Job Description: Commercial Contracts Director (Construction)
Job Summary
The Commercial Contracts Director is responsible for leading the commercial and contractual management of construction projects from pre-award through project completion. The role develops commercial strategies, oversees contract administration, manages project financial performance, mitigates commercial and contractual risks, and ensures compliance with contractual obligations. Working closely with executive leadership, project teams, clients, consultants, subcontractors, and legal advisors, the Commercial Contracts Director drives profitability, protects the organization's commercial interests, and supports successful project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement commercial and contract management strategies for construction and fit-out projects.
- Lead the commercial evaluation of tenders, bids, and proposals, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk tolerance.
- Review, negotiate, and administer construction contracts, subcontracts, consultancy agreements, and supplier contracts.
- Provide commercial guidance during pre-contract and post-contract phases, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Oversee project budgets, cost control, cash flow forecasting, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Lead the preparation, review, and negotiation of variations, claims, extensions of time (EOT), change orders, and final accounts.
- Manage contract administration activities, including notices, correspondence, payment applications, certifications, and dispute documentation.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial, contractual, and financial risks while developing effective risk management strategies.
- Ensure compliance with contract terms, procurement policies, applicable laws, industry regulations, and corporate governance requirements.
- Collaborate with project directors, quantity surveyors, procurement, finance, legal, and operations teams to achieve project objectives.
- Support dispute avoidance and resolution through negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration, or litigation, in coordination with legal counsel.
- Monitor project profitability and commercial performance, providing regular reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to executive management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.
- Lead, mentor, and develop commercial, contracts, and quantity surveying teams to build capability and drive high performance.
- Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes, contract management practices, and governance frameworks.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Law, Business, or a related discipline.
- Master's degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) is preferred.
- Professional membership or certification such as MRICS, FRICS, MCIOB, RICS, PMP, or equivalent is highly desirable.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in commercial management, contracts management, or quantity surveying within the construction industry, including senior leadership experience.
- Extensive knowledge of construction contracts, procurement strategies, commercial management, and project delivery.
- Strong understanding of standard forms of contract such as FIDIC, NEC, JCT, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale commercial, residential, infrastructure, industrial, or mixed-use construction projects.
- Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and project financial reporting.
- Excellent negotiation, dispute resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, contract management software, Microsoft Office, and commercial reporting tools.
Preferred Skills
- Commercial strategy and business planning.
- Contract drafting, negotiation, and administration.
- Claims management and dispute resolution.
- Risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
- Cost planning, value engineering, and financial analysis.
- Leadership, coaching, and team development.
- Executive communication and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of local construction regulations and international contracting standards.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Project profitability and commercial margin achievement.
- Contract compliance and effective risk management.
- Timely resolution of claims, variations, and contractual issues.
- Accuracy of project cost forecasts and financial reporting.
- Cash flow performance and timely recovery of project payments.
- Reduction in commercial disputes and contractual claims.
- Successful negotiation of client, subcontractor, and supplier agreements.
- On-time completion of commercial deliverables, including final accounts.
- Client and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Team performance, capability development, and retention.
