Commercial/Contracts Director (PMC) – Rail/Metro – Bid Opportunity

SYSTRA; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

SYSTRA seeks a Commercial / Contracts Director to lead all commercial and contractual functions across a major rail/metro project. The role requires extensive experience in contract administration, cost control, and claims oversight, with leadership of a high-value PMC team on a globally significant project.

The ideal candidate will command strong negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation abilities, with GCC project experience and a track record in complex contracts.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of relevant experience in commercial and contracts management.
• Proven experience on major rail or metro infrastructure projects.
• PMCs or client-side work experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong background in contract administration, commercial management, claims, variations and dispute resolution.
• Excellent understanding of standard forms of contract and project commercial frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial and contracts management for the PMC on major rail/metro projects.
• Oversee contract administration, cost control, change management and claims.
• Provide strategic direction on commercial, contractual and procurement matters.
• Review terms, obligations, risks and entitlements in contracts.
• Manage variations, change orders, claims and disputes with project teams.
• Prepare executive-level commercial updates and recommendations.

Skills

Quantity Surveying

Commercial Management

Contract Administration

Negotiation

Risk Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Dispute Resolution

Cost Control

Budgeting

GCC experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

We are seeking a Commercial / Contracts Director to join a major rail/metro infrastructure project. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in commercial management, contract administration, and claims oversight within large-scale transportation projects, and will play a key leadership role in protecting the commercial interests of the client throughout the project lifecycle.

This opportunity is part of a bid submission and is therefore subject to project award and client approval.

Missions/Main Duties

The Commercial / Contracts Director will be responsible for leading all commercial and contractual functions across the PMC scope, ensuring effective contract administration, cost control, change management, and claims management. The role requires strategic oversight of complex contractual matters, close engagement with the client, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders, and strong leadership in a fast-paced, high-value project environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contracts management function for the PMC on major rail/metro projects.
• Oversee the administration of construction, consultancy, and service contracts in accordance with project requirements and contractual obligations.
• Provide strategic direction on all commercial, contractual, and procurement-related matters across the project.
• Review, interpret, and advise on contract terms, obligations, risks, and entitlements.
• Lead the management of variations, change orders, claims, disputes, and extension of time matters in coordination with relevant project teams.
• Support the client in commercial decision-making, negotiation strategy, and contract risk mitigation.
• Monitor project cost performance, budget compliance, payment certifications, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the review and assessment of contractor and consultant commercial submissions, invoices, claims, and contractual correspondence.
• Ensure proper commercial governance, contract compliance, and records management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with planning, technical, risk, and project controls teams to assess commercial impacts of project changes and delays.
• Participate in negotiations, high-level meetings, and dispute avoidance or resolution processes with contractors and stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the commercial/contracts team, ensuring effective delivery of all contractual and commercial responsibilities.
• Prepare executive-level reports, commercial updates, and contractual recommendations for the client and senior project leadership.

Profile/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Law, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 18 years of relevant experience in commercial and contracts management.
• Proven experience on major rail or metro infrastructure projects.
• Prior experience in a PMC, client-side, or major consultancy environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong background in contract administration, commercial management, claims, variations, and dispute resolution.
• Excellent understanding of standard forms of contract and major project commercial frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and high-value contractual matters.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and commercial risk management skills.
• GCC project experience is mandatory.
• Experience working in large, multidisciplinary, and high-profile infrastructure programs is highly desirable.
• Professional memberships or relevant certifications are considered an advantage.

Preferred Profile

The successful candidate will be a commercially astute and strategically minded leader with strong contractual expertise and the ability to operate effectively in a complex PMC environment. They should be capable of advising senior stakeholders, managing risk proactively, and ensuring robust commercial and contractual control across major rail/metro project delivery.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

Workplace Type

On-site