The Commercial Director provides commercial leadership that enables sustainable growth, disciplined work winning and profitable project delivery for the SJ Group. The role partners with Sector and Sub‑Sector leaders, Project Directors and Project Managers to ensure the Business Line secures the right work on the right terms, with commercial risk managed in line with strategy and approved risk appetite. Across the Region of responsibility, the Commercial Director establishes the governance, operating cadence and commercial capability needed to support efficient, productive and safe delivery, while ensuring the business is commercially ready, well‑resourced and positioned to achieve financial targets and strong client outcomes. The incumbent will role model the SJ Group values, ethics and code of conduct and ensure all business activities are carried out in accordance with these guiding principles.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership to shape commercial direction, ensuring the portfolio’s commercial strategy, priorities and decisions align with organisational objectives and long‑term value creation.
Oversee commercial governance of bids and pursuits, ensuring robust due diligence, pricing discipline and risk management to secure profitable and sustainable work.
Establish and maintain strong commercial governance frameworks that enable delivery teams to execute projects effectively, compliantly, and in line with commercial expectations.
Lead the development, review and negotiation of commercial contracts to optimise risk allocation, protect commercial interests, and secure favourable terms.
Drive improved project and portfolio commercial performance by monitoring results, resolving issues early, and enabling teams to deliver targeted revenue, margin and cash outcomes.
Build organisational commercial capability by developing tools, training, coaching, and frameworks that uplift commercial literacy across teams
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Law, or a related discipline; postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA) will be an advantage.
Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience in commercial management, contract management, bid governance, or portfolio oversight within infrastructure, engineering, or professional services environments.
Proven experience in leading commercial strategy and governance frameworks at project and portfolio levels.
Strong track record in overseeing bids and pursuits, including commercial due diligence, pricing strategy, and risk assessment.
Extensive experience in contract drafting, review, and negotiation, with a solid understanding of risk allocation principles and commercial protections.
Demonstrated ability to drive financial performance, including revenue growth, margin optimisation, cash flow management, and early issue resolution.
Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret commercial data, forecasts, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions.
Experience in developing and implementing commercial tools, frameworks, and governance processes to strengthen organisational capability.
Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, guide delivery teams, and build commercial literacy across diverse functions.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate confidently at executive level.
High level of integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to balance commercial outcomes with long-term organisational value creation.
At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Law, or related discipline
- Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA)
- Minimum 10-15 years experience in commercial management, contract management, bid governance, or portfolio oversight within infrastructure, engineering, or professional services
- Proven experience in leading commercial strategy and governance frameworks at project and portfolio levels
- Experience overseeing bids and pursuits, including commercial due diligence, pricing strategy, and risk assessment
- Extensive experience in contract drafting, review, and negotiation with understanding of risk allocation and commercial protections
- Demonstrated ability to drive financial performance: revenue growth, margin optimisation, cash flow management, and early issue resolution
- Strong financial acumen to interpret commercial data, forecasts, and performance metrics
- Experience developing and implementing commercial tools, frameworks, and governance processes
- Proven leadership with ability to influence senior stakeholders and build commercial literacy across functions
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills at executive level
- High level of integrity, sound judgment, and ability to balance commercial outcomes with long-term value creation
What We Do
Surbana Jurong and our member companies are a global multidisciplinary consultancy group with more than 120 offices in over 40 countries. We are architects, designers, planners, engineers and other specialists, driven by progressive thinking to create a better built environment. We are united in our mission of Building Cities, Shaping Lives. By designing and delivering quality housing, workspaces, roads, rail, hydropower, dams, underground and coastal protections and other critical infrastructure, we are creating smart and sustainable spaces where communities and businesses, present and future, can thrive. With over 70 years’ experience delivering projects worldwide, we see every project as an opportunity for us to fulfil aspirations and enrich lives. Join us, and join a culture of innovation, passion for problem-solving and commitment to shaping a better future.
