Commercial Director

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Commercial Director, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.  News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Learn more about our rail presence in the Middle East

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. 

The Commercial Director will serve as the senior commercial interface with the client, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring transparency, compliance, and financial performance throughout the programme lifecycle.  

Key Responsibilities 

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. 

Qualifications 

• 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. 
• Sector Experience :

• Proven experience in managing commercial aspects of large-scale infrastructure programmes, preferably in high-speed rail, metro, or intercity rail systems. 
• Strong understanding of Design & Build contract models, including FIDIC and NEC frameworks. 
• Familiarity with UAE commercial regulations, procurement practices, and dispute resolution processes. 
• Experience working with international contractors and multidisciplinary consultant teams. 

Why choose AtkinsRéalis?

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

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.

#HSR

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.