Oversee all pre-contract activities including procurement strategy, preparation of tender documentation, contract negotiation, bid evaluation, and risk assessment. Ensure the commercial viability and competitiveness of proposed projects.

Key areas of focus include:

• In-depth knowledge of measurement standards (POMI, NRM, CESMM, etc.)
• Expertise in costing, cost prediction, and benchmarking techniques
• Strong understanding of design economics, price analysis, and project financing models
• Proven ability to manage commercial risk during the design and procurement stages
• Expert-level knowledge in commercial management, with a focus on adding value and cost certainty from project inception

• Post-Contract Management: Lead post-contract operations such as contract administration, change control, cost reporting, payment certifications, claims management, and final account agreements. Monitor performance to ensure delivery within budget and contractual terms.

• Risk and Opportunity Management: Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks and opportunities across the business. Establish frameworks for risk mitigation and capitalise on emerging opportunities to enhance commercial outcomes.

• Client and Stakeholder Relations: Manage high-level relationships with clients, partners, contractors, and consultants. Act as the senior representative for commercial negotiations and dispute resolution, ensuring strong commercial alignment and client satisfaction.

• Leadership and Team Development: Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team including Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and commercial support staff. Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, excellence, and professional development.

Include responsibility for:

• Resource planning and effective allocation across projects and regions,
• Succession planning and team structure optimization.

• Financial and Contractual Oversight: Ensure robust financial control across all commercial activities. Review and approve key contracts, procurement frameworks, and commercial decisions to safeguard the company’s financial interests.
• Business Development Support: Collaborate with senior leadership and bid teams to support business development activities, including the commercial review of proposals, pricing strategies, and market positioning.

• Governance and Compliance: Ensure that all commercial practices comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. Establish reporting structures and ensure transparency in commercial operations and decision-making.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree or MBA is desirable.
• Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) is mandatory.
• Minimum 15 years of post-degree experience, with significant pre-contract commercial management exposure
• Strong understanding of both pre- and post-contract functions and their application across a range of project types.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large commercial teams and influence decision-making at executive and board level.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience managing high-value contracts and driving commercial performance across complex portfolios.
• Experience in international or multi-disciplinary environments is advantageous.
• Strong commitment to professional integrity and ethical conduct.