Commercial Director

About the Role

Terracotta is recruiting two seasoned Commercial Directors for a prominent rail operator in the UAE — one for a Metro system and one for a Tram system. These leadership roles will manage the commercial and contractual relations with the client on large-scale operations and maintenance contracts. Successful candidates will protect the company's contractual interests, drive contract delivery, and resolve commercial challenges swiftly and effectively. Close collaboration with the Managing Director, operations teams, and corporate units is essential. The positions are based in Dubai, UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main commercial and contractual point of contact with the client, fostering professional and productive relations.
• Oversee contract performance, monitor commercial risks, fulfill contractual obligations, and track critical deadlines.
• Report significant issues promptly to the Managing Director and internal stakeholders.
• Manage contractual documentation including correspondence, notices, submissions, change requests, claims, and responses to ensure clarity and timeliness.
• Assist operational and corporate teams in understanding contract obligations, evaluating commercial impacts, and settling everyday contract issues.
• Support negotiations with clients and suppliers concerning contract amendments, variations, settlements, and other commercial arrangements.
• Advise on procurement, subcontracts, confidentiality agreements, and related business agreements in collaboration with finance and operations.
• Oversee compliance programs, including policy adherence, register maintenance, reviews, and awareness efforts.
• Lead a small team of three professionals handling legal, commercial, and compliance matters, setting priorities to support the broader business effectively.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Commercial Management, Law, Business, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Approximately 15 years of relevant commercial, contractual, or legal experience for the Metro position; 7 to 10 years for the Tram role.
• Strong practical knowledge of contract administration, change control mechanisms, claims, commercial negotiations, and risk handling.
• Aptitude for interpreting contract terms and delivering clear, actionable advice to operational and management staff.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and conduct sensitive commercial discussions constructively and solution-focused.
• Experience leading or coordinating a small multidisciplinary team is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to balance competing priorities without unnecessary complexity.
• Experience in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is highly desired.

Preferred Industry Background

• Operations in Metro, Tram, and Light Rail systems.
• Knowledge of Rail and Public Transportation sectors.
• Experience with Transport Infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contracts.
• Work within contract-driven service environments.

Additional Information

Terracotta encourages applications from candidates who combine client-facing contract management expertise with hands-on experience in change management and claims on operational contracts. This role demands managing delicate contractual relationships and requires a balance of practical negotiation skills and legal/commercial acumen.