Senior Contracts and Commercial Director (Head Office)

The Senior Contracts and Commercial Director is responsible for providing executive leadership, governance, and strategic direction for all commercial and contractual activities across the company's portfolio of projects. The role leads the corporate commercial function from Head Office, ensuring consistent commercial practices, robust contract administration, effective risk management, and maximized financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.The position develops corporate commercial policies, supports business growth through strategic tendering and negotiations, oversees major claims and dispute resolution, and provides commercial leadership to all regional and project commercial teams.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Commercial LeadershipDevelop and implement the company's commercial strategy aligned with corporate objectives.Lead the commercial governance framework across all business units.Establish standardized commercial policies, procedures, and best practices.Drive commercial excellence across all projects and subsidiaries.Support executive management in strategic decision-making.Participate in corporate business planning and long-term growth initiatives.Lead commercial transformation and digitalization initiatives.Corporate Contract ManagementProvide executive oversight of all major contracts from tender award through project close-out.Lead negotiations for high-value EPC, design-build, PPP, framework, and international contracts.Ensure consistency in contract administration across all projects.Review and approve significant contractual deviations.Develop standard forms of contract, subcontract agreements, and commercial templates.Oversee contractual compliance with client requirements and applicable legislation.Commercial Risk ManagementEstablish enterprise-wide commercial risk management systems.Review commercial risks before tender submission.Lead contract risk allocation strategies.Monitor exposure related to delay damages, variations, claims, and payment risks.Develop mitigation plans for major commercial risks.Report significant commercial risks to executive leadership and the Board.Tendering & Pre-Contract LeadershipDirect the commercial review of all strategic tenders.Support bid/no-bid decisions.Approve pricing strategies and commercial qualifications.Lead contract negotiations with clients before award.Ensure competitive yet profitable commercial submissions.Review joint venture agreements and consortium arrangements.Project Commercial OversightMonitor commercial performance across all projects.Review project profitability and forecast margins.Ensure timely certification and collection of payments.Monitor variation orders and change management.Oversee cost control and commercial reporting.Support project teams in resolving complex contractual issues.Claims & Dispute ResolutionDirect the preparation and negotiation of major claims.Lead strategies for extension of time (EOT), prolongation, disruption, acceleration, and variation claims.Oversee dispute avoidance initiatives.Coordinate arbitration, mediation, adjudication, and litigation support.Work closely with external legal counsel and claims consultants.Governance & ComplianceEstablish corporate commercial governance standards.Ensure compliance with company delegations of authority.Monitor adherence to procurement and subcontracting procedures.Conduct commercial audits across projects.Promote ethical commercial practices.Ensure compliance with local and international contractual requirements.Stakeholder ManagementServe as the executive commercial representative with key clients.Develop long-term client relationships.Engage with consultants, government entities, and strategic partners.Represent the company during executive commercial negotiations.Advise the Executive Committee on contractual matters.Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead and mentor the corporate commercial organization.Develop succession plans for commercial leadership.Build commercial capability across the business.Drive employee engagement and performance.Promote continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.AuthorityThe Senior Contracts and Commercial Director has authority to:Approve commercial strategies.Approve contractual positions within delegated authority.Lead executive commercial negotiations.Recommend contract awards.Approve major commercial settlements.Escalate significant commercial risks to the Executive Committee and Board.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Law, MBA or Master's degree in Commercial Management, Construction Law, or Project Management preferred.Professional Certifications (Preferred)MRICSMCIOBFRICSCCP (Certified Cost Professional)CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager)PMPFIDIC Certified Contract Manager or equivalentExperienceMinimum 20 years of commercial and contracts management experience for mega contracing companiesMinimum 10 years in executive commercial leadership within a tier-one contracting company.Proven experience managing mega projects exceeding USD 500 million.Extensive experience with EPC, design-build, infrastructure, industrial, transportation, utilities, and mixed-use developments.Strong knowledge of international contracting practices, including FIDIC, NEC, and bespoke EPC forms.Demonstrated success in leading commercial teams across multiple concurrent projects.