Commercial/Contracts Director

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

We are currently seeking a Commercial/Contracts Manager for a portfolio of mobility/railway projects here in Saudi Arabia. You will be responsible for managing Project Contractual, Commercial and Claims Management activities. 

Missions/Main Duties

Key Responsibilities:

1. Contract Management & Oversight:

• Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts related to railway projects, ensuring that the terms align with the client's objectives.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and proactively monitor contract performance, identifying any potential issues or risks
• Manage amendments, change orders, and variations, ensuring that both the client's and JV's interests are fully considered and protected.
• Provide strategic advice to the project teams on complex contract matters, including the interpretation of terms and conditions, and offer guidance on best practices.

Commercial Risk & Opportunity Management:

• 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, ensuring both client and JV 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  

Stakeholder & Joint Venture Management:

• 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.
• Support the client in contract negotiations, ensuring fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial agreements are reached.

Commercial Performance & Reporting:

• Monitor and report on the financial performance of the projects, ensuring that 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 the progress of contract negotiations.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and payment processing in accordance with contract terms for both the client and JV.

Compliance & Legal Framework:

• Ensure that all contractual and commercial activities are in full compliance with relevant regulations, laws, and industry standards, including JV-specific frameworks.
• Promote compliance with JV governance procedures and contractual obligations, ensuring that all parties are adhering to agreed terms and legal requirements.

Strategic Input & Contractual Advice:

• Provide expert commercial and contractual guidance to the JV and client's senior leadership, ensuring that 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.

Profile/Skills

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Chartered status (e.g., RICS, CIPS, or equivalent) or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Proven experience (typically +15 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 navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
• Outstanding leadership skills; inspiring interpersonal effectiveness to lead team, train talent and effect change; willing and able to be a "doer" and "influencer".
• Ability to create and write contracts and request for proposals for projects work.
• Excellent time management organization and focus on ability to priorities and multi task, with ability to focus on detail.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

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