Commercial Director - Aviation

We harness the power of innovation so that you can change the world and help our customers solve their most complex challenges

Abu Dhabi
Office
R174550
Project Controls
Additional posting locations:
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At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

 

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for seasoned Commercial Director to lead all commercial management functions across the Airport Infrastructure Program, ensuring that contracts, procurement, and financial performance align with the program’s strategic, operational, and fiscal objectives. This role is accountable for establishing and implementing commercial strategies that safeguard the client’s interests, optimize value, and ensure financial transparency throughout all stages of project delivery.

The Commercial Director will oversee contract management, cost control, claims, procurement, and commercial reporting activities across terminal, airfield, and infrastructure works. Working closely with program directors, PMCM teams, and key stakeholders, the successful candidate will ensure commercial excellence, compliance, and effective risk management across this multi-billion-dollar infrastructure program.

What You’ll Be Doing:

1. Commercial Strategy & Leadership

  • Develop and lead the overall commercial strategy for the program, ensuring alignment with corporate and program objectives.

  • Establish policies, procedures, and performance metrics for cost control, contract management, and procurement activities.

  • Provide senior-level guidance and commercial leadership across all project phases — from procurement and contract award through to closeout.

  • Drive a culture of commercial discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement across all teams.

2. Contract Management & Administration

  • Oversee the management of all program contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and obligations.

  • Direct the evaluation and administration of contractor claims, variations, and extensions of time.

  • Ensure that contractual documentation is accurate, current, and reflects project realities.

  • Support resolution of contractual disputes, coordinating with legal and project teams as necessary.

3. Procurement & Supply Chain Management

  • Lead procurement planning, tendering, and bid evaluation processes to secure the best value for the program.

  • Develop sourcing strategies that promote transparency, competition, and quality assurance.

  • Collaborate with technical teams to ensure procurement aligns with design, schedule, and construction requirements.

  • Maintain oversight of supplier performance, ensuring adherence to delivery commitments and contract terms.

4. Financial & Cost Management

  • Monitor and control the program’s cost performance, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and financial objectives.

  • Oversee the preparation of accurate cost forecasts, cash flow analyses, and earned value reports.

  • Review and validate contractor invoices, payment applications, and change requests.

  • Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to support strategic decision-making.

5. Claims, Dispute Resolution & Negotiation

  • Lead commercial evaluations and negotiations for claims, variations, and contract amendments.

  • Provide strategic advice and recommendations on dispute avoidance and resolution.

  • Coordinate with legal advisors and technical experts to prepare and defend contractual positions.

  • Ensure fair, timely, and well-documented settlements in line with program interests.

6. Risk Management & Mitigation

  • Identify and evaluate commercial and financial risks across all program contracts and packages.

  • Work with project directors and risk managers to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.

  • Participate in risk review workshops, maintaining a live commercial risk register.

  • Ensure risk allocation and management are clearly defined and embedded in all contract documents.

7. Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

  • Collaborate with design and construction teams to identify opportunities for value engineering and lifecycle cost improvements.

  • Support constructability reviews and cost-benefit analyses to ensure design efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

  • Drive initiatives that maximize project value while maintaining safety, quality, and performance standards.

8. Stakeholder Management & Interface Coordination

  • Coordinate closely with program directors, PMCM teams, and external stakeholders to ensure commercial objectives are fully integrated across all disciplines.

  • Facilitate interfaces between commercial, design, and construction functions to maintain consistency and transparency.

  • Provide senior management with regular updates on financial performance, risks, and key commercial issues.

  • Represent the commercial function in executive meetings and governance reviews.

9. Reporting & Governance

  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and milestone-based commercial performance reports.

  • Ensure alignment with program-wide financial policies, accounting standards, and audit requirements.

  • Provide executive briefings on financial forecasts, cost-to-complete, and variance analyses.

  • Maintain robust governance, ensuring that all commercial activities comply with client and regulatory frameworks.

10. Contract Closeout & Handover

  • Oversee contract closeout activities, ensuring all financial, legal, and administrative obligations are fulfilled.

  • Review and validate final accounts and claims settlements prior to contract closure.

  • Support financial reconciliation and final reporting to ensure a complete commercial handover.

  • Capture lessons learned to enhance commercial practices in future program phases.

11. Leadership, Mentorship & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop commercial managers, quantity surveyors, and cost engineers across the program.

  • Build a high-performing team culture focused on collaboration, technical excellence, and ethical conduct.

  • Provide training and professional development support to strengthen commercial capabilities within the organization.

  • Promote continuous improvement through feedback, benchmarking, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

What Required Skills You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or Business Administration (Master’s degree preferred).

  • Professional certification such as MRICS, MCIOB, AACE, or PMP is highly desirable.

  • Minimum of 15  years’ experience in commercial management, with significant exposure to large-scale airport or infrastructure programs.

  • Proven track record in managing contracts, claims, procurement, and financial reporting within complex, multi-package projects.

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a PMCM, EPC, or EPCM environment.

  • In-depth understanding of international contract forms such as FIDIC, NEC, and bespoke EPC/EPCM frameworks.

  • Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills.

  • Proficiency with cost and project management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Aconex, or similar).

  • Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with attention to accuracy and detail.

  • Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring:

  • Chartered status with RICS, CIOB, or AACE.

  • Advanced training in contract law, dispute resolution, or project finance.

  • Experience within airport infrastructure programs or other complex, multi-stakeholder megaprojects.

  • Familiarity with PMCM (Project Management and Construction Management) environments and ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) processes.

  • Knowledge of digital commercial management systems, cost control databases, and ERP integration.

  • Experience leveraging data analytics and automated reporting to enhance commercial visibility and decision-making.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS

Financial Wellness

We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.

Work Life Harmony

Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.

Career Development

We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.

Veteran Support

We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.

Mind & Body

At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.

Health

Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.

Want to learn more about the benefits eligible for the Parsons’ location you are interested in? Click below to find out more!
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