Commercial Director

Overview

Knight Frank's Project & Development Services division seeks an experienced Commercial Director to lead strategic commercial efforts across a major PMO programme based in Riyadh. This portfolio involves prominent tower developments and related infrastructure, demanding a commercially adept leader capable of executive-level operation within a complex group of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic commercial leadership to align commercial goals with project and business objectives.
• Serve as the senior commercial authority, advising on strategy, risk, and contracts.
• Develop and enforce commercial governance frameworks and policies across all projects in the portfolio.
• Promote commercial best practices and continuous improvement across the PMO team.
• Maintain and enhance the P&DS Commercial Framework and Golden Rules integrating lessons learned and industry standards.
• Manage all contract-related activities including administration, interpretation, compliance, claims, disputes, change management, and risk allocation.
• Lead negotiations with clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to secure favorable commercial results.
• Oversee contractual correspondence, notices, and commercial submissions preparation and evaluation.
• Identify, evaluate, and reduce commercial risks throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Manage variations, claims, and implement dispute avoidance strategies effectively.
• Prepare and support claims negotiations with clients and third parties.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for P&DS and the PMO programme.
• Monitor financial metrics including programme performance, revenues, profitability, and cash flows, working closely with leadership to address risks.
• Develop integrated systems and dashboards to monitor commercial progress and consistency.
• Assist business development with commercial perspectives for bids, proposals, and client engagements.
• Build and sustain relationships with senior clients, programme leaders, and key partners acting as a trusted advisor.
• Lead and mentor commercial teams, support recruitment and capability development within the function.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Preferred qualifications include MRICS, FRICS, MSc, LLM or equivalents.
• At least 20 years' experience in construction, infrastructure, or engineering sectors.
• Proven leadership in commercial functions on major PMO or large development programmes.
• Strong background in managing commercial operations for high-rise, mixed-use, or large urban developments.
• Deep knowledge of contract administration, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Familiarity with consultancy agreements, PMO delivery models, and procurement strategies.
• Experience operating in Saudi Arabia and GCC is highly valued.
• Excellent commercial insight, negotiation skills, and stakeholder management.
• Advanced financial management, forecasting, and reporting abilities.
• Strong command of English, Arabic is an advantage.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and commercial reporting tools proficiency.