Commercial/Contracts Director📣 Job Ad

About the Role

SYSTRA, a global leader in engineering and consultancy for public transport and sustainable mobility, is seeking a highly experienced Commercial/Contracts Director to join their team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company focuses on designing safe and sustainable transport solutions and plays a crucial role in developing infrastructure and transport systems worldwide. This position is critical for managing a portfolio of mobility and railway projects in Saudi Arabia, overseeing all contractual, commercial, and claims management activities to ensure project success and protect the interests of both the client and the Joint Venture. With over 10,300 employees and a presence in over 80 countries, SYSTRA is at the forefront of innovation in mobility, supporting clients in their digital, ecological, and energy transitions. This position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of vital transport infrastructure in a dynamic and growing market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts for railway projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Ensure strict compliance with all contractual obligations and proactively monitor contract performance to identify and mitigate potential issues or risks.
• Manage amendments, change orders, and variations to contracts, ensuring the interests of both the client and the Joint Venture are fully considered and protected.
• Provide strategic advice to project teams on complex contract matters, including the interpretation of terms and conditions, and guide on best practices.
• Identify and evaluate commercial risks associated with the project portfolio, developing strategies to mitigate these risks while maximizing opportunities for the client.
• Implement proactive risk management strategies to ensure client and Joint Venture obligations and liabilities are clearly defined and effectively managed.
• Advise on the commercial implications of project delays, claims, disputes, and other contract-related issues, safeguarding the client's interests.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all commercial and contractual matters within the project portfolio, managing relationships with the client, JV partners, contractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain strong and collaborative working relationships with JV partners, ensuring effective communication and alignment of commercial objectives throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the client in contract negotiations, ensuring fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial agreements are reached.
• Monitor and report on the financial performance of projects, ensuring the client's financial interests are safeguarded and that costs, budgets, and forecasts are aligned.
• Prepare and present detailed commercial reports for senior management, the client, and JV partners, including updates on 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 the Joint Venture.
• Ensure all contractual and commercial activities comply fully with relevant regulations, laws, and industry standards, including JV-specific frameworks.
• Promote compliance with JV governance procedures and contractual obligations, ensuring all parties adhere to agreed terms and legal requirements.
• Provide expert commercial and contractual guidance to the Joint Venture and client's senior leadership, ensuring strategic decisions are informed by sound contract management principles.
• Assess the commercial viability of new project opportunities and provide advice on structuring new contracts or other forms of agreements.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, laws, and market conditions affecting the railway sector, advising the client on any necessary changes or adjustments to contracts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience of typically over 15 years in managing commercial contracts within the railway, infrastructure, or construction sectors.
• A 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 is required.

Required Skills and Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of railway industry standards, regulations, and contracting practices.
• Expertise in commercial contract law, risk management, dispute resolution, and financial management.
• Ability to create and write contracts and requests for proposals for project work.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
• Outstanding leadership skills, with inspiring interpersonal effectiveness to lead teams, train talent, and effect change; willingness and ability to be both a "doer" and an "influencer."
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask, and a strong focus on detail.
• Proficiency in Contract Management, Commercial Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Financial Performance Monitoring, Compliance, and Contractual Advice.

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role involves working within a global organization committed to sustainable mobility and public transport development.