Contracts and Commercial Manager

Systra

  • Dubai
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
: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:The Contracts and Commercial Manager assumes a leadership role in overseeing the commercial and contractual aspects of large-scale rail procurement and system enhancement projects. Serving as a key interface between project, legal, engineering, and supplier teams, the Contracts and Commercial Manager ensures the alignment of commercial objectives, robust risk management, and effective contract administration throughout project lifecycles. Missions/Main Duties:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for the procurement of rolling stock and system enhancements, ensuring clarity, enforceability, and alignment with business objectives.
  • Administer contracts across their lifecycle, from award and execution through to completion and close-out, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
  • Develop and implement procurement and commercial strategies that optimize value, manage risk, and align with organizational and project financial targets.
  • Identify and manage contractual risks and opportunities, proactively recommending mitigation strategies.
  • Act as a primary point of contact for contract negotiations and commercial issues with suppliers, consultants, and strategic partners.
  • Collaborate with internal teams—including legal, engineering, operations, and finance—to ensure contractual deliverables are achieved and obligations met.
  • Oversee claims, variations, and change orders; manage dispute resolution processes swiftly and effectively to minimize impact on project performance.
  • Monitor contract performance, payments, and deliverables, ensuring contractual compliance and proper value realization.
  • Prepare commercial reports, forecasts, and risk assessments for senior management.
  • Ensure all contracting and procurement activities comply with legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.
  • Drive continual improvement in commercial processes and support best practice adoption across the project.
Profile/Skills:
  • Degree in Law, Business Administration, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
  • Minimum 15 years’ experience of relevant experience in similar rail projects.
  • Significant experience in contracts management and commercial oversight on major infrastructure, transport, or rolling stock projects.
  • Proficient in contract drafting, negotiation, and administration, with an in-depth understanding of commercial principles, procurement, and supply chain management.
  • Expertise in risk management, claims handling, and performance reporting.
  • Excellent communicator and negotiator with the ability to influence and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  • Commercially astute, analytical, and proactive in problem-solving.
  • Familiarity with industry-standard forms of contract (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, or similar).
  • Certification in contract management, commercial management, or related discipline is an asset.
  • Preferably with UAE or GCC experience.
:Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

Systra