Commercial/Contracts Director (PMC) Rail/Metro Bid Opportunity

About SYSTRA

SYSTRA is a global engineering and consultancy group specializing in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA designs transport solutions worldwide, contributing to urban development by creating, improving, and modernizing infrastructure and transport systems. The Group operates in over 80 countries, supporting clients in their digital, ecological, and energy transitions.

The Opportunity

SYSTRA is seeking a Commercial/Contracts Director (PMC) for a significant rail/metro infrastructure project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This contract role is a key leadership position focused on protecting the client's commercial interests throughout the project lifecycle. This opportunity is part of a bid submission and is therefore subject to project award and client approval.

Role Overview

The Commercial/Contracts Director will lead all commercial and contractual functions within the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) scope. This includes ensuring effective contract administration, cost control, change management, and claims management. The role requires strategic oversight of complex contractual matters, close engagement with the client, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders, and strong leadership in a fast-paced, high-value project environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial and contracts management function for the PMC on major rail/metro projects.
• Oversee the administration of construction, consultancy, and service contracts in accordance with project requirements and contractual obligations.
• Provide strategic direction on all commercial, contractual, and procurement-related matters across the project.
• Review, interpret, and advise on contract terms, obligations, risks, and entitlements.
• Lead the management of variations, change orders, claims, disputes, and extension of time matters in coordination with relevant project teams.
• Support the client in commercial decision-making, negotiation strategy, and contract risk mitigation.
• Monitor project cost performance, budget compliance, payment certifications, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the review and assessment of contractor and consultant commercial submissions, invoices, claims, and contractual correspondence.
• Ensure proper commercial governance, contract compliance, and records management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with planning, technical, risk, and project controls teams to assess commercial impacts of project changes and delays.
• Participate in negotiations, high-level meetings, and dispute avoidance or resolution processes with contractors and stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the commercial/contracts team, ensuring effective delivery of all contractual and commercial responsibilities.
• Prepare executive-level reports, commercial updates, and contractual recommendations for the client and senior project leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience (+10 years) in commercial management, contract administration, and claims oversight within large-scale transportation projects.
• Commercially astute and strategically minded leader with strong contractual expertise.
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex PMC environment.
• Capable of advising senior stakeholders, managing risk proactively, and ensuring robust commercial and contractual control across major rail/metro project delivery.

Work Type and Location

This is a contract position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.