Associate Director - Commercial

Associate Director
- Commercial Job Snapshot Role:
Associate Director
- Commercial

Location:

Abu Dhabi, UAE Industry: Civil Engineering Function:
Contracts Administration

Experience:

Minimum 15 years Job Type: Full Time Work Arrangement:
On-site

Position Overview AECOM is seeking an Associate Director
- Commercial in Abu Dhabi, UAE to provide senior commercial leadership for a major High Speed Rail project. The role combines commercial strategy, contract management, financial oversight, project administration, construction coordination, and team leadership. The successful candidate will help guide the project through its delivery phases while maintaining commercial performance, regulatory compliance, effective risk management, and alignment with client expectations.

Country: UAE

City:
Abu Dhabi

Industry: Civil Engineering

Function:
Contracts Administration

Salary:
Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality:
Not specified

Job Type: Full Time

Work Arrangement:
On-site

The Associate Director
- Commercial will take a strategic role in managing the commercial aspects of a complex transportation infrastructure programme. Working as part of the site construction team, the position requires strong commercial judgment alongside an understanding of project management, construction engineering, contractual relationships, and financial performance.

• - Develop and execute commercial strategies covering revenue optimization, cost management, and project profitability.
• - Establish commercial procedures and protocols that support efficient project delivery and organizational objectives.
• - Manage contract negotiations, supplier agreements, and vendor relationships to secure appropriate commercial terms and sustained value.
• - Maintain oversight of project budgets, financial forecasts, cost controls, and commercial performance.
• - Analyze commercial information and relevant market trends to support strategic decision-making.
• - Oversee project administration throughout the construction cycle, including technical coordination, financial management, and client satisfaction activities.
• - Direct and coordinate planning, design, and construction management activities across project phases.
• - Oversee construction engineering functions to support compliance with engineering specifications, plans, and regulatory requirements.
• - Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to team members while promoting high performance and continuous improvement.
• - Identify commercial and operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• - Maintain compliance with applicable UAE regulations, industry standards, and project requirements.
• - Build productive relationships with clients, internal teams, vendors, suppliers, and external project partners.
• - Monitor key performance indicators and project metrics to support continuous improvement.
• - Work in accordance with established project execution plans and organizational procedures.

• - Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in commercial management, project management, or construction engineering within infrastructure or transportation.
• - Proven expertise in commercial strategy development and business development.
• - Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L responsibilities.
• - Advanced project management capability gained through large-scale and complex projects from conception through completion.
• - Strong contract negotiation and commercial agreement management experience.
• - Demonstrated leadership experience managing and mentoring cross-functional teams.
• - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate multiple commercial and project factors.
• - Experience in stakeholder management and client relationship development.
• - Knowledge of construction engineering principles, specifications, and relevant industry practices.
• - Experience with infrastructure project risk management and regulatory compliance.
• - Strong organizational and time management capabilities.
• - Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Experience with high-speed rail, rail infrastructure, or comparable transportation projects is preferred.

The position requires a strong understanding of infrastructure development, construction cycles, engineering standards, technical specifications, and the operational considerations associated with major transportation…