Commercial/Contracts Director (Rail/Metro)📣 Job Ad

About the Role

SYSTRA Arabia is seeking a Commercial/Contracts Director with expertise in rail and metro projects. This role, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involves developing and executing commercial strategies in close collaboration with a key client. The position will oversee all aspects of cost, contracts, procurement, and risk management for major rail initiatives. SYSTRA is a global engineering and consultancy group focused on public transport and sustainable mobility.

This strategic position is suited for a seasoned professional with extensive international experience, including significant assignments in the Middle East. The role requires providing expert commercial and contractual guidance to senior leadership, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and possessing a deep understanding of the railway industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts for railway projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and proactively monitor contract performance, identifying potential issues or risks.
• Manage amendments, change orders, and variations, protecting the interests of both the client and the Joint Venture (JV).
• Provide strategic advice to project teams on complex contract matters, including interpretation of terms and conditions and best practices.
• Identify and evaluate commercial risks within the project portfolio, developing mitigation strategies and maximizing client opportunities.
• Implement proactive risk management strategies to clearly define and effectively manage client and JV obligations and liabilities.
• Advise on the commercial implications of project delays, claims, disputes, and other contract-related issues, safeguarding client interests.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all commercial and contractual matters, managing relationships with the client, JV partners, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Maintain strong working relationships with JV partners, ensuring effective communication and alignment of commercial objectives.
• Support the client in contract negotiations to achieve fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial agreements.
• Monitor and report on project financial performance, safeguarding client financial interests and ensuring alignment of costs, budgets, and forecasts.
• Prepare and present detailed commercial reports to senior management, the client, and JV partners, covering risks, financial status, and contract negotiation progress.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and payment processing in accordance with contract terms for both the client and JV.
• Ensure all contractual and commercial activities comply with relevant regulations, laws, industry standards, and JV-specific frameworks.
• Promote compliance with JV governance procedures and contractual obligations.
• Assess the commercial viability of new project opportunities and advise on structuring new contracts or agreements.
• Stay informed of emerging trends, laws, and market conditions affecting the railway sector, advising the client on necessary contract adjustments.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Chartered status (*, RICS, CIPS, or equivalent) or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Proven experience of typically +20 years in managing commercial contracts within the railway, infrastructure, or construction sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of railway industry standards, regulations, and contracting practices.
• Expertise in commercial contract law, risk management, dispute resolution, and financial management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to lead teams, train talent, and effect change. Must be willing and able to be both a "doer" and an "influencer."
• Ability to create and write contracts and requests for proposals for project work.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask, and a focus on detail.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit written reports and communications clearly and concisely.

Required Skills

• Commercial Contract Law
• Risk Management
• Dispute Resolution
• Financial Management
• Negotiation
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Contract Drafting
• Request for Proposals (RFPs)
• Time Management
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Multitasking
• Attention to Detail
• Railway Industry Standards
• Railway Regulations
• Railway Contracting Practices

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role involves working closely with a key client and JV partners on major rail initiatives.