HEAD OF COMMERCIAL & CONTRACTS

Saudi Arabian Trading and Construction Company (SATCO); Riyadh; On-site; SAR 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Commercial & Contracts to lead the commercial and contractual aspects of their Construction and Building Division. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, particularly in managing high-value projects. You will be responsible for developing commercial strategies, overseeing contract management, and ensuring profitability through effective cost control. Join a dynamic team where your leadership will foster a culture of accountability and excellence, driving the success of groundbreaking projects in a thriving market.

Qualifications

• 20 years of experience in commercial/contracts management in construction.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC, EPC, and Design & Build contract forms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee commercial strategies and contract management for projects.
• Lead contract drafting, negotiation, and execution processes.
• Monitor project budgets and ensure profitability.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Construction Law Knowledge

Financial Acumen

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying

Master’s Degree or MBA

MRICS or MCIArb Membership

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Head of Commercial & Contracts is responsible for overseeing all commercial, contractual, and procurement aspects of the Construction and Building Division. This role ensures that projects are commercially viable, contracts are effectively managed, risks are minimized, and margins are protected. The role involves working closely with project, legal, and finance teams to ensure robust contract administration and commercial control.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commercial Strategy & Planning:
• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Advise executive leadership on commercial risks, opportunities, and mitigation plans.
• Support business development with cost planning, tender reviews, and negotiations.
• Contract Management:
• Lead contract drafting, review, negotiation, and execution processes for all project agreements including FIDIC and bespoke contracts.
• Ensure proper contract administration across project life cycles.
• Manage claims, variations, and dispute resolution processes in coordination with legal advisors.
• Cost Control & Budget Management:
• Oversee project budgets, cost reports, and forecasts to ensure profitability.
• Approve cost plans and ensure alignment with procurement and construction strategies.
• Monitor cash flow and coordinate with finance on billing, payments, and financial reporting.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Coordination:
• Support strategic procurement planning and vendor negotiations.
• Ensure all subcontracts and supplier agreements are commercially sound and legally compliant.
• Monitor subcontractor performance and enforce contractual obligations.
• Risk Management:
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement risk control measures and contingency strategies.
• Leadership & Team Development:
• Lead and mentor commercial and contract management teams across all projects.
• Build capacity through training, performance reviews, and process improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and commercial discipline.

Skills

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Law, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
• MRICS, MCIArb, or equivalent professional membership is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in commercial/contracts management in the construction industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC, EPC, Design & Build, and other contract forms.
• Proven experience with high-value, complex construction projects (e.g., infrastructure, high-rise, mixed-use developments).

Key Competencies:

• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Excellent understanding of construction law and commercial practices
• High attention to detail and contract compliance
• Effective leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills