Commercial Contracts & Project Delivery Manager

POSITION SUMMARYThe Commercial, Contracts & Project Delivery Manager will work across the TSP/NTI project portfolio, collaborating with project managers, technical teams, Procurement, Legal,PDEC and external stakeholders to lead commercial, contractual, procurement and project delivery activities. The role ensures that contracting strategies, procurement decisions and delivery plans align with project objectives, governance requirements, timelines and approved budgets.The position is responsible for developing contracting strategies, supporting Legal in drafting and negotiating complex commercial and technical agreements, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing contract administration throughout design, construction, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning and operational readiness phases. The Manager will monitor commercial performance, support schedule and cost integration, maintain risk registers, and ensure that commercial activities protect KAUST's interests and comply with internal policies and applicable Saudi regulations.The position will be based at KAUST, with occasional travel abroad and inside the Kingdom as required. The role will be fast-paced, requiring leadership, sound judgment, project delivery discipline and strong commercial acumen in a dynamic environment.MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIESSupport project development, delivery planning and governance for TSP/NTI projects, including scope definition, implementation planning, milestone tracking, stakeholder coordination and reporting.Support procurement strategy, tendering and contracting processes for goods,works and services in line with KAUST policies and international best practice.Support KAUST Legal and Procurement Departments in drafting, negotiating and managing contracts for design, construction, operation and consultancy services under FIDIC and other relevant frameworks.Prepare and update risk assessments and provide advice on risk allocation, payment mechanisms, liquidated damages, warranties, insurance and performance security.Ensure contracts and procurement activities comply with applicable Saudi law, KAUST governance standards and international requirements.Monitor contract and project performance, including KPIs, deliverables, cost, schedule, quality and stakeholder obligations.Administer change management processes, including variations, extensions of time and claims, with proper documentation and cost/schedule impact analysis.Lead or support negotiations with contractors, consultants and suppliers to secure best value, resolve issues and maintain collaborative relationships.Provide commercial inputto project controls, budgeting, cost forecasting, schedule planning and progress tracking activities.Prepare and review leadership reports, including risk registers, commercial dashboards, project status reports and contract status summaries.Coordinate with project managers, technical leads,PDEC, Procurement, Legal,insurers, auditors, consultants and contractors on project and contract matters requiring alignment or escalation.Develop and implement commercial procedures, contract administration frameworks and project delivery support processes to ensure consistency and compliance.Support operational readiness, business continuity and risk mitigation through robust contractual, financial and project delivery strategies.Represent KAUST in commercial, contractual and project delivery discussions with contractors, consultants, vendors and key stakeholders.PERSONAL REQUIREMENTSCOMPETENCIESStrong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple contracts, projects and stakeholders.Excellent working knowledge of FIDIC and other standard forms of contract used in KAUSTand internationally.Project management capability, including scope coordination, schedule awareness, cost integration, risk management, reporting and delivery follow-up.Analytical mindset with the ability to assess risks, evaluate options and provide sound recommendations.Effective negotiator with the ability to resolve contractual, commercial and project delivery issues constructively.Excellentwritten and verbalcommunication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with contractors, consultants and internal teams.Detail-oriented with the ability to ensure accuracy in documentation, reporting and compliance.Proactive and adaptable, ableto work effectively in dynamic and evolving project environments.Collaborative approach to problem-solving, with a commitment to team success.Commitment to high standards of integrity, transparency and professional conduct.Skilled in MS Excel for cost, commercial, contract and reporting analysis.Proficient in Microsoft Project and Primavera P6 for scheduling and progress tracking.Experienced with risk analysis software such as OPRA.QUALIFICATIONSMaster's Degree in Engineering, Construction Law, Quantity Surveying, Project Management or a related discipline is mandatory.Engineering degree and/or strong engineering project background is strongly preferred due to the technical nature of TSP/NTI projects.PMP certification is mandatory.Postgraduate qualifications in construction law,contract management, commercial management or project management are an advantage.Professional certifications such as MRICS, MCIArb,RICS candidate status or equivalent are an advantage.Training in risk management, procurement, project controls, commercial management or dispute resolution is beneficial.EXPERIENCESignificant experience, preferably 6-8 years overall, with substantial experience in commercial, contracts, project controls and project delivery roles within large-scale construction, EPC, infrastructure, industrial, research or technically complex projects.Experience in drafting, interpreting and administering FIDICand other standard forms of contract.Familiarity with managing variations, claims, extensions of time and dispute resolution processes.Experience with contract risk registers, governance processes, compliance frameworks, project reporting and delivery tracking.Demonstrated engineering or technical project background, with the ability to coordinate effectively with designers, technical teams, consultants, contractors, procurement, legal and senior stakeholders.Background in projects delivered in international or multicultural environments.