Commercial Director

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Commercial Director to lead the commercial strategy and delivery oversight for the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project – Phase 1, covering both Abu Dhabi and Dubai scopes as a part of core team. This role will be responsible for managing contracts, procurement, cost control, and commercial risk across multiple Design & Build packages, including civil works, stations, systems, depots, rolling stock, and track.   

Strategic Commercial Leadership 

• Define and implement commercial strategies aligned with programme objectives, market conditions, and client expectations. 
• Lead commercial input into procurement planning, contract structuring, and delivery models. 
• Ensure commercial alignment across all packages and disciplines. 

Contract & Claims Management 

• Lead negotiation, administration, and resolution of contracts, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and client requirements. 
• Oversee preparation and management of contract documentation, including Letters of Acceptance (LOA), change control notices, and claims analysis. 
• Monitor contract performance and implement mitigation strategies for commercial risks. 

Cost Management & Forecasting 

• Oversee cost planning, budgeting, and forecasting across all workstreams. 
• Ensure adherence to cost management guidelines and promote best practices across the procurement lifecycle. 
• Support change management processes, including estimating, agreement of changes, and early warning notices. 

Procurement & Supply Chain Oversight 

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with project timelines and commercial goals. 

• Manage supply chain relationships and ensure timely delivery of goods and services. 

• Review and validate contractor pay applications and ensure timely approvals. 

Risk & Performance Monitoring 

• Identify and manage commercial risks across the project lifecycle. 
• Maintain change management logs and ensure commercial reporting is accurate and timely. 
• Establish and maintain consistent commercial procedures across all project teams. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients, consultants, and contractors. 
• Ensure transparency and trust in all commercial dealings and foster long-term relationships. 
• Coordinate with construction and project managers to resolve commercial and contractual issues. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Lead and mentor commercial teams, including quantity surveyors and contract managers. 
• Ensure high professional standards, accuracy, and accountability across the commercial function. 
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Law, or related field (Master’s preferred). 
• Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB, or equivalent). 
• Minimum 20 years of experience in commercial leadership roles, with significant exposure to rail or infrastructure programmes. 
• Strong knowledge of contract law, cost control, procurement, and dispute resolution. 
• Experience in the Middle East preferred. 

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation & housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

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At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.