Commercial Director

Our client is a leading real estate developer in the UAE, renowned for delivering landmark residential, mixed-use, hospitality, and commercial developments. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking an accomplished Commercial Director to lead the commercial function across a portfolio of high-value developments, ensuring robust commercial governance, financial performance, and contractual excellence from pre-development through to project completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy across a portfolio of large-scale real estate developments.
• Oversee all commercial activities including cost planning, procurement, contract administration, commercial risk, and financial reporting.
• Develop and implement commercial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure best practice across the business.
• Manage project budgets from feasibility through to final account, ensuring developments are delivered within approved financial parameters.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to Executive Management throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead value engineering initiatives to maximise project value while maintaining quality and design intent.
• Direct procurement strategies, tender evaluations, contract negotiations, and consultant and contractor appointments.
• Manage change control, claims, variations, dispute resolution, and contractual negotiations.
• Monitor project cash flow, cost forecasts, contingencies, and financial exposure.
• Work closely with Development, Design, Construction, Finance, Legal, and Procurement teams to ensure commercial objectives are achieved.
• Present commercial updates and financial reports to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing commercial team while driving continuous improvement across the department.
• Ensure compliance with company governance, contractual obligations, and UAE industry regulations.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• MRICS or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• 15+ years' commercial management experience within the real estate or construction sector.
• Significant experience delivering major residential, mixed-use, hospitality, or masterplan developments.
• Previous experience as a Commercial Director, or Head of Commercial with a leading developer.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts, procurement strategies, contract law, and commercial best practice.
• Proven ability to manage large project budgets and commercial teams across multiple developments.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, stakeholder management, and commercial decision-making skills.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to influence executive-level business decisions.
• UAE or GCC experience is highly preferred.